FLOWER CULTIVATION

Flower cultivation: translation

   Although the tulip originally came from Asia, this flower, like many others, has been a hallmark of the Netherlands since the 17th century. Botanist Charles de l’Escluse (1526–1609) introduced the tulip bulb in the Leiden Hortus Botani cus. Flower bulb production developed into an important industry, particularly in the so-called Bulb Region between Haarlem and Lei den. From 1960 to 2002, the area devoted to the cultivation of flow ers increased from 10,000 to 21,000 hectares (25,000 to 52,000 acres). In addition to seasonal workers, some 20,000 people are in volved full-time in this industry. FloraHolland, a cooperative with branches around the country since 2002 (with many predecessors), is the biggest flower auction in the world.

   See also Bubble companies; BUSBECQ, Ogier Ghislain de (1522–1591).