SAN FRANCISCO, CA –Five thousand tulip bulbs gifted to the City of San Francisco last year by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands are now in full bloom in the Queen Wilhelmina Garden in Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today.
The pink and white “London N. Breed tulips” were inspired by the pink dress worn by Queen Máxima and white dress worn by Mayor Breed at their meeting Sept. 6, 2022, which included a flag raising at City Hall, a tour of the Castro, and a discussion of mutual values and economic ties. San Francisco and the Netherlands share a history of leading on LGBTQ+ rights, advancing climate policies and sustainability, and supporting innovation in business.
The queen’s gift was meant to thank the city and Mayor Breed for receiving the Dutch delegation.
“As it is customary in the Netherlands to express gratitude with flowers, 5,000 bulbs of the London N. Breed tulip have been planted as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the Netherlands and San Francisco. The tulip’s vibrant hues were inspired by the colors worn by her Majesty and the Mayor on the memorable day of their meeting,” said Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in San Francisco Dirk Janssen.
Queen Wilhelmina Garden is located below the towering Dutch Windmill on the western edge of Golden Gate Park. Each spring, some 10,000 tulips blossom in the bowl-shaped garden, which was designed by Roy L. Hudson and named in 1962 to honor the long-reigning queen of the Netherlands who died that same year.
“A trip to the Queen Wilhelmina Garden in spring is always spectacular, with thousands of colorful tulips beneath one of two windmills that pumped water for Golden Gate Park’s irrigation system more than a century ago,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “This year, it’s even more meaningful with 5,000 special London Breed tulips blooming as a testament to our friendship with the Netherlands.”
Tulip-lovers can bring home their own flowers March 4, when American Tulip Day returns to San Francisco. Approximately 80,000 tulips, grown from Dutch bulbs, will blanket Union Square in honor of International Women’s Day. From 1 to 4:30 p.m., the public is invited to pick a free bouquet of tulips for themselves or as a gift to a woman who has inspired them.
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