Tulips trending on social media thanks to influencers

Spring has sprung, and tulip mania is once again attracting social media trendsetters to the Netherlands' world-famous garden to see them. Around 7 million tulips are expected to bloom at the Keukenhof Gardens, creating a kaleidoscope of color to brighten up social media feeds. The Dutch have been dazzled by these tulips since they were first imported to the Netherlands from Central Asia in the 17th century. The Keukenhof is the perfect spot, with specially created giant clogs, floral archways, and pink velvet couches for people to pose and pout. They're trending on social media websites, attracting visitors like Austrian lawyer Daniel Magnus. "Whenever you see the kind of pictures which were taken from an influencer, they make something (an impression) with you right. You get a new impression of new locations, traditions, people and so it is very nice, they are inspiring you, … and that makes you, yeah, you want also to be there," says Magnus. These blooms are carefully nurtured by gardeners here. The Keukenhof says well over a million visitors make their way here to see the 7 million bulbs that have been planted. The garden is only open for eight weeks, so everyone knows there's a small window of opportunity for social media snappers. Gardener Patrick van Dijk says, "The tulips, it's a combination of everything. The blossom, the blossom trees, primroses, the magnolia trees there's always something blooming. I think that's the reason why everybody's coming, there's also always something to see." "It's a very good representation because we've been doing this since 1700, and since then it's been an iconic flower for the Netherlands. If you say the Netherlands, you say tulips," says van Dijk. The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Convention encourages visitors by saying, “Make your image come alive and place the subject of your photo slightly off-center. This will make your photo look more dynamic.” But not everyone is always happy with tourists taking photos. Some flower farmers have put up signs and barriers to deter aspiring influencers from trampling tulips in nearby fields. This article was provided by The Associated Press.