We made it!!! We’re officially in Holland!! I actually can’t believe I haven’t been here sooner, especially being a greenhouse owner.

We (Tanner ‘the hubs’ and myself) flew to Europe on KLM on a direct flight from Edmonton to Amsterdam. The flight was wonderful (so easy when it’s direct) and the KLM staff were really outstanding. I always think it’s so funny how quickly we can get from where we live to Europe. Growing up, my family would drive from Falher, Alberta to Calgary, Alberta several times a year to visit my grandparents. The drive was 8 hours. Our flight from Edmonton to Amsterdam was 8 hours.

Once we arrived, we immediately ventured out to a smaller city outside Amsterdam called Delft. Tanner had lined up a private driver to pick us up at the airport and drive us about 40min to our destination. The drive was incredible, seeing large windmills, greenhouses, churches and canals along the way. We arrived in Delft in time for lunch and a nap.

Two BIG things stuck out for me as a Canadian:

One: A lot of the Netherlands is below sea level protected by dikes. Like a lot… two thirds.

Two: The sea was pumped to gain more land. With windmills!

Delft

Super close to large horticulture facilities like the Dry Hydroponics demonstration site and the World Horti Center, Delft is an exciting city boasting a top university, historic churches, and the burial site for the Royal Family.

Aaannddd… our friends!! We met up with Jason Andersen from Kathy’s Greenhouse and Nadine Stielow from Thiel’s Greenhouse. (Pictured above from left to right: Jason, Nadine, and Tanner).

The Hague

Another beautiful city only 20 min from Delft (by train), The Hague is where the Royal family lives and is the location of the Dutch government. It’s also the location of 11km of shoreline bordering the North Sea.

In case you’re wondering, it’s freaking cold. We made sure to pack winter clothes and dress in layers. (Pictured above from left to right: Tanner and Christie).