It’s time to order and plant tulips and what better place to turn for inspiration than Keukenhof in Holland. Keukenhof is the world’s biggest bulb display, and if that statement has you envisaging council kitsch, think again.

Keukenhof is much more than simply an annual display of the Dutch tulip industry’s incredible diversity. It’s also a beautiful, sensitively designed garden. Visitors come away with a camera full of inspiring ideas. Here are just a few we picked up last year that might get your green fingers itching to play.

1. In bunches

Here tulips in five complementary colours have been planted in loose waves through a sea of pale-blue grape hyacinth.

2. As underplanting

Pink single tulips here dance with purple-headed alliums and soft brown carex grass for a romantic image.

3. As dramatic single colour

A thick row of yellow tulips picks up the fresh green of new spring growth and underlines a sculpture.

4. Packed in a pot

This wide saucer is jam-packed with bulbs pushed to perform for one fantastic season.

5. For close viewing

This pot of flame-orange tulips has been placed by a bench, allowing close inspection of their amazing form.

Search bulb catalogues for tulips. We like Tesselaar and Van Diemen Quality Bulbs. Make your choice, store them in the crisper for a few weeks, then plant out into a sunny position in May.

Let us know what you decide on!