In the good old days
In the good old days, Daffodils in the field (Hillegom 1950)
Photographer Noske, J.D. / National Archive, CC0
The Bollenstreek or Dune and Bulb Region is an area on the Dutch coast where bulb cultivation originated. It officially stretches from the lower reaches of the Oude Rijn west of Leiden to the area west of Haarlem.
The large-scale bulb cultivation dates from the mid-nineteenth century. The increase in bulb cultivation kept pace with the sand excavations. After excavation, excellent sandy soil remained, the 'geestgronden', particularly suitable for bulb cultivation. The bulb cultivation brought great prosperity. The first industry appeared in 1904 with the lime-sandstone factory Arnoud. This led to new excavations and new bulb land. Additionally, a number of smaller industries established themselves during the twentieth century.