Jaap van 't Veen's photos with the keyword: gemeente Castricum

“De Woude” is a hamlet in the Alkmaardermeer, nowadays part of the municipality of Castricum. The village is located in the “Westwouderpolder” (commonly also called “De Woude”). The picturesque village with its wooden houses has about 160 inhabitants and can only be reached by a ferry. The Dutch Reformed church De Kemphaan is a little wooden church which was rebuilt by the villagers in 2002. The old church from the 16th century had become derelict and beyond repair, and a village house was desired by the inhabitants of “De Woude”. The church is in use for meetings, cultural activities and can be rented for weddings and parties.

At the end of April, the annual Bloemendagen (Flower Days) are organised in the village of Limmen. Important elements are the mosaics of hyacinths which are displayed all over the village. These flowery works of art are made by groups of residents/neighbours/friends/family.

The oldest mention of the reformed church in Limmen dates from the year 740, when the dilapidated church was renewed. Around 800 there is talk of - presumably - a wooden church in Limbon, which was owned by the St. Maartenskerk in Utrecht. In the 13th century a tower was built, separate from the existing tuff hall church. A century later, a large brick church with a choir was added and the tower was then built in. The whole building was twice as big as can be seen today. In 1598 the church was restored from the destruction by the Spanish troops during the siege of the city of Alkmaar and became its present form. The last ruins were cleared in 1806, but are still partly visible. The church with its tower - which has a bell dating from 1650 - is a national monument. The last restoration was carried out in the years 2000/2001. The church is located next to the Hortus Bulborum

The Hortus Bulborum is the only museum garden in the world where you can find about 4.500 different tulip, hyacinth, daffodil and other bulbous cultivars, species and varieties in bloom. Every spring the garden transforms into a treasure trove full of dazzling colours, beautiful shapes and overwhelming fragrances. Hortus Bulborum offers about 2.650 varieties and species of historical tulips; among them the famous Duc van Tol Red and Yellow ; the oldest known cultivar from 1595. This tulip laid the foundation of commercial bulb growing in the Netherlands. Apart from tulips over 1.100 different varieties and species of daffodils can be admired, as well as more than 100 varieties of both crocuses and hyacinths and 15 of the Fritillaries imperalis. The aim of Hortus Bulborum is to maintain these cultivars and safeguard them for the future generations.

The Hortus Bulborum is the only museum garden in the world where you can find about 4.500 different tulip, hyacinth, daffodil and other bulbous cultivars, species and varieties in bloom. Every spring the garden transforms into a treasure trove full of dazzling colours, beautiful shapes and overwhelming fragrances. Hortus Bulborum offers about 2.650 varieties and species of historical tulips; among them the famous Duc van Tol Red and Yellow ; the oldest known cultivar from 1595. This tulip laid the foundation of commercial bulb growing in the Netherlands. Apart from tulips over 1.100 different varieties and species of daffodils can be admired, as well as more than 100 varieties of both crocuses and hyacinths and 15 of the Fritillaries imperalis. The aim of Hortus Bulborum is to maintain these cultivars and safeguard them for the future generations. 2021 visit: Although the Hortus was officially closed due to the corona pandemic, the gate at the back of the garden was open. When I asked one of the volunteers - busy taking care of the flowers - I got permission to take a few quick pictures. Unlike during our other visits, the daffodils were still in full bloom.

Although the name De Oude Knegt (The Old Servant) suggests otherwise, the current windmill is relatively young and dates just from the year 2004. However, its history goes back for centuries. As early as 1333 documents speak of a corn mill in the village of Akersloot. It is almost certain that the very first post mill was burned down by the Spaniards during the siege of Alkmaar (1573). In 1580, the village council of Akersloot decided to rebuild a corn mill, which would be owned by the village community. This mill was probably in operation until 1817, when De Oude Knegt is mentioned.In that year the mill was replaced by an octagonal mill, which was moved from elsewhere. This mill remained in operation for more than hundred years. In 1925 the mill was disassembled and partly demolished. A local initiative ensured that the mill was rebuilt on a new spot in 1981. For many years the mill supplied flour to private customers and to a number of bakers in the area. But at the turn of the year 2000 - 2001 the mill burned down completely. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the mill could be rebuilt. In 2004 the project was completed and De Oude Knegt was festively put into operation as a corn mill. De Oude Knegt is open to visitors (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and flour products are sold in the miller's house.

The oldest mention of the reformed church in Limmen dates from the year 740, when the dilapidated church was renewed. Around 800 there is talk of - presumably - a wooden church in Limbon, which was owned by the St. Maartenskerk in Utrecht. In the 13th century a tower was built, separate from the existing tuff hall church. A century later, a large brick church with a choir was added and the tower was then built in. The whole building was twice as big as can be seen today. In 1598 the church was restored from the destruction by the Spanish troops during the siege of the city of Alkmaar and became its present form. The last ruins were cleared in 1806, but are still partly visible. The church with its tower - which has a bell dating from 1650 - is a national monument. The last restoration was carried out in the years 2000/2001. As you can see the church is located next to the Hortus Bulborum ( www.ipernity.com/doc/294067/37859542 ).

The “Duc van Tol” tulips are the most historic of all tulips that have been collected by the Hortus Bulborum through the years. It has a collection of more than twenty cultivars, of which “Duc van Tol Red & Yellow” of 1595 is the eldest. This tulips are among the eldest cultivated tulips ever raised in the Netherlands and laid the foundation of commercial bulb growing in the Netherlands. The early flowering “Duc van Tol” tulips were very much in demand until 1940 when production of this gtroup was discontinued. The name of “Duc van Tol” tulips probably derives from Adriaen Du(y)c(k), Lord of Oudkarspel, who married Aleid van Tol around the year of 1550. The “Duc van Tol” tulips are low, early flowering tulips whose petals often have contrasting colours. They are 20-40 cm high, but most do not reach more than 25 cm. The eldest species are the shortest. This makes them very suitable for growing in pots, which together with the early flowering period is probably the reason why they are still available in several varieties. The PiP’s on the left side show more “Duc van Tol” tulips The PiP’s on the right side show pictures from Hortus Bulborum More info about Hortus Bulborum: www.ipernity.com/doc/294067/37859542

The Hortus Bulborum is the only museum garden in the world where you can find an enormous variety of historical tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other bulbous cultivars, species and varieties in bloom. Every spring the garden transforms into a treasure trove full of dazzling colours, beautiful shapes and overwhelming fragrances. Hortus Bulborum offers about 2.650 varieties and species of historical tulips; among them the famous ‘Duc van Tol Red and Yellow’ (PiP 1); the eldest known cultivar from 1595. More info and pictures of the 'Duc van Tol' tulip: www.ipernity.com/doc/294067/48532884 Apart from tulips over 1.100 different varieties and species of daffodils can be admired, as well as more than 100 varieties of both crocuses and hyacinths (PiP 2) and 25 of the Fritillaries imperialis (PiP 3). The aim of Hortus Bulborum is to maintain these cultivars and safeguard them for the future generations.