Speaker: Dr. Alette Fleischer
Dr. Alette Fleischer: Hi, I'm Alette Fleisher living in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands. I have a M.A. in Art History, and I even have a Ph.D. in 17th century Dutch History with a focal point on Garden History.
Dr. Alette Fleischer: During my talks on Garden History and tulips, you will learn the importance of the tulip for our national identity. You will also learn about Dutch Gardens you can find around the globe. And, lastly, you will also learn the impact that the "Tulip Mania" crisis had on our history – and we can learn some lessons from that financial crisis.
Dr. Alette Fleischer: So the tulip... you identify that with Holland. But did you know that the tulip is not Dutch at all? It actually comes from Turkey. And during my talks, I will tell you more about that as well.
Dr. Alette Fleischer: Now this topic is very close to my heart. I love gardens and I love flowers and it all started at a very young age. When I was five years old, my parents took me and my sisters to France for vacation and we went to the gardens of Versailles– close to Paris – and I remember being five years old mesmerized by the trees, by the waterworks, by the lawns, and by the flowers. And I was pulled back into the 17th century. I was walking there and I fantasized about being a Princess living at the court of Louis XIV. And I could not stop looking at all the intricate trees and lanes and flowers. And that's where my love for Gardens and Garden History started at the age of five, in Versailles.
Dr. Alette Fleischer: My talk is for anybody who wants to know more about Dutch History, about gardens and about flowers. You will learn the importance of the tulip for not only Dutch identity, but also for our Dutch trade today. And you will also learn more about how Dutch gardeners have influenced garden styles throughout the globe. Yes, and also up to today.
