Tulips Bloom in Skagit Valley

By Mary E. Trimble

It's like viewing the perfect mural with row upon row of dazzling color— brilliant reds, sparkling yellows, vivid pinks, rakish purples. Though picture-perfect, these delightful tulip fields of the Skagit Valley in Washington are real. And so are the region’s acres of daffodils and iris. Although Mother Nature dictates the bloom dates, daffodils bloom first, followed by tulips and finally, iris.

Every year can be different, but the peak season for tulips is often in the middle of April. The 22nd Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which spans the entire month of April, is an opportunity to view the blooming fields, take walking tours and attend art shows, wood craft demonstrations and exhibits, barbecues, quilt displays, llama demonstrations and much more. One of our family favorites is Cow Town, a third-generation family farm that is celebrating its 101st year. Open April 1- 24, the farm is fun for everyone, offering hands-on encounters with baby calves, rabbits, goats and chickens.

Perfect Climate
Since the mid-1930s, springtime visitors to the Skagit Valley have marveled at the striking beauty of the flower fields. Northwest Washington, particularly the Skagit Valley, has become world-famous for its seasonal showcase and for its commercial bulb production. Washington Bulb Company, the nation's largest tulip, daffodil and iris producer, makes its headquarters in Skagit Valley.

As it happens, the Northwest has a perfect bulb-growing climate. The cool, moist winter encourages root growth, and the relatively cool spring and summer help control diseases common in hotter places. Another factor is well-balanced, level and well-drained soil.

A favorite local story tells about the local gardener who thought he would buy his bulbs that year from the best-known source of tulip bulbs—Holland. You guessed it—when he received his bulbs from Holland, the package label said the bulbs were grown in the Skagit Valley!

Those who are returning to enjoy the springtime hues will notice that those fields seen last year frequently will not have the same crop this year. That is because flower bulbs, like many other crops, must be rotated to preserve the soil and reduce pest contamination. The flowers rotate to their original field about every five years.

Follow the Signs
Tulip Festival maps are available at many Skagit Valley stores, but it isn't necessary to have a map to enjoy the blossoms. Signs indicate the “Tulip Route,” or you may simply drive along until you see a field. If there is a pull-off, park and enjoy the view, or even walk along designated paths. Remember, for some traffic on the road, it's business as usual and drivers aren't expecting sudden stops. Also, this is a busy time of year for farmers and heavy equipment will be moving about, so you will need to be patient.

The Skagit Valley growers ask for your cooperation in touring the fields. Be aware that only certain fields are open to visitors. Always observe private property and don't trespass to get a picture. Enter only those fields with signs posted that visitors are welcome. Never pick a flower—cut flowers are available for sale at various stands.

Two local growers encourage visitors to stop: Roozengaarde and Tulip Town. Roozengaarde has a three-acre display garden with an authentic Dutch windmill. Bulbs and cut flowers are available for purchase—stroll the gardens to find your favorites. At Tulip Town, in addition to the tulips fields and purchasing opportunities, visitors will enjoy more than 100 exquisite tulip arrangements, live music, food, and horse-drawn wagon rides through the tulip fields

Splendid opportunities await eager photographers. Early morning or late afternoon give the best light for picture taking. For really spectacular pictures, include landscape attractions, such as barns or snow-capped Mt. Baker. Tulip fields provide a colorful carpet against the backdrop of the majestic Cascade Mountains.