Took a ride up to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival for a little “color therapy.” It was spectacular as always. We drove around all the gardens (about 16) viewing them from the car, and then spent a few hours in the fields and gardens at RoozenGaarde. Next year I hope to spend the bulk of my time at Tulip Town and view the International Peace Garden.
Tulips were first domesticated in the Ottoman Empire and quickly became a status symbol in the Ottoman royal court. The word tulip is derived from the word turban due to its similar shape.
Tulips were first imported into Holland during the16th century and Holland still remains the hub of the international tulip business. The Skagit Valley is the heart of the tulip industry in the United States because of it’s ideal growing conditions — rich delta soil and mild climate. 500 acres are currently dedicated to tulips and daffodils, but this number is dwindling due to displacement by commercial businesses and residential properties — and also because of the low profit margin in farming.
Here’s a peek at the magical sights.
Vester
Wow! Thanks for sharing Julie. I love to be reminded of just how beautiful the Skagit Valley is and especially during the tullip festival. Nature as the medium with Earth as canvas make for the masterpieces of vibrant beauty that were captured in these photos.
Nancy Code
So beautiful. Thank you Julie. Realize it’s been much too long since I’ve seen these beautiful fields.
GERARD THEORET
These are amazing, Julie.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you as well for the history lesson.
GT
Julie
TY Gerard. For more history see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skagit_Valley_Tulip_Festival
Jeanne Bender-Irvine
Thank you Julie. I went there one year and absolutely loved it. What I remember most is how beautiful the tulips look when their petals fluttered in the wind. Thanks for sharing this post and these beautiful photos. They bring back many memories. Wish I could have gone in there with you!
Janet
This is very impressive. I’ve been to the tulip fields in Holland and I have to say this is just as beautiful.
Julie
Thanks Janet — William Roozen was from Holland and there is actually a windmill in one of the gardens. He started the farm in 1950. I photographed the windmill a few years ago and will try to find the photo.