I have spring fever! Every morning I look out my windows to see how much snow has gone off the surrounding mountain tops. I look with anticipation for green heads popping up through my flowers beds. I enjoy winter, the marshmallows landscapes and the different activities that come with the season, but spring has a special place in my heart because everywhere I look new life is giving birth to an array of beautiful colours.
Daffodils, tulips, and iris are some of the first to show off their spring colours and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy these spring flowers than attending the Skagit Tulip Festival.
Beginning as a 3-day festival in 1984, the Skagit Tulip Festival is now celebrated for the entire month of April. While Mother Nature controls the timing of the greatest display of blooms, we visit the Festival mid-month to capture the greatest abundance of blooms. Visiting mid-week avoids the large weekend crowds and includes a local guide which will make strolling through this colourful wonderland not only a pleasant experience but informative as well. Without all the crowds there will great picture taking opportunities.
Other stops included are the show gardens at Tulip Town and Roozengaarde. The Roozengaade Farm displays are not only spectacular but provide an opportunity to learn all the care and planting of different bulbs.
Wild salmon barbecued over Alder, with baked potato, slaw, garlic bread, & ice cream is sure to awaken your taste buds and provide an excellent finish to your day. This popular signature event for the Tulip Festival is hosted by the local Kiwanis Club in Hillcrest Lodge, a large log cabin built in 1938.
We will be staying at the beautiful Silver Reef Resort & Casino and a gaming package is offered each day with $5 tables match play or $10 slot play.
Get out your gardening gloves, our tour is sure to get your creative gardening spirit engaged and have you returning home with creative ideas for spring blooms in your home garden.
Written by: Joan Niemeier
