Published: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tulips to bloom early in Skagit Valley
Early springlike weather has given the spring-blooming bulb fields of Skagit County a headstart on the season.
Daffodils already are showing their bright faces, and tulips are expected to begin blooming in late March.
Tom DeGoede, owner of Tulip Town, a farm and tourist destination outside Mount Vernon, said he expects the flowers to be at their most stunning during early April with flowers gradually tapering off as the month comes to a close.
“Our big fields will be in full bloom the week of Easter,” he said of the holiday, which falls on April 4.
DeGoede added one caveat: “We never know what Mother Nature will do. Tulips decide to come when they want to come.”
Though the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is set for April 1 to 30, visitors can drive the local roads around the fields anytime. Festival events will include a street fair, a battle of the bands, a basketball tournament, boat tours, a parade and a quilt show.
Tulip Town will open March 26, six days early, at 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-424-8152 or go to www.tuliptown.com for more details.
RoozenGaarde, another tulip destination, is open year-round at 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon. Go to www.tulips.com or call 866-488-5477.
See www.tulipfestival.org for an up-to-date bloom map or call 360-428-5959 for more information.
Herald staff
Daffodils already are showing their bright faces, and tulips are expected to begin blooming in late March.
Tom DeGoede, owner of Tulip Town, a farm and tourist destination outside Mount Vernon, said he expects the flowers to be at their most stunning during early April with flowers gradually tapering off as the month comes to a close.
“Our big fields will be in full bloom the week of Easter,” he said of the holiday, which falls on April 4.
DeGoede added one caveat: “We never know what Mother Nature will do. Tulips decide to come when they want to come.”
Though the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is set for April 1 to 30, visitors can drive the local roads around the fields anytime. Festival events will include a street fair, a battle of the bands, a basketball tournament, boat tours, a parade and a quilt show.
Tulip Town will open March 26, six days early, at 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon. Call 360-424-8152 or go to www.tuliptown.com for more details.
RoozenGaarde, another tulip destination, is open year-round at 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon. Go to www.tulips.com or call 866-488-5477.
See www.tulipfestival.org for an up-to-date bloom map or call 360-428-5959 for more information.
Herald staff
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