"Tulip Time" without Tulips

Two weeks too late.  Yes, Holland, Michigan’s “Tulip Time,” May 5-12, has turned into a “Stem Fest.”  The very warm weather of March and April encouraged the bulbs to bloom the end of April, and all that remains are some misshapen spent flowers and lots of stems.

“Tulip Time” is the largest tulip festival in the United States and celebrates Dutch heritage and culture.  The city plants one-half million bulbs in parks and along streets, while Veldheer gardens, a tulip farm, grows 5 million tulips, 50,000 daffodils, 10,000 hyacinths, and 20,000 crocus.  I’m sure it was all very pretty…earlier… but it’s a disappointment for the main draw to be a no show.
There are parades, street cleaning, Dutch dancing, an art show, carnival and other events throughout the festival, but, oh, how I miss the star - tulips of every color and shape - parrot, fringed, triumph, Darwin, lily, peony, and even some that are fragrant!  Oh well, better luck next year.