Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

April 28th

The Skagit Valley is one of the major tulip growing areas in the world. During April, the Tulip Festival is staged to publicise the area. Most years I avoid it, but this year the festival was extended by a week, because the cold March and April delayed the flowering of the plants. Since the last day was a beautiful, sunny day, I decided to do a last minute tour of the fields, and finish it off with dinner in La Conner.

Roozengaarde

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - RoozenGaarde

The first stop was Roozengaarde, a tulip bulb nursery. I don't know what nationality the name is, but tulips are synonomous with Holland, so the windmill is obligatory. And, of course, a great tourist attraction, especially for photography!

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - RoozenGaarde

And there were crowds, although thinning out, as it was late afternoon.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - RoozenGaarde

This garden is part of the selling effort - the tulip displays are to encourage sales of bulbs (for next year, obviously).

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - RoozenGaarde

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - RoozenGaarde

And they also grow daffodils, as this very large field shows.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - RoozenGaarde

And there are photographers in abundance too!

More Roozengaarderight arrow