Tulips, Tulips
Ever seen tulip fields in the spring? Always dependent on the right mix of sun and rain, the high time to see blooming fields in Washington’s famous Skagit Valley is usually the last 3 weeks in April. The intensity of the colors is always an incredible, otherworldly sight. Nature does some astounding work.
April weekends in the Skagit Valley have turned into long lines of cars crisscrossing the square mile layout of roads that divide the valley into various farms and tulip fields. Centered primarily between the towns of LaConnor and Mt.Vernon, this annual blooming has become an event of international renown. People speaking languages from all over the world congregate in the fields, replete with rubber goulashes, phones and 35mm digital cameras. As recently as twenty years ago these fields were free to roam on your own. But now, it’s become a tourist attraction and revenue generator all its own. The Roozengaarde farm has taken it to the highest level, charging a $15 admission to its spectacular tulip gardens, which are backed by hundreds of acres of blooming tulips of all colors and varieties. They have a bulb and souvenir store, food stands and a dedicated parking lot. It’s a real business. I find myself wondering if they make almost as much on the tourist part of tulips as they do selling bulbs all over the world.
This thought naturally reminds me of my favorite tulip story, made known to me on a 1990 visit to Amsterdam, also world famous for its tulip bulb industry. During a stay of several weeks in Amsterdam to help KLM Airlines accomplish modifications to their Boeing 747-400 aircraft, one day a colleague of mine and I toured the street market tulip and souvenir vendors. He was preparing to purchase some made in Holland tulip bulbs. I was looking at the boxes of tulips when an inscription caught my eye – “Product of Skagit Valley, USA.” I started laughing at the irony. Here we were in Holland, the supposed world capital of tulips, preparing to buy bulbs grown in our home state of Washington. “Kris,” I said, “Look at this.” He saw the declaration, shook his head and put the box back. Out of curiosity I started looking at other boxes; they all said the same thing. Oh well. I wonder how many American tourists unknowingly bought bulbs in Holland thinking they were buying famous Dutch tulips when all they were getting was the American domestic version. Hahaha! Buyer beware.
The fields are an experience. But, be prepared to go early, deal with tons of cars, backups, and crowds. Nearby Mt. Vernon is also overrun with people looking for lunch, a drink and an extension of a great day. It pays greatly to go early. The weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers. You might get lucky and have a warm, sunny day, but that’s not the norm. Be prepared for soft, muddy fields. Rubber boots, hiking boots or something you don’t mind getting dirt and mud on.
If you’ve never been, go. I’d even venture to call it a bucket list event. Like most everyone else, you probably won’t be able to resist taking at least a few pictures. I’d be a multi-millionaire if I had a penny for every picture taken over a single weekend. It’s that good.
