Everyone knows the Netherlands is the place to be for spring bloom. Each year millions of people enjoy this country’s fantastic blub display.  There are river cruises and land tours totally dedicated to seeing spring bloom in this part of the world.

The seventy-nine-acre, Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands are considered to be the largest garden in the world to view bulbs in spring.  There you can view over seven million bulbs.  Besides tulips, there are thousands of daffodils and hyacinths in the gardens.  The flower display is only open from mid-March through mid-May. 

While not everyone can travel to the Netherlands to enjoy this fantastic yearly event, there are many beautiful gardens in the United States that yield a vivid spring flower show.

Of course, no one knows exactly when all the blooms actually will bloom, that is up to mother nature.

Wherever you may live you might enjoy some massive displays of spring bulbs at public and private gardens or perhaps just smaller but still very enjoyable displays in your own neighborhood.  In any case, the spring flowers are always spirit-uplifting.   

All over the country, there are many wonderful flower festivals and gardens. Here is just a small sampling of a few of the larger gardens around the U.S.A.

Descanso Gardens, La Canada, California

The rain has finally stopped in southern California (at least for a while) so my husband and I just visited one of our favorite spots, Descanso Gardens.  I think everyone else in the Los Angeles area who loves spring blooms was also there.  It was a spectacular day!   We saw hundreds, if not thousands, of spring bulbs including glorious tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowers on display.  Many of the camellias were already in bloom and we even got to enjoy one fully early blooming lilac bush.  That was heaven!

You can purchase tickets at the door at Descanso or online.  

I like to plant bulbs also, but it is getting harder and harder on my knees and this year I did not plant any but still have many about to bloom from previous years. 

When we lived in northern California, we loved visiting the spring gardens at Crystal Hermitage at Ananda Village.  This is truly a unique experience.  Not only are there magnificent terraced gardens but the views above the river are spectacular.  There are meditation gardens and other areas to enjoy as well.  Quiet is appreciated here.

For some great places to stay in Grass Valley and Nevada City, check out my previous blog.

  Holland, Michigan

You might actually feel as if you are in the Netherlands here.  Holland, Michigan definitely resembles the Netherlands.  It has canals and even a nearly three hundred-year-old windmill that came from Holland.  Holland, Michigan was originally settled by Dutch Calvinists in the mid-nineteenth century and until the middle of the twentieth century, it was nearly completely populated by people of Dutch descent.  

You can see thousands of gorgeous spring bulbs in Holland, Michigan without spending a penny to view them.   Tulip time occurs of eight days in May and you can see them in many public locations close to downtown Holland.  

 The Tulip Time Festival does not occur in a single location. This year Tulip Festival is from May 6 - 14, 2023.  Events and activities take place in different locations, most within a 4-mile radius of Downtown Holland. Tulips can be seen for no charge in public parks and along downtown streets.

There are also events that require tickets such as the 65,000 Tulip Immersion Garden.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, Woodburn, Oregon

The Tulip Festival in the Williamette Valley has just begun.  You can enjoy forty acres of gorgeous bulbs through April 30, 2023. You will be able to see early, mid and late-blooming tulips in the massive gardens. If you are an early riser, there are even opportunities to see the blooms at sunrise. You must purchase your tickets online as none will be sold at the entrance.

There are lots of activities this year including lots of shopping at vendors, a photography contest, wine tasting, lots of children’s activities, food vendors, wooden shoe-making demonstrations and hot-air ballooning (weather permitting).

Tulip Town, Washington, U.S.A.

Visit the Jewel of the Skajit Valley, where you can view five acres of fifty-five types of awesome tulips.  You don’t need to leave your pooch at home as this festival is doggy-friendly.  There is even a doggy treat bar, opportunities to take a portrait of your dog best friend and a dog photo contest.  Your pup must be on a short leash at all times and be well-behaved.  Buy your tickets online.

Roozengaarde Display Garden, Mount Vernon, Washington

Over a million bulbs are in the ground here. There is a five acre display garden as well as flowers planted in the fifty-five acre fields. There are over 200 varieties of blooms of tulips, daffodils and other flowering bulbs. You can view tulip fields, daffodil fields and a combination of flowers in the display gardens. These displays are spectacular and people come from all over the world to view them.  No dogs, please.  Purchase tickets online.

Texas Tulips, Pilot Point, Texas 

You can pick your own tulips in this garden.  The price is right - only $5.00 to enter and then a fee for the tulips you pick. You can just enjoy the views and not pick any flowers.  There are over 100 varieties of tulips planted here. If you choose to tiptoe through the tulips and pick a few, they will even wrap them up nicely for you!  What a wonderful spring activity.   Purchase tickets online.