By Julia Milano
A tulip in full bloom is magnificent and even more precious for the fleeting time it is at the height of its beauty. March is a month associated with tulips whose cheerful colors pop-up in home gardens and huge civic displays.
Tulip cultivation began in Persia around the 10th century, and by 1573, they were planted at the Vienna Imperial Botanical Gardens. The first tulips flowered in the Netherlands in 1594.
Tulips and the Netherlands have become synonymous, leading to both a national mania and an important economic industry. Today, the largest permanent display of tulips in the world is in the Netherlands at the Keukenhof Gardens.
As tulip cultivation has evolved, an amazing variety of shapes and names have come to define the genus. Some examples are: Darwin, Emperor, Rembrandt and Parrot, each with distinctive patterns of coloration.
The extraordinary loveliness of tulips is inspiring, so get ready to be inspired. We lucky folks of the Hot Springs area, have easy access to a large and incredible tulip display at Garvan Woodland Gardens.
Julie Milano, a Garland County Master Gardener, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, call 501-623-6841 or email abates@uaex.edu.
