April 14, 2009

Ottawa's Tulips




In May close to a million tulips in more than 50 varieties fill Ottawa's flower beds. These Dutch tulips are some of the first signs of spring found in Canada's capital.

Created in 1954 to commemorate the annual gift of tulips sent from Holland to the Canadian people, The Canadian Tulip Festival is the world's largest.


top photo is from www.leevalley.com/newsletters
bottom photo is from http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/

10 comments:

Profoundly Superficial said...

Goodness I didn't know that, AND I live in Holland. Thanks for broadening my horizons a little!

Tess Kincaid said...

Wow, those tulips are gorgeous!!

(and in answer to your question, no, I'm posting a Millay piece for TT) :^)

Rouchswalwe said...

Now we know where Thumbelina spends her vacations! Thank you, Clever Pup, for visiting the 5fingerplatz the other day!

Giulia said...

So beautiful. I didn't know about it being largest festival either (not that I'm in Netherlands). The red against the gray background pops. Lovely to look at on day of tax prep. Aiieeee. xoxo Susan

The Clever Pup said...

Kat, I'm with you - is that surprising - I find something cheesy about the red and yellow and I've been trying to replace them with purples, blacks, pink, or rock tulips or parrots over the years.

StimmeDesHerzens said...

I just got around to reading the essay on Victorine, very nice.

re: tulips -- I seem to have less luck with them than with narcisus, maybe its just the coastal climate here. On another note, it might be fun to tell the story of how tulip bulbs were once worth their weight in gold, until the golden bubble burst. Just like today!

The Clever Pup said...

Beth - yes once worth their weight in gold during Tulipmania and the Dutch were reduced to eating them during the occupation.

California Girl said...

Some day, perhaps, we'll drive up and over to Ottawa. Looks lovely.

The Clever Pup said...

CG - That would be one looong drive.

Ima Wizer said...

oh WoWWWWWWWWW! This is SO gorgeous....those fields of tulips are incredible!!!