As cherry blossom season fades in the Washington, D.C. area, residents and visitors alike are turning their attention to other blooming delights to satisfy their springtime cravings.
Tulips, in particular, have emerged across the region, offering a colorful spectacle for flower enthusiasts. One notable spot to admire these vibrant blooms is the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia, where the visual feast of tulips is accompanied by the melodious chimes of 53 bells. The steel tower, erected in 1960, stands as a symbol of gratitude from the Netherlands to the United States for the aid extended during World War II.
Greg, a visitor from Lorton, Virginia, expressed his admiration for the kaleidoscope of hues at the historic landmark. “The contrast of the different colors is just phenomenal,” he remarked, urging others to experience the spectacle firsthand.
Meanwhile, just three miles away at the Floral Library on the National Mall, also known as the Tulip Library, National Park Service gardeners continue to plant bulbs imported from Holland. Additionally, at Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia, visitors are invited to wander through expansive fields of tulips, where they can handpick their favorites to take home. Entry to the farm’s Festival of Spring starts at $19 per person.
April also marks the peak season for Virginia bluebells, with Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville showcasing acres of azure blue wildflowers. The park’s official Facebook page anticipates peak bloom sometime this week, welcoming residents of select cities and counties free of charge, while other visitors are subject to an $8 entrance fee per car.
As cherry blossoms bow out, these various floral displays offer a renewed sense of springtime wonder to residents and tourists alike in the nation’s capital and its surrounding areas.