Every year nearby in the Skagit Valley a Tulip Festival is held, April 1-30. On the way back from Whidbey Island yesterday, some of us stopped by the
RoozenGaarde acreage to see how the tulips are coming along this year. It turns out they have lots of daffodils already, and after the tulips show their stuff, there are also acres of iris flowers to admire. I'll try to make it to each one.
We didn't expect to find anything other than the early-bird crocus, but there were a great number of different kinds of daffodils already in full bloom. I thought there is a difference between jonquils, narcissus, and daffodils, thinking that the ones I labeled here (above) as jonquils were a different species, but according to Wikipedia, they are all daffodils, same species with lots of different varieties. I've captured a few of them here, taken yesterday (March 4). And we even saw a few tulips beginning to show color! This is truly amazing. According to the website linked above,
This is one of the earliest daffodil blooms we have on record – due to the unseasonably warm winter weather. More daffodil fields will begin to show color in a very short time, and we expect some of the tulip fields to start showing some color towards the second half of March!!!
Here is one field we saw on the way back to the highway:
And of course we saw crocuses of many different kinds at RoozenGaarde. This one captured my heart, with the beautiful stripes and that amazing center! (Click any picture to enlarge.)
All four of the pictures above were taken yesterday either at RoozenGaarde or on the way home after our beautiful hike. But just now, while I was musing about how to present these wonderful flowers to you, I snapped this final picture of some crocus outside my apartment. I apologize to all of the snowbound Easterners for this imprudent display, but I just could not resist!
:-)
These flowers are so beautiful DJan – the colors, the shape, everything. It makes me happy to know that somewhere beautiful flowers are blooming even though we are still in winter here. I have a potted hyacinth in my kitchen and I could smell it this morning when I opened the door. It was unexpected and made me feel of Spring – your pictures show me Spring.
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't believe the photo of all those daffodils! Spring has definitely arrived in your area!
ReplyDeleteOh, you give me such HOPE...ours won't be here for over a month, but I can live vicariously through you and your photos. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. I sure would like to see one of those fields here. That would be a very pretty sight in the spring - rows and rows of sunny blooms. That striped variety of crocus is beautiful. It looks so delicate. I love the color. Yes, you made me jealous with your crocuses, but I am glad that you shared.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love the field of daffodils and those beautiful crocus. There are some advantages to our unusually warm winter this year. Your photos are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI wish we could see the Cascades from our little valley but we have to drive about an hour to get a glimpse.
I'm with you; that purple crocus is incredible! There's no need to apologize to us because I have enjoyed actually having a real winter for the first time in years. I can remember walking the dog last December in short sleeves...
ReplyDeleteIt's also nice to see what we have to look forward to. I, for one, am not too terribly upset that my yard is not yet ready for me. I'm not quite ready to get out there and tend my plants and such. Another couple of weeks and I might be a bit more on track!
Thank you for the pictures!
These are wonderful photos....the daffodil field is magnificent and purple crocus are fabulous. I'm ready for Spring.
ReplyDeleteThe Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is just about 25 miles from me. I plan to go with camera in hand very, very soon.
I love these looks at what is blooming in other places. We still have snow around but it is to warm up today and the rest of next week so I suspect the snow will be gone.
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of those 1960s sunglasses that look like what sunglasses used to look like. About the time that pork chop sideburns were popular when I was teaching I wore dark rimmed, thick plastic frames and glasses. Both seem way out of style these days.
Absolutely wonderful! The striped crocus is divine! It's always a pleasure when bloggers share their flower beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt's in the 40's here today...so spring is just around the corner. I'm heading out to the flea market with just a hooded fleece. Loads of sunshine! I'm grateful...and love this time of year.
Enjoy your weekend!
Oh those flowers are so pretty..and a whole field full of Daffodils..wonderful..there are lots of different colors..all shades of yellow..white.. and there is one that is white and pink. I have one small bunch that will bloom the end of May..still almost three months from now. Lucky you..but thanks for sharing your spring time views..and do go back to see the tulips!! :)
ReplyDeleteOooooh don't they look wonderful? It fair fills your heart with joy, doesn't it. I don't have any daffodils to show you yet, but yesterday I noticed one primrose and a small patch of mauve crocii. It's coming, spring is coming.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star