by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s (MHS) Tulip Mania was recently back for its third year, and was better than ever! Located less than 20 miles from downtown Boston at The Garden at Elm Bank, the desirable locale was ideal for nearby residents to wander through fields featuring over 75,000 beautiful blooms that were sure to delight all who attended.
This year’s event opened to the public on Wednesday, April 23rd, and thousands of visitors were expected. There were two tulip fields available for viewing. The first one, the display garden, was located in the Trial Garden area near the event entrance. The flower beds offered wonderful photo opportunities, as there was no picking permitted. There were also benches dotted throughout the enclosure to sit and admire the blossoming buds.
The second tulip field was less than a half-mile stroll away, and the path took you through some of the 36-acres of gardens on the property. In addition to tulips, some of the flora available for viewing include daffodils, magnolias, rhododendrons, and hyacinths. Just past the Manor House was the pick-your-own field, which was just as stunning as the display garden, if not more so. An abundance of tulip varieties, such as mystic prince, saigon, spring break, slawa, and dynasty, made the field burst with color.
“I’m so excited to see!” one visitor exclaimed, while waiting for her friend to join her at the entrance. “This is a great way to kick off spring. Tulips are my favorite flower, something about them just makes you smile.”
Tickets for Tulip Mania were $5 for MHS members, $19 for non-member adults, and $10 for non-member children. The prices included five pick-your-own stems from the pick-your-own field. Kids under two years old were free. Pre-cut tulips were also available. The event was offered through May 4th, which is when tulip season had naturally run its course.
Up next at MHS are a series of summer concerts in the garden, which are sure to delight visitors, as well as the popular Sunflower Spectacular in August. Details about these events, as well as hours, admission, membership info, and more, can be found at www.masshort.org.
