Tulips galore to leave Bendigo in full Bloom
Tulip colours explode at Bendigo during the annual Bloom program. Photo: Bendigo Tourism
More than 53,000 tulips will soon burst open in a spectacular spring display just in time for Bendigo’s annual Bloom program.
From mid-September to early October, the colourful tulip display will take centre stage along the main street of the regional city.
The display dates back to 2004 when Bendigo, like much of regional Victoria, was experiencing drought conditions.
Tulips, which are relatively drought tolerant, were chosen to brighten up the city.
Each year a team of six gardeners led by Kerina McIntyre, the City of Greater Bendigo’s co-ordinator of heritage gardens and amenity landscapes, co-ordinates the massive display.
A rainbow of colour at Bendigo’s spring festival. Photo: Bendigo Tourism
“We plan the displays in December, order the bulbs in January, the beds start getting prepared in late April, early May and planting occurs in late April or June, depending on the season, and that will take about three weeks straight,” she said.
“Every year we put different colours and patterns in each bed.
“Everyone in the crew gets the chance to design a pattern for various beds and pick various colours they know work together.
“You have to pick certain varieties you know are going to flower at the same time and the right heights.”
Bright yellow, red, orange, purple and pink tulips will line the streets of Pall Mall, Bendigo’s historic main street with varieties including Armani, Appledoorn, Denmark, Lanka and Saigon.
Tulip displays can also be found at the Bendigo Botanical Gardens, White Hills, Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk and Hargreaves Mall.
Spectacular show of colour at Bendigo’s annual spring tulip display. Photo: Bendigo Tourism
The rainbow of colour is an instant mood lifter and provides plenty of photo opportunities, said McIntyre.
“It’s so colourful and enjoyable after winter. Everyone likes to get out and have a look and particularly in this day and age, take a lot of photos of them,” she said.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s always worth seeing people enjoy it. I think it just makes them happy.”
Select tulip beds and sensory activations will be lit up at night as part of a light trail called Bloom After Dark.
For more information, take a look at Bendigo’s Bloom program.