The La Conner Daffodil Festival
The picturesque town of La Conner, Washington, comes alive with a burst of vibrant yellow during the La Conner Daffodil Festival, a magnificent flower extravaganza that ushers in the spring season with its breathtaking beauty. This event, endorsed by the renowned Washington Tulip Festival, is a must-visit for flower enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As the golden daffodils blanket the landscape in March, they seamlessly blend into the enchanting Washington Tulip Festival, which takes center stage in April. While the daffodils steal the show, there's one missing piece to the floral puzzle: the fields of vibrant blue Dutch iris that once graced Skagit County in years gone by. Fortunately, you can still enjoy daffodils and tulips within minutes of each other. In addition to the dazzling flowers, the festival offers a mesmerizing sight of thousands of snow geese soaring above the surrounding fields. The rich heritage of flower farming in Skagit County, dating back to the 1920s with pioneers like Neil Noorlag, Earle Darst, William Roozen, Hank DeGoede, is celebrated during the Washington Tulip Festival. Join us in this visual feast as we pay tribute to the legacy of these beautiful flower growers.
The La Conner Daffodil Festival is a spectacular floral celebration that sets the stage for the much-anticipated Washington Tulip Festival. In March, the Skagit Valley is awash with vibrant yellow daffodils, creating a picturesque landscape that is nothing short of magical. The daffodils, with their brilliant hues, serve as a prelude to the main act that unfolds in April.
The Washington Tulip Festival
April in Skagit County is synonymous with the Washington Tulip Festival. As the daffodils gracefully step aside, the tulips take center stage, painting the fields in an array of colors that is nothing short of breathtaking. This world-famous event draws visitors from near and far who come to witness the beauty of millions of blooming tulips, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of nature's artistry. Watch for the graceful trumpeter swans as you tour Skagit County.
Fields of Vibrant Blue Dutch Iris
While the daffodils and tulips claim the spotlight, there's a missing piece of the floral puzzle—the vibrant blue Dutch iris that once adorned Skagit County's landscapes. These stunning flowers were once a hallmark of the region, adding a contrasting and complementary element to the sea of yellow and colorful tulips. While the fields may have changed over the years, the memory of these blue beauties lives on. Resurrect this blue iris in your garden by ordering directly from Washington Tulip Festival.
Snow Geese in Abundance
As if the sea of daffodils and tulips weren't enough, the La Conner Daffodil Festival and the Washington Tulip Festival offer a unique spectacle - thousands of snow geese flocking to the surrounding fields. The sight of these graceful birds in flight against the backdrop of colorful flowers is a sight to behold, making it a must-see for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
A Rich Floral Heritage
The roots of Skagit County's flower farming heritage date back to the 1920s, when pioneers like Neil Noorlag first began cultivating the fertile lands of the region. Following in his footsteps, William Roozen and Hank DeGoede apprenticed under Noorlag before establishing their own bulb farms. Earle Darst, started growing flowers in 1929. Darst Bulb Farms was the oldest continuous flower grower in Washington, Darst made significant contributions as Washington’s 1st Bulb Commissioner and moved his flower bulb operation to Skagit County. Darst specialized in growing blue iris, daffodils, and gladiolas, contributing to the region's rich floral tapestry. While Earle Darst passed away in 2015, his legacy endures through the vibrant blooms that continue to grace Skagit County's landscapes.
A Salute to Skagit County's Flower Growers
The Washington Tulip Festival proudly salutes the heritage of beautiful flower growers in Skagit County. The dedication and passion of individuals like Neil Noorlag, Earle Darst William Roozen, and Hank DeGoede, and have left an indelible mark on the landscape and culture of the region. Their legacy lives on in the form of the stunning flowers that continue to captivate visitors year after year.
The La Conner Daffodil Festival, leading into the Washington Tulip Festival, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature's bounty. From the golden daffodils and colorful tulips to the once-famed blue Dutch iris and the mesmerizing presence of snow geese, this flower extravaganza promises a visual feast like no other. As you wander through the fields, take a moment to reflect on the rich heritage of flower farming in Skagit County and the pioneers who paved the way for this remarkable celebration of nature's beauty. Join us in La Conner and experience the magic of the Daffodil Festival, a prelude to the grandeur of the Washington Tulip Festival.