Tulips are near full bloom at Hershey Gardens, and you can see them

York Daily Record

More than 21,000 tulips are in peak bloom this week at Hershey Gardens, welcoming a new season.

According to Anthony Haubert, communications and public relations manager, the tulip display began in 1942 and became the inspiration for an annual tulip festival that began in 1953. For several years, the Gardens marked its season opening with the tulip festival, which included staffers dressed in Dutch costumes.

A family takes a portrait beneath a flowering tree surrounded by more than 21,000 tulips reaching peak bloom this week at Hershey Gardens. The garden is open from 9 to 5 daily.

The following is a list of how many bulbs are planted and where you can see them blooming.

14,200 tulips in the Seasonal Display Garden
3,500 tulips (and 1,500 daffodils) around the Conservatory
3,700 tulips (and 500 hyacinths) in The Children’s Garden
500 glory-of-the-snow and 500 grape hyacinths in the Perennial Garden
200 alliums north of the Gazebo
70 Cultivars

A cultivar is a tulip that displays a new combination of characteristics, created by selective breeding. The newest cultivars have been named ‘Innuendo,’ ‘Marie Jo,’ ‘Princess Irene,’ ‘Marilyn,’ and ‘Antoinette.’

Tulips brave a chilly Tuesday morning at Hershey Gardens, welcoming a new season. The temperature outside should be close to 80 degrees by Sunday.

You can join Hershey Gardens this Saturday for an Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about the importance of recycling, composting and gardening. Make a seed bomb, learn about hydroponics, and play fun educational games. At 10 a.m., Dr. Ray Barbehenn, a biologist with an expertise in plant ecology, will lead a guided hour-long adventure through the gardens.

Later this season:Photos: Roses peak and butterflies flutter at Hershey Gardens

At Halloween:Pumpkin Glow at Hershey Gardens returns with artistic pumpkins, Food Network carver

Also of interest:Longtime volunteer makes the roses beautiful at Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 with Milton Hershey’s request to “create a nice garden of roses.”

The garden, at 170 Hotel Road in Hershey, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The tulips should continue to bloom for the week if the weather stays cool.

More information about the garden as well as a link to purchase tickets online can be found at their website at hersheygardens.org.

I have captured life through the lens since 1983 and am currently a visual journalist with the USAToday Network. You can reach me at pkuehnel@ydr.com.