(Windmill Park in Orange City, Iowa - KIWA Staff Photo)Orange City, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Orange City is preparing for its annual fall tulip planting, but problems affecting some bulbs have organizers searching for replacements and adjusting plans for next spring’s displays.
Volunteers are invited to help plant at Windmill Park on Oct. 23rd and 24th. Behind those preparations, organizers are working through supply challenges involving the late-blooming tulips used to help time the community’s flowers with Tulip Festival.
Bulb Problems Prompt Search for Alternatives
Planting organizer John Buntsma says the bulb problems trace back to the Netherlands.
Buntsma says organizers rely on late-blooming varieties because early-blooming tulips could be finished flowering before many Tulip Festival visitors arrive.
Along with contacting their current supplier, Buntsma says they are looking elsewhere.
Buntsma says organizers plan to replant some bulbs retained from last year. As a result, there will be no free public tulip bulb distribution this year.
Normally, bulbs are removed after the Tulip Festival to make room for annual flowers. They are later made available to the public after planting needs elsewhere in the city are addressed.
Buntsma says problematic bulbs from the previous Windmill Park planting were discarded, while some other retained bulbs will help fill this year’s needs.
Replacement availability could also affect the appearance of next spring’s displays. Buntsma says some beds may feature mixed colors because of the bulb problems.
Volunteers Help Prepare Next Spring’s Displays
Buntsma and Nora Mulder are leading the volunteer planting effort at Windmill Park. Separate crews handle Tulip Lane, entrances to the community, and other locations around Orange City.
According to the event announcement, planting is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23rd, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24th, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continuing until the work is finished. Volunteers should meet at Windmill Park. Rain dates are Oct. 30th and 31st.
No experience or advance registration is required, and volunteers can participate for whatever amount of time fits their schedules.
Participants are encouraged to bring a garden spade and gloves. Knee pads may also be helpful. A limited number of tools and knee pads will be available.
Organizers will provide pictures to help volunteers recognize potentially problematic bulbs and set them aside during planting.
For Buntsma, the work offers an opportunity to help create something volunteers can enjoy months later.
Anyone with questions about volunteering can contact Buntsma at 712-574-1619. Although it is not required, volunteers may register in advance.
