40,000 tulips make their showy appearance at the Arboretum

Some 40,000 tulips are making their showy appearance at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum now through Mother's Day.

Sarah Jackson, the Aboretum's media specialist, on Thursday said the tulips have reached about 75% bloom rate after a favorable mix of sun and rain and are expected to remain in bloom through May 18.

This year's tulip show is Golden Anniversary-themed, with a burst of yellow and gold blooms around the 50-year-old Snyder Building.

More than 135 varieties of tulips are present throughout the grounds, including an array of peony, fringed, parrot and other non-traditional forms.

The tulips aren't the only attraction at the Arboretum this month.

A plant sale will take place May 10 and 11 and the May Markets, which feature 60 local artists and artisans, will take place May 4-5, May 18-19 and May 25-26.

In addition to tulips, May brings the height of lilac, crabapple, allium and redbud blooms.

After May's show of colors, June is expected to bring peonies and roses and July will be a busy time for pollinators, with many wildflowers and perennials in bloom.

Plan your visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum at arb.umn.edu.