HOLLAND (WWJ) - High heat has wilted flowers in the Tulip Immersion Garden in Holland, Mich., forcing the event to close one day early as temperatures soared into the mid-80s.
“The unexpected and extreme heat over the week of the festival has made it beautiful to be outside, but the tulips have been struggling, including the tulips at the Tulip Immersion Garden display,” festival organizers said in a news release. “Because the exhibit will not be able to last into Sunday, the festival has decided to close it one day early, making the last day to see the Immersion Garden, Saturday, May 14.”
Temperatures were unseasonably warm throughout the festival, which started Saturday, May 7, and hurt the flowers which grow best in cooler temperatures.
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According to Accuweather, tulips do not like direct sunlight and are suited to cold climates such as the Netherlands due to its "northerly latitude and chilly sea air that brings longer, cooler springs."
It's no wonder the plants usually flourish so well halfway across the world in Michigan during the annual weeklong festival that celebrates the city's Dutch heritage.
Officials for the event said tickets purchased for Sunday will be accepted for entry on Saturday or or “contact the Tulip Time office at (616) 396-4221 ext. 109 for other options.”
Event organizers said they will be selling tulip bulbs instead on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ottawa County Farigrounds due to the garden closure. Small pots with fic bulbs will be available for purchase for $5 with a larger pot containing 10 bulbs will sell for $10.
According to the press release, proceed from the sale will go towards future Tulip Time festivals.
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