Great Lakes Wire

Inspectors from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), in collaboration with the City of Holland, are actively working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the Tulip Time Festival. This annual event attracts numerous visitors to Holland who are eager to see the vibrant floral displays in the city's parks and gardens. The MDARD is tasked with guaranteeing the health and safety of tulip bulbs before they are planted, protecting both residents and Michigan's natural resources.

Tim Boring, MDARD Director, stated, "MDARD and the City of Holland have been working quietly and efficiently to ensure a safe and successful Tulip Time. Verifying that imported tulip bulbs are free of plant pests and diseases is just one example of MDARD working behind the scenes to benefit Michiganders. We're proud to help sustain this great state tradition for generations to come."

Preparations commence months beforehand in early September when tulip bulbs sourced from the Netherlands start their journey to Michigan. Once the bulbs reach Pennsylvania via port, they are transported to Holland where MDARD undertakes inspections to confirm they are free from diseases and pests.

Thomas Jepsen, Jr., MDARD Plant Health Inspector said, "We want to ensure that the tulip bulbs visitors take home after the festival are healthy and pest-free. MDARD inspections help prevent the spread of harmful pests and plant diseases - protecting not just public displays, but also home landscapes and gardens."

These inspections involve checking for signs of rot, soft spots, mites, and fungal infections. If any issues are spotted, planting is restricted, or treatment is mandated before moving forward.

Jamie Scott, Deputy Director of Parks and Cemeteries at the City of Holland, remarked, "We're planting 648,000 tulips this year, all by hand. The fact that MDARD could come in and inspect our tulips and make sure we're providing a product that is not detrimental to the environment is incredible."

MDARD also conducts inspections for various plants shipped to nurseries and greenhouses throughout the state, partnering with the horticulture industry to defend against economic and environmental threats from invasive species and plant diseases.

The Tulip Time Festival is set to run from May 2 to May 11.