Field of dreams

For avid flower-pickers it’s late April — when bulbs are tightest and built to last through spring. For the Instagram crowd it’s May, when the one-million tulips familiar to this North Pelham farm burst to their climax of colour.

And when, in the picking season, might the JP Niagara Tulip Experience be best suited for families? Anytime, says the company’s co-founder Paula Boots — when it comes to kids and tulips, “they always go cuckoo.”

“We see every walk of life here at the farm,” says Paula who, along with her company co-founder Joseph, oversees the care of its 85 varieties of Dutch tulips.  “Seniors, they love it — as do young adults, on weekends we have lots of dates… we see avid photographers, and nature lovers.”

A master floral designer by trade, Paula says that introducing the world to her colourful heritage, and inviting all around her to engage with the flower she loves most, have been life-long dreams that have finally come to fruition.

“For me, the tulip is home,” says Paula, who was born and raised in the Netherlands. “Here in Canada, I was so lucky to meet the experience’s co-founder Joseph — someone who shares my great love for growing tulips and for the whole process. He really gave me that final push to get this off the ground.”

Paula adds that the pair’s deep and mutual passion for farming the flower has resulted in an enchanting spring activity with a distinctly personal touch.

“You can be sure you’ll see us out there in the fields,” says Paula. “Whether it’s Joseph going above and beyond to find someone a particular variety of tulip, or me chatting with a group while checking the bulbs, we love to make our visitors feel welcome.”

It’s with that same spirit that the pair have opted to host food trucks on-site to refresh their guests post-pick and booked stand-by photographers, musical guests and local vendors for added colour throughout the season.

“One admission ticket will give you access to the farm and 10 of your picked tulips to bring home,” she says, adding that additional tulips can be picked at a cost of a dollar a stem.

“Following that, there’s really no limit to how many you could pick — thousands if that’s what you wanted.  There are instructions and you don’t need any tools, you just pick them and leave bulbs behind.”

With only weeks left before opening day, Paula says that she and Joseph are now working from dawn until dusk — balancing the intricate care of the farm’s soon-to-bloom flowers with the fast-paced upkeep of a growing social media account.  

“Even just last week we posted a few little sprouts in field and had this great response,” says Paula. “I mean it was only dirt, and people still got so excited — they are so supportive of us, and we are so thankful.”  

Paula says she and Joseph are equally grateful to see their business dreams in full-bloom, and proud they will soon be sharing their passion with all who come to the farm.   

“The tulip is such a spring flower — it’s a new beginning flower,” she says. “After the winter we’re all down, we’re all pooped. You walk in this field amongst a million tulips in all varieties and shapes and it’s so uplifting.”

“If I could describe the feeling in one word? Joy.”

The JP Niagara Tulip experience will open to the public from April 21to May 21. Those interested in purchasing tickets are encouraged to visit jpniagaratulipexperience.com

 

 

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