Rainbow of Tulips brings happiness

Through the enchanted forest of Mount Dandenong was the spectacular little slice of floral heaven in the town of Silvan. The Tulip Festival was dreamt up by the Grandfather of the now owners of this beautiful tulip farm set across 25 acres; having more than 120 different varieties within the half a million tulips. What a delightful way to spend a day in the sun getting lost among the tulips. 

I had the great privilege of going on this adventure with the seniors from the parish. Leaving the parish after mass heading on the bus which was full of laughter, talking and excitement at the day to unfold. Arriving we all came together to have morning tea, which one of the ladies had made cake, also we brought a few baking goodies. (I had the pure delight of joining sister in the kitchen the night before for a baking lesson which was full of laughter, teaching and discovery for both of us, we made a nz slice - louise slice - we both had never made, along with a Irish cake, tea brag) Covering up with sunscreen, hat, making sure everyone had a map, voucher for a cuppa and were alright to walk, or had assistance we were set free!! 

 

There was a wonderful atmosphere, as the day progressed more people joined in the celebration of the season of emergence and renewal by welcoming Spring in by coming to the mass felid of tulips. Families tip toe through the tulips, people gathered with friends and family for unless photos, taking in the spring beauty, the colors, live music, food and mostly each others company.

Walking among the tulips the sun shined vibrantly, the little tulips blossom flourishing, like a child on the first bright beautiful day of the year. They stand tall and proud; they are colorful and jubilant. Mother Nature's children, so innocent and fragile. Swinging, colorful, full of life, gracefully standing in their best form surrounded by those who complement them with each other slowly opening their petals to reveal their true essence. They survive the rainy days and open to the sun; at night they close their petals to get a good nights rest so in the morning they can awaken, bright and ready for the many flower enthusiast to come to place where it is natural to scream with joy within at the sight that lays before you.

There was rows and rows of delicate tulips, which are beautiful in a bouquet but in a field full of them this is breath taking! 

Walking through the lane ways and taking photos of their beauty. With a multitude of colors and species on show you'll be amazed at the varieties that you've probably never seen before. 

Different tulip colors denotes different aspects - 

Yellow tulips symbolize cheerful thoughts and sunshine

Orange symbolize fascination, warmth and happiness. 

Pink - happiness, confidence and caring

White converting forgiveness

Purple representing royalty.

Red tulip associated with love, based on a Turkish legend that a prince named Farhad was love struck by a maiden named Shirin. When Farhad learned that Shirin had been killed, he was so overcome with grief that he killed himself, riding his horse over the edge of a cliff. It is believed that a scarlet tulip sprang up from each droplet of his blood, giving the red tulip the meaning 'perfect love'

The day was a huge success on many levels, hugh thanks needs to go to Sister and Linda who organized it. Sitting on the bus returning listening to a few of the ladies talk, it occurred to me that some of these beautiful people don't get opportunities or embrace chances to go adventures often. They all enjoyed the day, Im sure most of them were going home to rest, catch a nap after all the excitement of been surrounded in the Lords beautiful creation and among friends and companions. 

There is nothing more breathtaking when seen en mass of different shapes, sizes, colors, unique tulips laying before you, its hard not to let their joy flow straight to your heart, lifting your spirit.