flower of the moment: tulip

In the world of flowers, few blooms captivate the imagination quite like the tulip. With its elegant shape, vibrant colors, and rich cultural history, the tulip is a true symbol of beauty and grace.

The tulip's history is as fascinating as its beauty. Originating in Central Asia and later cultivated in the Ottoman Empire, tulips became synonymous with the Netherlands in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. The "Tulip Mania" that ensued, where tulip bulbs were traded at exorbitant prices, remains a testament to the flower's cultural significance.

Like all living things, tulips follow a life cycle. They emerge from the soil in spring, their buds slowly unfurling into breathtaking blooms. As the seasons change, the tulip's petals eventually wilt and fall, returning to the earth to begin the cycle anew. In an arrangement, tulips can still grow and bloom so be careful if you are trying to manipulate the shape of the stem, as these flowers go wherever they choose.

Tulips are symbolic of the coming of spring, and invoke a visual and sesnory expereice of beginning anew.

Pictured: Single stemmed Tulip