Before RoozenGaarde became one of the most iconic tulip gardens in North America, its roots were planted in Holland. The Roozen family has been growing tulips since the 1700s, passing down their expertise for generations.
The Multigenerational History of the Roozen Family and RoozenGaarde
Today, RoozenGaarde stands as a cornerstone of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, built on a legacy that spans centuries.
In 1947, William “Bill” Roozen emigrated from the Netherlands to the U.S., bringing his family’s centuries-old tulip farming knowledge to the Skagit Valley’s fertile lands. Just a few years later in 1955, he purchased the Washington Bulb Company, which would grow into the largest tulip and daffodil bulb producer in North America.
To showcase their flowers’ breathtaking beauty, the family established RoozenGaarde in 1985. The Roozens planned it as a public display garden designed to inspire and delight visitors from around the world.
The name “RoozenGaarde” translates to “rose garden” in Dutch, a nod to the family’s heritage and love for flowers.
RoozenGaarde was the dream of Bernadette Roozen Miller, who played a pivotal role in shaping its vision and making it the beloved destination it is now. She passed away in 1996, but her legacy lives on in the stunning displays that continue to captivate visitors each year.
Planning a Skagit Valley Tulip Festival trip? Try our 3-day itinerary.
What Makes RoozenGaarde So Special?
RoozenGaarde is more than just a tulip garden. It’s a breathtaking floral paradise and a fully operational farm, producing fresh-cut tulips and high-quality bulbs for harvest and wholesale.
Each year, a dedicated team of expert gardeners meticulously hand-plants more than 1 million bulbs. They craft vibrant, ever-changing displays that showcase the stunning beauty of tulips in full bloom.
Here’s what makes RoozenGaarde a must-see destination:
- Experience the 7-acre display garden. Our master gardeners redesign and curate this world-class garden each season.
- Explore 50 acres of majestic fields. Wander through massive rows of tulips and daffodils that create a breathtaking horizon of seasonal color.
- Discover more than 200 unique tulip varieties. See a massive collection ranging from classic reds and yellows to hybrids difficult to find elsewhere.
- Wander past rivers of blue Muscari. Follow the winding paths of grape hyacinths that weave through vivid beds of daffodils and rare fritillaria.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning tulip enthusiast, RoozenGaarde always offers something new and Instagram-worthy to discover.
What To Expect on Your Visit to RoozenGaarde
Here’s what you can look forward to if you’re planning a trip to RoozenGaarde during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival:
- Breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in fields of tulips as far as the eye can see.
- Ultimate photography hotspots. Snap stunning shots with vibrant backdrops for your feed.
- On-site gift shop. Take home fresh-cut flowers (some of the best in the valley), tulip bulbs and exclusive festival souvenirs.
- Food and refreshments. Enjoy delicious local treats while soaking in the beauty of the season.
Pro tip. Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience among the blooms. And don’t worry if the weather isn’t sunny! Tulips look absolutely stunning against a dramatic cloudy sky; a little rain makes the colors pop even more.
Plan Your Skagit Valley Visit
RoozenGaarde is an essential stop during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, offering a truly one-of-a-kind floral experience.
These resources help you plan your RoozenGaarde visit during the tulip festival:
- Check the Bloom Status tracker to see exactly where the tulips are in their life cycle.
- Use our interactive map and guide to find your way here and navigate the valley.
- Visit our FAQ for answers to common (and not-so-common) festival-related questions.
- Explore the events calendar to find community celebrations during the festival.
- Find places to eat and drink, and locate lodging in Skagit Valley.
Whether you’re here for the rich history, stunning displays or perfect photo ops, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories. (And you’ll probably grab a few bouquets of fresh tulips for your home.)
RoozenGaarde Location: 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon, Washington 98273
Discover more Skagit Valley Tulip Festival travel tips.
Get Tickets to RoozenGaarde
Buy tickets to RoozenGaarde to see history come alive in seas of blooms. Our Garden Spotlight Series takes you through the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival’s other beautiful gardens:
We look forward to seeing you among the millions of flowers in April!
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