Lewes Tulip Celebration to brighten the town April 1-17

The 13th annual Lewes Tulip Celebration, jointly sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Lewes in Bloom, will blossom from Friday, April 1 to Sunday, April 17.

The broad-based committee, chaired by event founder Lewes Mayor Ted Becker, includes Lewes in Bloom co-chairs and founder, and representatives from City of Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission and the Zwaanendael Museum. This year, Lewes in Bloom funded the purchase of 26,931 tulip and 3,950 spring bulbs that were planted in fall 2021 by its volunteers.

The timing of the tulips’ appearance is an inexact science, and either milder or colder weather in advance of the event dates can affect the stages of the tulips’ blooming. The event dates span three weekends, and more than 100 varieties will be on display.

The Tiptoe To The Tulips Map will be available in late March at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the historic Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park. The visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Maps will also be available at brochure boxes throughout the historic commercial district. The map lists more than 20 locations where bulbs were planted, and it also has a schedule of tulip celebration activities.

Lewes in Bloom will be selling tulips from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, at the Bank Street Plaza on Second Street.

The Lewes Historical Society and Lewes in Bloom are partnering to offer walking tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., Saturdays, April 2 and 9. Tours will be led by historic guides and will provide information on Lewes’ rich maritime history. A knowledgeable guide from Lewes in Bloom will help point out the multiple tulip varieties found around Lewes. Tours begin at the Cannonball House back garden, behind 118 Front St. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets, go to historiclewes.org.

Ken Norman, owner/designer at Floral Inspirations, 524 E. Savannah Road in the shops under the Beacon Motel, will host demonstrations from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, and April 15 and 16.

Owner/designer Mayumi Williamson of Flowers by Mayumi, 128 Second St. in the historic business district, will host a drop-in floral arranging demonstration from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, April 8.

The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club will host a geranium sale to raise funds for its community service programs. The club is taking orders for geraniums until April 15. Pickup is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, at Lewes in Bloom’s warehouse at 217 Schley Ave., Lewes. Geraniums are $7 per 6-inch pot for pink, white, red and salmon blooms. Email orders to mRocksRN@comcast.net or make checks payable to Z Club and mail to P.O. Box 100, Lewes, DE 19958.

Additional activities associated with the Tulip Celebration include tulip arrangements by the Sussex Gardeners on display in the Zwaanendael Museum. Cape Artists will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 2, at 110 W. Third St. The Sur La Table exhibit will be on display at Peninsula Gallery at 520 E. Savannah Road.