Issue 572

One can enjoy an adventure in a
wonderland of spring flowers at the
Tesselaar Tulip Festival held in the
Dandenong Ranges for just another week.
Visitors have the opportunity of wandering
through the brilliant display of five
acres of tulips. There is fun for all ages,
including live entertainment, childrens
activities, delicious local and international
food and market stalls daily, all set to
the stunning backdrop of a rainbow of
900,000 tulips in flower. Indeed, one can
relive the Tulip Mania in rejoicing with
thousands of tulips in all their glory and
full blossom.
Although Holland is known for its
tulips, the flower itself originated in
Central Asia and subsequently became
very popular in Turkey and Europe. In the
16th century, tulips were quite pricey and
was perceived as a novelty. The mania
associated with the flower drove some
in trading their life-savings in more tulip
bulbs. Whilst a huge crash in the value of
flower caused hesitancy in investing into
the flower, it remains an extremely popular
flower. The flowers name comes from
the Persian word for turban, because in
full bloom tulips have a turban-like shape.
As a result of a Turkish and Persian love
legend, this beautiful flower is commonly
known to represent perfect or deep love.
As it is one of the first flowers to bloom in
spring, it also symbolizes rebirth. What is
perhaps less known is that tulips can also
be used in cooking adding a mild flavor to
food like tuna and salad!
Whilst the Tulip mania is often
associated with irrationality, visiting the
magical Tulip Festival is certainly not!
Enjoying the stunning spring weather, a
stroll through the tulips is like taking a
trip into the wonderland with Alice. To
compliment the Tulips in Wonderland
theme this year, visitors can also enjoy a
decadent Mad Hatters High Tea every day
at the Festival hosted by The High Tea
Mistress. Guests can indulge in delicious
wonderland treats and sip on artisan
tea, all whilst taking in the views of the
stunning fields of tulips.
Don t miss the opportunity of
admiring the tulips in all their glory before
we bid them farewell for another year!
Tesselaar Tulip Festival is open daily
from 10am – 5pm from September 15 to
October 14 at the Tesselaar Flower Farm,
357 Monbulk Road, Silvan, Victoria, tel:
03 9737 7722.
Visit the website for daily updates,
ticketing information and full program of
events: www.tulipfestival.com.au
SAMEWAY ISSUE 572 P. 55 12.10.2018