Test Gardens Track Seasons
September 8, 2017, Mary Hosier


How can a handful of tulip bulbs help us understand climate and seasons across the Northern Hemisphere?

blooming tulips
Students getting ready to plant in Oceanside, New York. Photo by Julie McGahen

Tracking Change with Tulips
Each fall, people across the Northern Hemisphere plant Red Emperor tulips to help monitor seasonal change in a scientific way. In the spring, when the plants emerge and bloom, gardeners report their data to the maps. One garden at a time, the relationship between climate, geography and the greening of spring is revealed.


 

planting time in Pueblo
How to Participate

Free Bulbs for New Gardens!
Red Emperor tulip bulbs available for first-time Journey North gardening classrooms.

Launch page for tulip garden contest
Slideshow: Tracking a Sign of Spring

Springtime events occur at different times in different places. Watch the maps and track tulip Test Gardens to discover how different climate conditions affect plant growth.

Journal
Fall Maps
After planting
Report to the map.
Journey North Climate Garden Map: North America Journey North Climate Garden Map: North America
North America
report | map | list
Eurasia
report | map | list
 

Next Update October 13, 2017