May Brings Flowers

May 5, 2020 by Team Journey North

Tulips are blooming throughout North America as May is keeping its promise to bring flowers. There are two weeks left to report results from your Tulip Test Gardens.

“I love the bright colors of Tulips in the sun!” Submission by: Lisa (Caro, MI; 04/28/2020)

I Am Journey North

You still have plenty of time to submit your “I am Journey North” photos – this project will run until May 31st. Share what you love about Journey North and the migratory species and habitat you help by submitting data, following news updates and/or planting pollinator gardens. 

From Stephenville, TX: Peggy shared, “Here is native plant/pollinator garden at Bosque River Nature Center. Sharing monarch sightings in spring and fall, educating with Texas Master Naturalists, I feel am helping care for our common home.” (04/23/2020)

Go to Let’s Connect to learn more about this project. 

Tulips Blooming

Many Journey North Tulip Test Gardeners are reporting blooms, including gardens in more northern latitudes such as Montana and Alberta, Canada. Students are getting photo updates of their test gardens from teachers and other school staff members.

From Warsaw, IN: LeeAnn said, “thanks to a coworker for stopping by school and taking this photo to share with me. My students enjoyed seeing the photo and commented that they wished they could see them in person.” (4/20/2020)

From Leduc, AB: Kimberly shared, “yellow tulip always blooms first.” (04/22/2020)

From Chicago, IL: Beth observed, “Our tulips have bloomed bigger and brighter than I can remember in recent years. What a lovely way to mark spring 2020.” (04/24/2020)

From Minnetonka, MN: Amy noted, “our red and yellow tulips bloomed! Our custodian has been sending us pictures:).” (04/28/2020)

From Gilmanton Iron Works, NH: Erin shared, “our tulips BLOOMED! Even though we are not in school, I am still sending out reports to my students.” (05/01/2020)

From Lewistown, MT: Steve said, “all the Tulips had bloomed over the weekend.” (05/03/2020)

Some Tulips Still Emerging

Tulip Test Gardens in Alaska are just starting to emerge as spring takes a little longer to kick into gear in the far north.

From Anchorage, AK: Linda noted, “These tulips were planted in an east facing bed next to our home in Anchorage, AK. Tulips also have emerged in beds on the south (5-6 inches taller) and west sides of our house.” (04/27/2020)

Two Weeks Left to Report Tulips

Only two more weeks to record your Tulip Test Garden emergence and bloom dates. Tulip news updates end on May 19.

Keep sharing your other observations with Journey North. Are you seeing hummingbirds, monarchs, or songbirds such as orioles? You can participate in these and a number of other Journey North projects throughout the rest of spring and early summer. Your reports provide valuable data.

Exploring Together

Looking for fun activities to do at home? Journey North has many informative educational resources and activities.

Check out resources related to Exploring Climate and Plant Growth Around the Globe, and Parts of a Flower: A Botany Lesson.

Let’s explore together!