Plantation Pines' tulip farms is open to the public. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Spring has arrived at Plantation Pines, where rows of vibrant tulips are once again in bloom, inviting visitors to take in the colorful display. Known for its Christmas trees in the winter, the Tyler farm has officially opened its tulip fields for the season, offering a picture-perfect way to welcome warmer days.

“Every time I’m out in the tulip fields, I’m amazed by the different varieties and the unique details of each bloom — no two are the same,” said Heather Reed, owner and operator of Plantation Pines. “It reminds me of us, of how we are God’s creation — each made with even more care and detail.”

Reed and her husband began running Plantation Pines after taking over for her parents, who started the Christmas tree farm more than 30 years ago. After getting married, the couple continued the family tradition while expanding the farm’s offerings. In recent years, they have introduced a pumpkin patch and tulip fields, bringing new seasonal experiences to visitors.

Now in its fourth year, the tulip fields began as a ‘fun idea’ inspired by Reed’s love of the flowers. Drawn to the idea of bringing people together outdoors to enjoy the spring weather, she and her husband decided to research and give it a try.

“We didn’t know what the response would be,” Reed said. “We didn’t know if people would want to come out or if it was something they’d be interested in.”

That first year, the Reeds kept things simple just to see if tulips would even grow in East Texas. Unlike the farm’s other seasonal offerings, tulips require extra care to thrive in the region’s climate.

“They don’t quite like our Texas weather here, so we have to do a few things to get them to grow,” Reed said.

To help them adapt, the bulbs are chilled in a refrigerator before planting, which helps mimic the colder temperatures they prefer.

“It’s definitely a labor of love to get them to grow here in East Texas, but we always think that the end result is worth it,” she said.

Each year, the farm has adjusted its approach based on experience, fine-tuning the process to improve results.

“The best teacher is experience,” Reed said. “So, every season, we look back and think, ‘You know what? We could have done this a little differently,’ or ‘It would have been better if we had done this or that.’ That’s the approach we’ve taken: adjusting each year and seeing what works best for the field.”

Tulips require well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and careful maintenance. After blooming, spent flowers should be removed while the leaves are left to wither naturally to help replenish the bulbs. While some tulip varieties return each year, many hybrids need to be replanted each fall for the best blooms.

“Seeing this every day is just a great reminder to me of God’s creation and then how much more that He cares and loves for us as His children,” Reed said. “So, to me it’s the big reason why I love springtime. It brings the color. It brings a fresh newness to the farm; I love that about the tulips.”

Tyler resident Lauren Smith discovered the tulip farm through a Facebook post and decided to bring her 4-year-old son and her mother to check it out last Thursday.

“There’s just something about the tulips in the season that is so nice,” Smith said. “The colors just make you happy; there’s such variety.”

Her son, Jax, was just as excited about the experience. “I think it’s great,” he said. “I’m going to pick three (tulips).”

Along with rows of colorful blooms, visitors to Plantation Pines might also be greeted by the farm’s newest addition — a playful golden retriever puppy named Winston. The Reeds have been training him as a farm dog, but for now, he’s more interested in offering enthusiastic hellos to guests.

Plantation Pines, located at 10098 CR 429 in Tyler, offers a “you-pick” tulip experience at $3 per stem, with baskets and scissors provided. Visitors can also enjoy a play area and picnic tables.

The farm is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

Hours may vary depending on weather and field conditions, so visitors are encouraged to check the farm’s website or Facebook page for updates. No admission fee is required.