A gardener's dream. Photo: Courtesy of the Dallas Arboretum
Winter isn't even here yet, and the Dallas Arboretum is already preparing for spring.
Why it matters: The arboretum is prettiest during the spring, when tulips, pansies and other colorful plants are on display.
Yes, but: Preparations for the displays have to start before winter begins.
Last week, the arboretum's staff planted half a million bulbs of tulips and other plant varieties to prepare for the Dallas Blooms festival, which is usually February through April.
The bulbs — which include tulips, narcissus, hyacinths and irises — are usually covered by other crops that winter visitors can view.
The intrigue: Planning for Dallas Blooms usually starts one year in advance, Megan Proska, the Dallas Arboretum's associate vice president of horticulture and collections, tells Axios.
The bulbs come from Holland, though the arboretum had a hard time getting them this year because of shortages caused by extreme weather.
Fun fact: About 80% to 90% of the bulbs planted usually bloom, Proska says.