There’s something so special about the Sunken Garden here in Pella — a peaceful corner just northeast of the square where the wooden shoe-shaped pond, the gentle curve of the windmill, and rows of vibrant tulips come together like a postcard from another time.

This garden has been part of Pella’s story since the 1930s, lovingly designed to bring color and joy to our community. One of my favorite family photos — passed down from my grandpa — shows children standing right here by the windmill, smiling beneath the spring sunshine. It’s a little glimpse into the heart of this place and the generations who have loved it.

As part of my Garden Tour series, I wanted to share a closer look at the tulips blooming here — especially the varieties you can bring home and plant for yourself through PellaTulipBulbs.com. Out of the 12 varieties featured in the Sunken Garden this spring, 9 are available through our shop — and each one brings its own bit of magic.

🌷 Tulips from the Sunken Garden Available at PellaTulipBulbs.com

1. Purple Flag

A classic mid-spring bloomer with rich, velvety purple petals. Purple Flag stands tall and elegant, adding depth and drama to any garden bed.

2. Menton

Soft, blushy pink with hints of apricot — Menton is graceful and romantic, blooming late in the season with a subtle glow that feels almost vintage.

3. Jennie Burchart

Sweet and simple, Jennie Burchart offers soft white petals edged with delicate pink. It’s a favorite for those who love a touch of softness in the spring garden.

4. Silver Parrot

One of my personal favorites — ruffled petals with shades of soft pink and silvery white, touched with a green flame through the center. Dramatic, playful, and full of personality.

5. Suncatcher

This one has been a standout for so many of our customers — bright yellow petals kissed with a fiery orange-red edge. It truly catches the sun and glows in the garden.

6. Pink Impression

A beloved variety with large, soft pink blooms and sturdy stems. It’s a perfect choice for reliable color and presence, blooming beautifully in mid-spring.

7. Purple Dream

A stunning lily-flowered tulip, Purple Dream has slender petals that curve outward like a star. Its deep purple hue adds elegance and a little mystery to your tulip mix.

8. Lady Van Eijk

A beautiful soft pink, Lady Van Eijk blooms early in the season with strong, upright petals and a gentle, welcoming presence.

9. El Niño

Bold and fiery, El Niño commands attention with its brilliant orange blooms brushed with shades of red. A late-season variety that brings warmth and vibrancy to the garden.

🌿 Bring the Sunken Garden Home

If you’ve ever wandered through the Sunken Garden and wished you could take a piece of that beauty home — this is your chance. All of these varieties are available for fall shipment through PellaTulipBulbs.com, so they’re ready for planting just in time for next spring’s bloom.

Plant a little piece of Pella in your own garden, and let the story of these blooms continue to grow with you.

Browse all available tulip varieties and order your bulbs here

Curious to see which tulip varieties are planted in each garden bed around Pella?
The City of Pella provides a helpful map and list of the tulip plantings — click here to explore the full guide.