The Thistles Edit
Bringing Your Group to Thistles: Tour Buses & Private Parties in Pella
Bringing Your Group to Thistles: Tour Buses & Private Parties in Pella One of my favorite parts of owning Thistles is throwing open our doors to a group and watching the whole building come alive. We've hosted tour buses and private parties as large as 50 people, and our space is built to handle it — when a group is that big, we love splitting everyone up and rotating through two or three experiences at once, so nobody's standing around waiting for their turn. Here's what we usually build a group visit around: Tulip Bulb Masterclass & the History of Pella This one's always a hit. In about 25 minutes (plus time for questions), we walk through the history of tulip bulbs and the many varieties we grow, with photos and details along the way. Then we get into the story of Pella itself — how tulip bulbs became such a big part of our city gardens and our Tulip Time festival, and our community's ongoing connection to the Netherlands, even generations after Pella was founded. Chocolate Tasting (with an optional Wine Pairing) Our chocolatiers make every Garden Square Chocolatier truffle in house, using French chocolate and techniques inspired by European craftsmanship. We'll walk your group through how that chocolate is made, share some seasonal favorites, and talk about what actually goes into crafting a truffle. If you want to upgrade the experience, we can add on a wine pairing with our friends from The Wijn House. Flower Arranging Guests can build their own arrangement in a vase or wrap a bouquet to take home — a relaxed, hands-on favorite for groups who want something a little more creative. Candle Making We've got the perfect setup for this one — guests gather around our design station and craft their own candle, choosing from a variety of scents to make it their own. Whatever mix of experiences your group chooses, we've got you covered with plenty of seating, tables, and restrooms so everyone's comfortable from start to finish. And as a little thank-you, everyone who attends a private party or tour bus experience gets 10% off merchandise in our shop that day. No two groups are exactly alike, so we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all package. Reach out and tell us about your group, and we'll help build an experience made just for you. — Alie
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Things to Do in Pella, Iowa — A Local's Guide
Things to Do in Pella, Iowa — A Local's Guide As a lifelong Pella resident, I get asked all the time for restaurant recommendations, favorite downtown shops, and the things locals think you shouldn't miss. Honestly, I could talk your ear off about all of it — but today I'm narrowing it down to make it a little more manageable. Our Dutch Heritage Our entire town is a beautiful display of our Dutch culture. Downtown looks like you've wandered into a European city — even our Casey's and Walmart have Dutch fronts on their buildings. The real showstopper is the Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working windmill in the United States. It was built in the Netherlands and brought to Pella to showcase our Dutch heritage — tours let you walk inside, and on the days they run the blades, you can watch it actually grind flour. The Pella Historical Museums also maintain beautiful gardens and buildings worth touring alongside the mill, including our founder's home, the Scholte House. And if you're able to visit during Tulip Time, we have the Pella Historical Society and Museums team to thank for the fabulous job they do hosting our three-day festival celebrating our Dutch heritage. Stay in the Know I'd also suggest checking the Downtown Pella District Facebook page for fun events hosted by our downtown shops, and Visit Pella for additional activities and all the details on where to eat, drink, shop, and stay. Get Outside at Lake Red Rock Just outside town is Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It has incredible nature trails, beautiful sunsets, and great campsites if you want to make a whole weekend out of your visit. Shop & Treat Yourself Downtown Downtown Pella shopping is a must — between the clothing boutiques and home decor stores, there's something for everyone. And don't forget to stop by the meat markets Ulrichs and In't Velds and Vander Ploeg Bakery and Jaarsma Bakery for Dutch treats along the way. Eat & Drink Like a Local A couple of our favorite spots downtown: The Bread Board for lunch, and George's Pizza — we always suggest the George's Special or their pasta (“it's where the locals have eaten since 1974,” as their logo says). For something a little cozier, De Kelder Speakeasy, tucked under Clover Leaf on Franklin, has elevated drinks and truly delicious homemade appetizers. And if you're after a good happy hour, The Cellar Peanut Pub with more than 50 craft beers and nationally known for their Bloody Mary is a great place to start. We also have The Wijn House filled with Iowa wines, and for a great cocktail and dinner Liberty Street Kitchen. Catch Some Live Music If you like live music, the Pella Opera House hosts a variety of shows — everything from kid-friendly performances to tribute bands. One of my favorites is when the Pork Tornadoes come to play. Bring the Kids If you've got little ones, I'm especially proud of our Kiwanis playground, Wonder Spelen — just a few blocks from Thistles and downtown Pella. It's the first and only all-inclusive children's park in Pella, with restrooms and a fenced-in play area so kids can run safely. Soak in Our City Parks Our city parks are beautifully maintained all year long. At Thistles, we're lucky to sit right across from Central Park — we love watching the seasons change there, taking a walk, or just enjoying a picnic. Plan Your Visit with Thistles While you're here, let us be part of your day. We host gift experiences, private parties, group and tour bus experiences, and workshops and classes right here in Pella. We offer chocolate and wine tastings, flower arranging, and a Tulip Bulb Masterclass covering the history of Pella — a fun addition to any day trip. Reach out today to schedule your experience. — Alie
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Why I Started Gifting Experiences Instead of Things | Thistles
Why I Started Gifting Experiences Instead of Things I love gift giving. I always have. But somewhere along the way, I noticed that what I actually remember — what my family and friends actually talk about years later — was never the thing in the box. It was the time we spent together making it. That's really where these gift experiences came from. Over the years, I've found so much joy in creating little moments with the people I love — an afternoon spent doing something new together, just for the sake of doing it. I wanted a way to share that with you, too — our neighbors, our customers, the people who make Pella feel like home. We've put together five ways to give a moment instead of a thing: 1. Plant Experience — for the friend who could use a little help keeping something alive. Starting at $40 per person. Minimum of 2 people. 2. Flower Arranging — for someone who's always said “I could never do that” about flowers. Minimum of 2 people. 3. Candle Making — so instead of gifting candle #47, they get to make their own from scratch. Minimum of 4 people. 4. Chocolate Tasting & Wine Pairing — Garden Square Chocolatier truffles, made right here at Thistles, paired with wine from The Wijn House. Just a really nice night out. Minimum of 2 people. 5. Kokedama — the Japanese art of moss-wrapped, soil-free plant design, available any time of year. $48 per person. Minimum of 2 people. Here's the part I love most: you don't have to just give one of these away. You can join in. Some of my favorite days here have been the ones where the “gift” was really an excuse for all of us to be in the same room together. And if you're already planning a day trip to Pella — some shopping, a stop at the bakery — one of these makes a perfect thing to build the day around. Once you purchase, we'll send a digital gift card for you to share, and your recipient can call us anytime to schedule their experience. If you have questions, or an idea for how you'd like to customize your experience, give us a call. We'd love to help you put it together. — Alie
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Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Thistles 2026
Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Thistles Tulip Time 2026 | Pella, Iowa Celebrate Tulip Time with Thistles Flower Market in partnership with Nunnikhoven Farm, bringing local blooms, bulbs, and meaningful experiences to the community. Rooted in Pella’s Dutch heritage, this season invites you to slow down, learn, and experience tulips beyond the parade route through masterclasses, curated bulbs, and chocolate tastings crafted in house. WHAT’S BLOOMING 🌷 Tulip Carts Around Town Visit our mobile tulip carts during Tulip Time and select weekends leading up to it. Locations and Dates Central Park and Scholte Gardens April 25, May 2, and daily during Tulip Time Special addition of the Klokkenspel during Tulip Time Cash and card accepted. 🌷 Bulbs, Blooms & Bouquets A Free Tulip Masterclass Want to learn the art and history of tulips in Pella? Join Thistles Flower Market and Nunnikhoven Farm for a free educational tulip experience. Class Details Daily during Tulip Time at 10:30 AM Also offered April 25 and May 2 Duration 30 to 45 minutes First come, first served seating Short walking distance and wheelchair accessible Weather permitting outdoor walk, with indoor option available What You’ll Learn The history of tulips in Pella How to plant and care for tulip bulbs How to create beautiful tulip arrangements We will begin at Thistles Flower Market, walk through Central Park to explore tulip varieties in bloom, and return for an instructional floral demonstration. 🌷 Shop Tulip Bulbs for Your Garden Tulip bulbs are available to purchase online atwww.PellaTulipBulbs.com Our bulbs come from the same Dutch supplier used in Pella’s city gardens, a family business with over 100 years of growing expertise. Ships nationwide this fall Designed for spring 2027 gardens Early ordering recommended Includes rare and specialty varieties Online purchases are card only. 🌷 Custom Tulip Garden Design The Thistles Signature Tulip Mix Looking for something truly personal? Our team is happy to help you design a custom tulip bulb mix, tailored to your garden style, color preferences, bloom timing, and growing conditions. Whether you are planting your first tulip bed or refreshing an established garden, we offer thoughtful guidance and personalized recommendations. How It Works Personalized support via messaging or phone Optional scheduled consultation Designed with your garden needs in mind This is tulip planning, elevated and approachable. 🍫 Garden Square Chocolatier Tastings at Thistles A Tulip Time indulgence. Join us for a European style chocolate tasting featuring tempered chocolates made right here at Thistles Flower Market. Details $10 per person Three chocolate tastings Ticketed event with limited seating Offered at Thursday the 7th, Friday the 8th, and Saturday the 9th at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM Tickets are required in advance. Purchase HERE. Continue checking social media and our blog for updates, schedules, and seasonal highlights.
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How to Reuse Tulip Bulbs in Warm Climates: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reusing Tulip Bulbs in Warm ClimatesTulips need a winter chill to bloom again—but if you garden in a warmer climate, you can still enjoy their beauty year after year. This guide walks you through how to care for tulip bulbs after blooming, store them through summer, and give them the cold period they need before replanting in the fall.
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The Klokkenspel & A Rare Beauty: Spotlight on the Nightmare Tulip
Tucked along Franklin Street in downtown Pella stands the Klokkenspel, a charming carillon tower where music drifts through the air and stories of the past quietly unfold. Eight mechanical figurines emerge throughout the day — four representing Pella’s early Dutch settlers and four honoring Tulip Time traditions, like the wooden shoemaker, flower girls, and street scrubbers. Surrounding the base of the tower are arched niches lined with Dutch tiles, each hand-painted to depict scenes of life in Holland. Together, the music, movement, and artistry make this space feel like a little piece of the Netherlands, right here in Iowa. 🌷 A Perfect Stop — and a Rare Bloom Worth the Visit While the Klokkenspel offers its own show, this corner of town is also home to some of my favorite local spots. Clover Leaf makes the perfect lunch stop, while DeKelder, a cozy speakeasy tucked behind the very same door, is a great place to unwind for dinner. From the nearby Peanut Pub patio, you can catch a view of the Spirit of Pella mural — a beautiful nod to the pride and creativity of this community. And if you’re there, be sure to try the seasonal Tulip Beer from Gezellig Brewing Company — a women-owned brewery right here in Pella. The beer is brewed with real petals from tulips grown at Nunnikhoven Farm, the same local farm where we source many of our tulips at Thistles Flower Market. 🖤 The Nightmare Tulip: A Rare Beauty in Bloom In the spirit of sharing something truly special, this stop on the garden tour gives us the perfect moment to highlight one of the rarest tulips available through PellaTulipBulbs.com — the Nightmare Tulip. Often described as one of the darkest tulips in the world, the Nightmare tulip blooms in rich, inky shades of deep purple to near-black. With its velvety petals and elegant height, it makes a striking statement in any garden bed or bouquet. This variety is available only while supplies last — offered in very limited quantities due to its rarity. If you’ve ever dreamed of planting something truly unique, this is your chance to bring home a bloom unlike any other. 🌿 Order the Nightmare Tulip today through PellaTulipBulbs.com before it’s gone.
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Tulips in the Heart of Pella: A Walk Through Central Park
There’s something timeless about Central Park here in Pella. Once known as Garden Square, this space has always been the heart of our downtown — a place where tulip beds, flowering trees, historic benches, and winding sidewalks invite you to slow down and take it all in. From the Civil War statue and the 1900s fountain, to the cannon, sundial, and the iconic Tulip Tower, Central Park beautifully blends the history of this town with the bright, hopeful blooms of spring. And just across the street on the east side of the square is where we call home — Thistles Flower Market, tucked into a building that’s stood here since 1897. 🏛️ A Park with Deep Roots: From Garden Square to Tulip Time Traditions Central Park hasn’t always looked the way it does today. Originally known as Garden Square, this space has been a community gathering place for generations. Over the years, it has evolved into the vibrant, welcoming hub where visitors now stroll among historic benches, lamp posts, and the graceful layout of tulip beds that bloom each spring. One of the park’s most beloved features, the Tulip Tower (Tulp Toren in Dutch), carries its own story of tradition and community pride. The very first Tulip Tower was built in 1940, designed by New York architect and Pella native John Lautenbach. The tower, constructed largely of wood and standing 70 feet tall, was created as a centerpiece for Tulip Time — a way to bring more of the festival’s celebration into the heart of downtown. Though the original tower was meant to last for just one festival season, the community’s love for it stretched its life to three more years before it was dismantled. Decades later, in 1968, Pete and Lucille Kuyper generously funded the construction of the permanent Tulip Tower we know today. Their passion for preserving Pella’s heritage made sure this symbol of celebration would continue to stand tall for future generations. Today, the Tulip Tower remains a landmark of Tulip Time and a symbol of the community spirit that has shaped this town. 🌷 The Avenue of Tulips: A Stroll Between Fountain and Sundial One of the most enchanting ways to experience Central Park’s tulips is along the Avenue of Tulips, the walkway that stretches between the water fountain on the north side of the park and the sundial near the center. This path lets you see the wide range of textures, heights, and colors that tulips can bring to a garden — from soft pastels to vivid reds and sunny yellows. At the sundial, you’ll find Marcy’s Mix, a blend created by one of Pella’s own gardeners. Marcy has worked with over 400 tulip varieties throughout her career, and this mix was so well-loved by the wholesale grower in the Netherlands that they named it after her as their Centennial Blend. It’s been our most popular seller this year at PellaTulipBulbs.com — a customer favorite for good reason. 💐 Tulip Varieties Blooming in Central Park (Available to Plant at Home) Many of the tulips blooming right now in Central Park are available for fall shipment through PellaTulipBulbs.com, ready to plant for your own spring garden. Look for these featured varieties: River Rainbow – A playful, vibrant mix that mirrors the joyful spirit of Tulip Time. Marcy’s Mix (Centennial Blend) – A beautifully balanced blend with heritage roots. Don Quichotte – A classic bright pink tulip with bold color and sturdy stems. Jennie Butchart – A deep, romantic red tulip that brings richness and drama to the garden. Menton – Soft blush-apricot tones with an elegant shape, blooming late in the season. El Niño – Tall, bold, and fiery orange-red — a true statement bloom for late spring. 🌿 Plan Your Visit — or Plant a Piece of Pella at Home Whether you’re wandering through Central Park this spring or dreaming up your own garden at home, we invite you to enjoy the beauty and tradition these tulips bring. If you’re planning a visit to Pella, be sure to explore the City of Pella’s Tulip Bed Map, which identifies the tulip varieties planted in each of the 250 tulip beds across town. You can find the full guide here:👉 City of Pella Tulip Bed Map And if you’re ready to bring a bit of Pella’s history home, you can browse all available varieties and place your order for fall shipment at PellaTulipBulbs.com. Because every bloom has a story — and we’d love for you to be part of it.
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A Walk Through Pella’s Sunken Garden: Tulips in Bloom and Ready for Your Garden
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.
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Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Thistles
Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Thistles Your Guide to Thistles Flower Market During Tulip Time As Pella celebrates 90 years of Tulip Time with the theme “Heritage in Bloom,” Thistles Flower Market is honored to share the season through tulips, tradition, and thoughtful touches. A Blooming Local Partnership Five years ago, Thistles was the first to purchase a tulip from Nunnikhoven Farm. Today, that partnership has flourished into a blooming tradition, bringing the beauty of local tulips right into the heart of downtown Pella. Tulip Carts in the Gardens Our tulip carts are popping up in all the right places! 🗓️ April 19 & 26 – Find us at Central Park and Sunken Gardens🌷 Each day of Tulip Time – Visit our carts at Central Park, Sunken Gardens, and the Klokkenspel Each cart features: Fresh tulip arrangements Tulips with bulbs still attached Faux tulips Tulip bulb orders for fall planting Take a stroll, snap a photo, and bring home the blooms. Free Tulip Masterclass Join us for Bulbs, Blooms & Bouquets, a free class covering tulip history, bulb care, and floral arranging tips. 📍 At Thistles Flower Market🗓️ April 19, April 26 & daily during Tulip Time | 10 AM🌷 Mini class at Central Park | 11:30 AM Shop Bulbs Online Want your own garden of Pella blooms?Visit PellaTulipBulbs.com to order bulbs—featuring early, mid, and late-season varieties, as well as rare finds like Nightmare and Giant Orange Sunrise.Order online, in-store, or at our carts. Shipping this fall for spring 2026 blooms! Step Into the Store Inside Thistles, you’ll find more than florals. Browse our curated selection of home décor and gifts, including: Almost Famous Dutch Letter Popcorn Authentic Delft from Holland Holland Scents Candles, hand-poured in Pella Sunday Hours Just for Tulip Time We’ll be open special hours on:Sunday, April 13 & Sunday, April 27 | 11 AM – 4 PM Follow along at @ThistlesFlowerMarket for more ways to Tiptoe Through the Tulips with us!
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