Published on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 at 2:53:53 PM
For the Shire’s Parks and Gardens Team, led by Supervisor Heath, preparations begin as early as January.
“That’s when the availability list comes in,” Heath explains. “You don’t always get what you had the year before. Last year we had 4,000 white tulips—this year, only 500—so you adapt and design around it.”
Working closely with the Flower and Garden Festival Committee, the team confirms the total order—around 20,000 tulip bulbs each year—and begins designing the displays. Heath maps out each garden bed digitally, often finalising large-scale designs by February.
On planting “You’re looking for big numbers—sometimes 1,500 bulbs in a single bed—so when they bloom, they really stand out.”
By late March or early April, the tulip bulbs arrive from Northern Tasmania after a short quarantine period in Melbourne. But before they’re planted, they need to be carefully prepared.
The bulbs are stored in the Shire’s cool room for around 10 weeks at 2°C to 4°C, mimicking the cold conditions tulips require to flower successfully. During this time, the team monitors conditions closely to ensure the bulbs remain in peak condition.
Once ready, the bulbs are counted and divided between the Shire crew and the Festival Committee—ready for planting across town.
Works and Services Trainee, Kale Gallop
A Hands-On, Community Effort
Planting is where the whole town begins to come together.
The Garden Crew works alongside Nannup Festival Group volunteers across several sessions to plant pots for sale during the Festival and prepare around 40 sponsored wine barrels. The Committee provides guidance on barrel placement, helping shape the visitor experience throughout the town centre.
“There’s a lot of collaboration,” Heath says. “The Committee brings the vision, and we bring it to life across the landscape.”
Meanwhile, the Shire team focuses on the major displays—planting thousands of bulbs across garden beds, barrels and street planters, all timed to bloom for Festival season.
This year, visitors are encouraged to keep an eye on the front garden beds near the Historical Society, where a new design featuring 3,500 tulips is set to be a standout.
And it’s not just seasoned staff doing the work. Trainee Kale has joined the planting crew this year.
“The experienced planters are fast,” Heath laughs. “Kale’s been doing his best to keep up.”
Growing Against the Odds
Once planted, the tulips require constant care. Over the following weeks, the team monitors sunlight, soil conditions and weather closely.
“Hail is the enemy,” Heath says. “Once the buds form, you really need the weather on your side.”
Achieving a beautiful display is no simple task. Success depends on a range of factors including bulb variety, plant height, flowering times, soil quality, and seasonal conditions.
“You never quite know exactly how it will turn out,” Heath says. “There are so many variables—especially temperature.”
And for those expecting fragrant blooms, Heath shares a tip: “Tulips don’t have a scent, If only I had a dollar for every time I saw someone having a sniff!
The Final Touches
As the Festival approaches, the wider community plays its part. Local groups including Nannup District High School, the Youth Group, and Nannup Hospital are provided with tulips to plant and display—adding to the town’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
In the week leading up to opening, the finishing touches come together. Tulip barrels, pots and displays are carefully delivered and positioned throughout the town centre, Town Hall precinct and surrounding areas—creating the vibrant streetscapes locals and visitors look forward to each year.
More Than Just a Festival
When the Festival concludes and the flowers fade, the work continues. Garden beds are refreshed, street planters are replanted, and barrels are packed away—ready for the next season.
Behind every tulip is months of planning, teamwork and care—from sourcing and storage to planting and protection. It’s a combined effort between the Shire, volunteers and community groups, all working together to create something special.
Because in Nannup, the Flower and Garden Festival is more than just a display—it’s a reflection of community pride,
collaboration and the shared joy of bringing colour to our town.
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