Every Bulb Makes an Impact
Every spring, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens transforms into a painter’s palette of color with around 250,000 tulips bursting into bloom. This stunning seasonal display draws visitors from near and far, with not only hundreds of unique plants including native azaleas, tulips, and daffodils, but also a permanent art collection with works by Matisse, Renoir, and Degas.
“In the cutting plots, each bulb shines on its own. Peaking from mid-March through mid-April, the cheery tulips attract over 30,000 visitors for their grand show, but the property provides an array of flowering bulbs with various spring bloom times before tapering into azalea season,” according to Southern Living.
As fleeting as a fireworks display, our 2025 tulip season is quickly coming to a close. We’re grateful to both our visitors and our members who continue to support this annual tradition.
"The synergy between the gardens and the museum is where we shine," explains director of horticulture Dale Skaggs, who has worked there since 2007. "The Dixon is small by public garden standards, and the museum and collections are not large either, but when you put the two together, it's really special."
A Spring Transition
“But there's this alchemy you get where the sum is greater than the parts when you put the flowers together and they bloom in concert," Skaggs said.
While the tulips may be the headliners, the gardens offer an ever-changing landscape of seasonal beauty. Among the Dixon’s colorful blooms is the mountain azalea, a native Shelby County plant that brings its own kind of magic to the mix.
“The pink buds open up to white, fragrant flowers. It’s really magical,” said Skaggs, highlighting one of the many hidden gems visitors can discover among the garden’s pathways.
Beyond the floral splendor, the Dixon is a space where art and nature intertwine. Whether you’re here to take in the colors, capture the perfect photo, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk, spring at the Dixon is a season worth savoring.
A Special Thank You to Southern Living
Support the Tulips
There's always something blooming at the Dixon, so be sure to visit to experience it. Read more about our spring blooms from Southern Living.
Honor the legacy of someone you love and send a personalized card to a loved one, celebrating the planting of bulbs in their honor.