When you read about a new place on the Internet you never really know if what you see is the truth. So a few weeks ago when I saw a posting on social media about the only pick-your-own tulip farm in Texas it peaked my curiosity, but at the same time I was skeptical. Would it really be worth the time?

YES! YES! YES! It was, is, and will be when you go. Texas Tulips, located in Pilot Point is about an hour’s drive northwest of Wylie. For $2.50 admission for ages 16 and up (ages 15 and under free), you enter a tulip wonderland where you can spend as much time as desired wondering the enormous tulip field, enjoying the thousands of brightly colored tulips.

Texas Tulips is open now through early/mid-April. The tulips are staggered with early, mid and late blooming varieties so you don’t have to worry about missing the show. Dress the little ones up in something cute, bring your camera and take a few spring shots just in time for Easter and Mother’s Day. A small blanket for the kiddos to sit on might be a good idea if you are worried about getting dirt or mud on those new spring outfits.

For $2.50 per stem you can pick as many tulips as you like to bring home. Baskets are available to help carry your selections, but if you go on a weekend, you may want to bring your own basket as it can get crowded and there is a limited supply at the farm. Digging up the bulbs to take home is okay, but you may want to bring a small gardening tool, gloves, or wet wipes (to clean your hands), as the bulbs are planted 2-3 inches deep. When you get home put the bulbs in the freezer until next fall. Around November, plant them in your yard and await your own crop of tulips to come up in the spring.

Make your visit to Texas Tulips an all day excursion by enjoying a picnic lunch in their picnic area while you take a break from your flower discovery. A piece of advice if you do…do not pick any tulips when you first arrive. It will be tempting but control yourself. There will be plenty of time for selecting your favorite colors. Cut flowers will wilt if not placed in water so delay making your choice until you are ready to call it a day.

After you pick a basket of your favorites, bring them to one of the two booths where the bulbs will be removed and packaged for you to bring home. Select from four colors of tissue paper then watch as your tulips are prepped for the drive home. The ends will be packaged in a small plastic bag filled with a solution to preserve the flowers until you can put them in fresh water.

This spring try something different. Visit Texas Tulips and bring more than a bouquet of flowers home. Bring home stunning photos and happy memories of a beautiful day spent strolling through rows and rows of gorgeous tulips. You’ll be glad you did especially when you hear your kids ask to make it an annual event.

By Rhonda Briggs • Special Contributor