Those who frequent the tulipessauvages.org website probably already know that in the first half of the 17th century Holland experienced something that had never happened before in the history of that country : Tulipomania.
A large proportion of the population of this country were swept up in the passion for one particular category of tulip, the famous « Florist's Tulips » *.

Despite the fact that these flowers owed their peculiarities to a virus **, they were the object of a fad that surpassed all rational understanding. The virus manifested itself by distorting the colours of the flowers, making them curious but attractive.

However, in a few short years the Dutch returned to their senses but did not lose their enthusiasm for tulips. Finally leaving behind the unhealthy obsession with the virused tulips, they dedicated themselves (with much success, as we know) to growing tulips for the garden.

However, we would be underestimating our « Florist's Tulips » if we thought the story ended there....
After about 100 years of slowly spreading, the tulip, hardly changed despite the passage of the 100 years, again seduced a nation of admirers. This time the English were the admirers, in 1750.
This nation of distinguished and passionate gardeners threw themselves into breeding and selecting several races of tulips, among them some of the most elegant ones yet. Dozens of tulip's clubs bloomed from one end of the country to the other. Every year at flowering time, the growers would meet in contests where each one proudly exhibited his best flowers.
Nevertheless, this golden age began to slowly wane about 1850. Thus, after a century of passion, devotion and tradition, the English also lost interest in the tulip. End of the story ? Not at all !

The Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society, founded in 1836, is still extant and counts 240 adherents. This loyal group has perpetuated the « Florist's Tulips » and continues to have annual expositions of this flower to show off the fruits of their labour. The flowers are presented individually, in narrow-necked beer bottles, and are evaluated by a jury of knowledgeable people.

Mr. John Snocken is the owner of a particularly fine collection. This collection has been recognized by The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens *** and includes some especially specimens of the following historical colours:
« Rose » : reds/whites,
« Bizarre » : reds/yellows,
« Bybloemen » : purples/whites,
as well as some plants from seed that are not virused.

Website www.tulipsociety.co.uk