Did you know tulips began in Turkey? Tulips at Emirgan Park- Out of this world

Saturday 23rd April 2011
Liz Coughlan and I decided to set out early for Emirgan Park. I had been told by some locals that the tulips are spectacular and that it would be crowded if it was a nice day. It was a nice day AND the tulips were spectacular.
We met at Kadikoy. Liz is a very keen amateur photographer and has an amazing camera with all attachments, I on the other hand have my trusty little Canon- thats why some of my shots aren't too good. (blame the tools!!)
We caught the ferry to Kabatas, the a bus all the way along the Bosphorus past the second bridge to Emirgan. We stopped for a cup of coffee before walking up to the park.

We were quite amazed at the beauty of so many tulips. They were in rows, in patterns, pictures and scenes.

Pots of food and women all seated
at the table

Many people mainly scarved women and children were arriving with bags of food, cookers and Turkish rugs. It was going to be crowded and it was only 10.30am! They were all setting up for brunch.

Putting on the tea. Very important!!!

The park is quite hilly which allows great views of the garden beds. Pictures will show more than my words could explain. There were so many different colours and many different types. Here are a few...

A lake of grape hyacinths,
bordered by tulips

These pink tulips were stunning

One of the several tea houses
 in the Park

These were my favourite.

Due to the prolonged cold weather
many trees had not come into leaf