Park staff then line tulip beds, lanes, and boulevards with annuals. The City Greenhouse staff grow petunias, impatiens, geraniums, begonias, snapdragons, and other varieties used in these plantings. July-August July 4 is the target date for finishing planting of annuals. These are maintained through July, August, and September. September Tulip bulbs arrive and are sorted during the last week in September.
Crews begin to dig up bulb plantings slated for replacement.
October-November Digging continues. Areas scheduled for replanting are rototilled. Recently, bulb planters have been used in some areas, although many bulbs are still being planted by hand. The beds spend the winter settling, and level by spring. Staff gardeners clear and rake areas where bulbs are not being replaced.