Annual Smith College Bulb Show 2010 | A Photographer's Paradise

Every year the student's at Smith College in Northampton, MA work diligently preparing for their Annual Spring Bulb Show. The bulb show takes place in the Conservatory, also known as the Lyman Plant House, named after the Lyman family, the former owners of one of the homesteads which makes up the Smith College Campus.

This tradition dates back to 1894 where William Ganong's, Professor of Botany implemented a program for his students to prepare plants for two annual shows that were held at the Lyman Plant house.

The Spring Bulb Show runs from March 6 through March 21, 2010. The daily hours are 10:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M. daily. A $2.00 donation is accepted as an entry fee. There are special hours for members only between the hours of 9:00 - 10:00 A.M. Membership cards are required to enter.

As well as it is a tradition, for the student's to prepare for this show. It is also an annual tradition for me to make my road trip to New England to visit my dear friend Diane. Who just so happens to live in the nearby vicinity of Northampton, MA. Seeing as though, we both share the love of photography, we plan my visit just in time for the annual, Smith College Bulb Show.

Year after year, the Horticulture student's at Smith College work very hard in preparation for their annual bulb show event. And each and every year it seems to be more spectacular than the year before. From the very second, the door is open to the Conservatory, you are on sensory overload. The fragrance in the air is like walking into a perfume factory.

Not to mention, the beauty that surrounds you no matter which direction you look. It's lilke being in the middle of a rainbow, you are surrounded by color from every spectrum. From luscious, deep, dark bold contrasting colors to fluffy, cotton candy, pastels, of peach, soft pinks, yellows and blues. As your senses awaken, your spirit is filled with a sense of renewal and hope. For Spring is in the air, everywhere you look.

Please Vote Below For Your Favorite Flower

I decided to put up some of my photos and let you vote on your favorite one. See how your taste in floral's compares to others. Below the pictures you will be able to cast your vote. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

The Smith College Campus, dates back to 1875. The backyard of the college at that time was a mix of pasture lands, hay fields and a variety of mixed gardens. The land was formerly know as The Lyman and Dewey homesteads.

In 1894 the Botanic Garden of Smith College, formally took shape under the direction of William Francis Ganong, a Professor of Botany. Professor Ganong initiated the idea for the students to prepare their plants for two annual shows a each year. After 38 years of teaching Botany students, Professor Ganong decided to retire.

In the years to follow there were many changes. The Lyman Plant House was extended and a rock garden was built. Soon the entire campus became an arboretum.

In 1921 the college acquired the Capen School, enhancing The Botanic Garden even further. Adjacent garden areas were laid out providing a series of outdoor gardens. The redesign was implemented by Kate Ries Koch in 1921 followed by an additional garden planed by Dorcus Brigham, assisted by the students of Hortculutre in the year of 1934.

William I. P. Campbell was hired in 1937 as the college horticulturist; he was accompanied by Dorothy May Anderson, who in 1935 was appointed as the College's landscape architect. Together the campus was reconstructed and expanded.One of the first renovations was the expansion to the Rock Garden.

Campbell carried on the tradition of the students preparing plants for the annual show which had been formally initiated by the late,William Ganong. This tradition was carried on year after year and held at the Lyman Plant House.

Through the years that followed, Smith College continued to grow. In an effort to accommodate their student's educational resources, major expansions, redesigns and renovations ensued. Greenhouses were added to the Conservatory complex to further the research of chromosomal studies. These greenhouses were named after the late geneticist, Albert F. Blakeslee, known for his pioneer work in chromosomal studies. In addition to the greenhouses a Japanese Garden for Reflection and Contemplation was also established.

Through all the college's major restorations and reconstructions, The Botanic Garden has been in operation for over 100 years. The annual bulb show initiated by William Ganong is still in operation today.