Tulips grow on the grounds at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, March 16, 2015. Mountain View Cemetery will hold its 10th Annual Tulip Exhibition from March 27-29. (Kristopher Skinner/Bay Area News Group)

Click photo to enlarge «

1

2

3

»

OAKLAND -- Spring flowers are in bloom, and that means it's time for the 11th Annual Tower Chapel Tulip Exhibition in Mountain View Cemetery.

The exhibit, which finishes its run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20, showcases spectacular floral arrangements created by Bay Area flower shops, garden clubs and college floral design classes. Visitors can also stroll the cemetery grounds to admire the annual show of spring blooms.

"This is definitely one of our most popular events and (is) well-attended every year," said Mountain View Cemetery's event planner, Doreen Herbruger. "Twenty-nine floral designers will be expressing their creativity -- half of the flowers that they use have to be tulips."

Herbruger said the cemetery is noted for its tulips, which color the grounds every spring -- the cemetery even features tulips on its company logo.

The exhibition, which is free, also features floral arrangement demonstrations by professional designers at 2 p.m. each day of the three-day event.

"The exhibit is a great way for local florists and designers to get the word out about their business," said Herbruger, adding that floral design classes from Merritt College and San Francisco City College are participating this year. "It's also our way of giving back to the community with such a beautiful event."

Piedmont resident Kathie Long said she's attended the tulip exhibition every year since it started.


"Doreen does an incredible job," said Long, who visits the cemetery often to walk her dog. "The exhibit is so uplifting with all the beautiful tulips and creative flower arrangements. It restores your belief in nature and rejuvenation. I really look forward to this event every year."