Spring is here… or at least it is inside The Leaf! We’re celebrating with a vibrant showcase of light, colour, and of course, bulbs like allium, hyacinth, daffodils, and tulips in Kaleidoscope of Spring inside the Babs Asper Display House.

Come behind the scenes to see how our Horticulture team uses thousands of carefully timed bulbs to keep the Kaleidoscope of Spring display in continuous bloom.

Our Horticulture team begins planning months in advance. The process started in October, when we received around 8,500 bulbs, including 13 daffodil varieties, 7 allium varieties, 12 hyacinth varieties, and 18 tulip varieties.

Bulbs are unique plants. They store all the energy they need to grow and bloom inside an underground structure, allowing them to burst into flower quickly. This is why they’re often among the first signs of spring, even when outdoor conditions are still cool.

To prepare them for the display, the bulbs were carefully potted, watered, and left to drain before being moved into a specialized refrigeration trailer. There, we controlled the temperature to mimic the natural transition from winter to spring. This process encouraged the bulbs to develop at just the right pace, so they’re ready to bloom in the display.

We also tested small batches along the way, monitoring their growth to determine the perfect timing for bringing them into the Leaf.

Once ready, our Greenhouse team prepares the pots for pickup, and The Leaf team rotates them into the display. As blooms begin to fade, they’re replaced with new pots that are just about to bloom.

So, there’s the secret: a continuous cycle of monitoring and rotating the bulbs, ensuring the display always feels fresh and full of life.

We hope you enjoy Kaleidoscope of Spring—and take in all the beauty, colour, and scents of the season.

The Kaleidoscope of Spring is on at The Leaf from March 27 to June 7. Buy tickets here. 

Watch the video version of this story on our Park Instagram.