When the De Vroomen Garden Products company looked for a flower to help celebrate their 100-year anniversary, they focused on a tulip blend they saw in Pella last year. It was created by Pella Parks Horticulturist Marcy Simbro-Woodhouse and consists of Sun Lover, Double Negrita and Purple Dream. Pella Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan says it was such a striking display around the Central Park fountain last year that it generated many positive comments.

De Vroomen’s 2024 Fall catalog, front and back, features a photo of this blend taken in Pella last spring. They will be selling this as their Centennial Blend ‘Marcy’. The catalog includes the following description on the inside cover:
“On Our Cover
Introducing one of our latest additions to the blend program, ‘Marcy’. A wonderful combination of three varieties, Sun Lover, Double Negrita and Purple Dream. Sun Lover is what sets this combination apart, the varying colors from solid yellow to orange to red gives the appearance of several varieties, not just three. We were amazed when we saw this and we think you will be too. ‘Marcy’ is named after Marcy Simbro-Woodhouse who has worked for the City of Pella, Iowa for 17 years and has planted over 400 different varieties of tulips. Marcy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University. Marcy also created our Chic Lady and Paradise Found blends. Although tulips make up a majority of the palette, she is know for mixing a variety of daffodils, hyacinth and fritillaria as well.”

Vaughan and Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven both say Marcy is an integral part of the City of Pella’s tulip program.

“We are continually amazed by the beauty that she is able to create each year through the displays she designs.”