Tulipalooza: Presented by Poston Gardens

Story and Photos by Jan Osborn.


When founder and president of Daymark Living, John Poston, thought about life as an adult for his son, Michael, he believed that Michael deserved the same opportunity as his siblings to a life independent of mom and dad. Michael Poston has Down syndrome. After opening Daymark Living in Waxahachie in the fall of 2018, John came up with the idea of Poston Gardens as a way to promote Daymark as a community for people with Intellectual or Development Disabilities (IDD). He thought about the beautiful corner piece of land he would drive by near I-35. “It’s not a great piece of land for a commercial real estate guy,” says John “but I started looking at it and thought this would be a great place for a tulip garden.” And that began the endeavor to open Poston Gardens.

Poston Gardens is now open for its third season and the tulips are in full bloom, but the spring festival looks a bit different this year! Covid-19 and the winter storms could not stop the blooming tulips. The debut of this spectacular event, celebrating the natural beauty of tulips while growing hope in the community will open to the public on March 19–28 held at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

Tulipalooza is about more than just flowers. It will include live music performances, local vendors, sponsor tents, and food trucks—all while helping to raise funds for 12 leading North Texas charities.

As of today, the tulips are in full bloom at Tulipalooza.

As of today, the tulips are in full bloom at Tulipalooza.

Grab a bundle from the U-Pick-Em field and take the gorgeous color home with you.

Grab a bundle from the U-Pick-Em field and take the gorgeous color home with you.

Our Dutch farmers have planted over 250,000 tulips imported from Holland for you to enjoy. Photo courtesy of Poston Gardens.

Our Dutch farmers have planted over 250,000 tulips imported from Holland for you to enjoy. Photo courtesy of Poston Gardens.

John Poston and Dr. Tyrone Block, SAGU Music Department, prepare for SAGU students from the music department to perform during Tulipalooza. Derek Borden will perform on Sunday, March 21.

John Poston and Dr. Tyrone Block, SAGU Music Department, prepare for SAGU students from the music department to perform during Tulipalooza. Derek Borden will perform on Sunday, March 21.

Michael Poston with his brother, Blake, and Blake’s wife, Savannah. Photo courtesy of Poston Gardens.

Michael Poston with his brother, Blake, and Blake’s wife, Savannah. Photo courtesy of Poston Gardens.

“I beam with pride when I see Michael take a leadership role helping us with Tulipalooza.” says John. “He handles interviews, recruits volunteers at Daymark, passes out marketing material to businesses in Waxahachie - he’s a great ambassador for peo…

“I beam with pride when I see Michael take a leadership role helping us with Tulipalooza.” says John. “He handles interviews, recruits volunteers at Daymark, passes out marketing material to businesses in Waxahachie – he’s a great ambassador for people with intellectual disabilities.” Photo courtesy of Poston Gardens.

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John Poston says “Michael takes great pride in raising money to fund scholarships for residents to live at Daymark Living. He gets it. He knows it’s not just a party among a field of tulips, it’s improving someone’s life and adding a friend to his g…

John Poston says “Michael takes great pride in raising money to fund scholarships for residents to live at Daymark Living. He gets it. He knows it’s not just a party among a field of tulips, it’s improving someone’s life and adding a friend to his growing list!” Photo courtesy of Poston Gardens.

Just a week ago, the grounds still showed signs of the winter storm.

Just a week ago, the grounds still showed signs of the winter storm.

But the blooms overruled the brittle, dead stems.

But the blooms overruled the brittle, dead stems.

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Tulipalooza by Poston Gardens and Daymark Living will be open rain or shine from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. starting Friday, March 19, and continuing through Sunday, March 28. One hundred percent of the proceeds from ticket and tulip sales will go to charity.

Admission to Tulipalooza is $20 for adults and $5 for children age 2 and older on the weekends; on weekdays, the price is $15 for adults and $5 for children age 2 and older; and $12 for seniors on Tuesday. For more information, go to tulipalooza.org.


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