Tulips are one of the surest signs of spring, emerging just after cheery yellow daffodils and just before the bulk of the landscape spreads its leaves.

Lawrence has a good display of tulips in parks, landscaped right-of-ways and home gardens, but if you really love a show, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation’s Tulip Time Festival is worth the short journey west. The festival recognizes three especially grand displays of cheery tulip blossoms and beautiful garden space.

Tulip Time is officially April 10-26 this year, although blooms may open earlier or later depending on seasonal temperatures.

Visits are self-guided. Two locations — the Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee and Doran Rock Garden in Gage Park — are public park settings. The third location, Old Prairie Town and Botanical Garden, is located on the Ward-Meade Historic Site with slightly more restrictive visiting hours. Here are some details and what to expect:

It's the time of year to celebrate tulips.

Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee

3650 SE 37th St. and West Edge Road, Topeka

About 60,000 tulips greet spring visitors to the gardens on the west side of Lake Shawnee. Gardens are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

In addition to the tulips, the gardens feature a covered bridge, gazebo, pergola, rock gardens and several water features including waterfalls, streams and landscape ponds. The gardens span an area of 9.5 acres. Donations are accepted to be used for upkeep of the gardens; $5 is suggested.

Old Prairie Town and Botanical Garden

124 NW Fillmore St., Topeka

The botanical garden features 45,000 tulips and daffodils on 2.5 acres. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with gates closing to the last visitors of the day at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to the tulips are a Victorian Reading Garden and multiple water features. Make sure to check out the 240-foot cascading rivulet. Historic buildings on the site may also be toured daily at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Guided tours are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6-12. A $5 donation is suggested for garden-only visitors.

Doran Rock Garden in Gage Park

601 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka

Doran Rock Garden is just a small piece of Gage Park, but it is filled with about 14,000 tulips and daffodils. It is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and was built to contrast to the nearby formal Reinisch Rose Garden. True to its name, the rock garden features many stone walkways and an 80-year-old stone bridge. An additional 10,000 tulips grace the surrounding park area.

Longtime tulip admirers might remember Jerold Binkley, a Topeka resident who opened his personal gardens to the public for 22 years during tulip season. The Tulip Time Festival is a tribute to Mr. Binkley and his efforts to beautify Topeka and Shawnee County.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show” and has been a gardener since childhood. Send your gardening questions and feedback to features@ljworld.com.