Iconic Red Barns Backdrop Breathtaking Blooms during Redmond’s Tulip Season

The Story Behind the Red Barns of Redmond

The iconic red barns of Redmond have an intriguing history. Many date back to the early 20th century when dairy farming drove the local economy. Original owners painted their barns red due to the ready availability of iron oxide pigment. Unlike other paints which had to be specially mixed by hand, farmers could easily mix the pigment with milk and limewash to create a long-lasting red paint.

As dairy farms began to close over the past decades, the classic red barns fell into disrepair. But recently, there’s been a conscious effort by the community to preserve these historic structures. Several barns have undergone careful restorations, bringing back their original beauty. These renewed red barns now create eye-catching scenes as the backdrop for the regal tulips which fill the fields each April.

Where to Find Scenic Red Barns Near Redmond

Some of the best locales to spot quintessential red barns around Redmond include:

• The Red Barn Farm along NE 95th Street
• Willows Run Barn off NE 95th Street and 154th Avenue NE
• The barns at Gabriel Park along SW Bluff Road
• The Holland family barns off NE Novelty Hill Road

When to See Peak Red Barn Tulip Blooms

The ideal time to view vibrant red tulips against the pastoral red barns is during April. This is when the tulip season in Redmond reaches its peak.

Tulips thrive in Redmond’s climate. The moderate winter and early spring weather enables an elongated growing season. By early April, bouquets of tulips in crimson, pink, yellow, and purple emerge along roadsides and fields.

Where to View Gorgeous Red Barn Tulip Displays

Several family-owned farms around Redmond allow visitors to wander through their fields of dazzling spring flowers with classic red barns as the backdrop. Top picks include:

The Red Barn Farm

True to its name, The Red Barn Farm contains a beautifully restored red barn from the 1920s surrounded by flowers. Their "U-Pick" tulip garden opens annually in early April. Visitors can pick armfuls of vibrant tulips for DIY bouquets.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm offers 40 acres of tulips in hues of red, pink, orange, yellow, and purple. Their display gardens arranged by color provide perfect photo backdrops with weathered red barns dotting the scenes.

Roozengaarde Display Garden

Roozengaarde’s Display Garden provides the experience of wandering through neatly planted rows of radiant tulips. Their red barn, windmill, and Dutch-inspired architecture call to mind the tulip fields of Holland.

Tips for Photographing Red Barns and Tulips

Capture postcard-worthy photos of Redmond’s regal red barns and spring flowers by following these tips:

• Use a tripod for stability and image sharpness.
• Frame shots to include the barn and flowers together.
• Shoot during sunrise or sunset when lighting is soft.
• Return on overcast days to avoid harsh shadows.
• Move around for different angles on the barn.
• Crouch low to foreground flowers.
• Use a polarizing filter to intensify blue skies.

Editing Tips for Red Barn and Flower Photos

When editing images, try these adjustments:

• Boost contrast slightly to accentuate red hues.
• Increase vibrance for more intense, saturated colors.
• Brighten underexposed areas like inside the barn.
• Selectively sharpen details like tulip petals.
• Remove distractions by cloning out debris in fields.

Indulging in Blooming Redmond’s Spring Vibes

Beyond appreciation for iconic red barns and spectacular spring blooms, visiting Redmond lets you indulge in the whole vibe of the season.

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy alfresco at one of the area’s parks filled with blossoming fruit trees. Or head downtown to grab an outdoor table at one of Redmond’s acclaimed restaurants and bask in the sunny sights and smells of April.

With warmer weather beckoning and tulips popping everywhere, it’s no wonder Redmond attracts throngs of visitors when spring is in full swing. The iconic red barns may have stood for over a century, but they serve as nostalgic symbols welcoming the rebirth of vibrance each year when colorful tulip season returns.

FAQs

Where are the best places to see red barns near Redmond?

Some top spots to view iconic red barns around Redmond include The Red Barn Farm along NE 95th Street, Willows Run Barn off NE 95th and 154th Ave NE, the barns at Gabriel Park on SW Bluff Road, and the Holland family barns off NE Novelty Hill Road.

When is the best time to view red barns and tulips in Redmond?

The peak season to see vibrant red tulips with the pastoral red barns as a backdrop is during April. This is when the tulip blooms in the Redmond area reach their height.

What are some top tulip fields with red barns that allow visitors?

Some of the best tulip farms that open their fields to visitors each April include The Red Barn Farm, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm with its 40 acres, and Roozengaarde's Display Garden designed in Dutch style.

What tips should I use when photographing red barns and tulips?

Tips for getting great photos include using a tripod for stability, composing shots with both the barn and flowers, shooting in soft sunrise/sunset lighting, moving for different barn angles, foregrounding low flowers, and using post-processing to boost red hues.