Van Lierop Bulb Farm and Gift Shop will close its doors for good on May 31.

For years customers have looked forward to spring when they can visit the gift shop and buy freshly cut daffodils, tulips and unique gift items.

But times have changed.

Owners Neil and Lore Van Lierop say that folks can buy huge bouquets of flowers at department stores instead and sales at their location have dropped dramatically.

Van Lierop Bulb Farm has a long history in the Puyallup Valley.

Neil Van Lierop started working in the bulb fields when he was two years old, dragging hoes out to the field workers so they could keep working.  “I came in the house at noon and took my nap,” he said.

He started buying his own bulbs when he was eight years old and comes from a long line of bulb farmers.

Lore said she will miss the novelty daffodils and being out in the field on a sunny day.

“When the sun is shinning and I see Mt. Rainier and I’m out there picking, I’m in seventh heaven,” Lore said. “No phone ringing, I’m relaxed and picking these beautiful daffodils.”

They both say they will miss their faithful customers and the employees that work in the gift shop.

Kim Goetz has worked in the gift shop since 2004 and is disappointed to see the place close down.

“It will be so sad not to come back next season,” Goetz said.

To read more about the history of the Van Lierop Bulb Farm, check out the March 6 print edition of the Herald.

Joan Cronk is a freelance reporter for the Herald.