On Easter Sunday at Greengable Garden in Philomath, more colorful than the plastic eggs hidden strategically around the property, more vibrant than the dressy outfits little boys and girls wore or the wicker baskets filled with candy they clutched, were the rows upon rows of tulips in all colors of the rainbow.

During the garden's fourth annual Tulip Festival, which began the first weekend in April and will continue as long as conditions are favorable for the flowers, several hundred guests have turned out each day to mill through the densely planted fields and admire the hard work of owners Demetri Balint and Viesia Konar.

"We have lots of gardens back in the Midwest, but nothing like this," said Kristy Shuda, who came from La Crosse, Wis., to visit her sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Paul Daubie of Albany, and their daughter, Josi, 31/2.

The Daubies had fun taking photos of Josi wandering among the tulips and smelling the blossoms.

Katie Daubie enjoys scrapbooking, and said these mementos would be a good addition to the family album.

Josi said she liked the pink flowers best, since that's her favorite color. She also enjoyed visiting with the Easter bunny, who during the other 364 days of the year is known as Oregon State University student Brandon Drivon.

Drivon, a junior majoring in business administration, has worked at Greengable Garden for about four years.

"It's like working in paradise," he said. "You're surrounded by beautiful sights and smells."

Greengable staff planted almost 5 million tulip bulbs in the fall across 16 acres, Balint said. The flowers come in many different varieties and typically bloom in March and April.

IF YOU GO

What: The fourth annual Greengable Garden Tulip Festival.

When: As long as weather favorable to tulips continues. Owners Demetri Balint and Viesia Konar expect the festival will run through late April.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission: $5, includes a bunch of tulips.

Where: 24689 Grange Hall Road, Philomath.

Information: 929-4444 or www.greengable.com.