Skip to Content
Post Script

Neighbors Honor Memory of The “Tulip House Lady”

East Isles neighbors honored the late “Tulip House” gardener Lisa Stortz by dedicating a bench and planting tulip bulbs in Levin Triangle Park — ensuring her legacy of color and community will bloom each spring.

Community members gathered Oct. 10 in Levin Triangle Park to plant tulips in memory of Lisa Stortz, known for her colorful “Tulip House” on Humboldt Avenue. (Image: Joe Peris)

Paula Chesley is a neighborhood volunteer. She lives in East Isles.

On Oct. 10, East Isles neighbors planted tulip bulbs and dedicated a bench in Levin Triangle Park to commemorate Lisa Stortz, the beloved owner and gardener of the Tulip House who died in June.

Lisa’s neighbors have created a Venmo fund for the memorial garden, and the planting will take place annually. The “Humboldt Heroes” — Lisa’s term for the neighbors on her block — are also planting tulips in their front yards and boulevards so that when folks drive down the 2400 block of Humboldt Avenue in the spring, they will still see plenty of tulips.

The plan is to continue the tradition, spreading the joy of the Tulip House into future years.

If you’d like to honor Lisa’s memory, there are two ways to do so. You can contribute to Lisa’s memorial garden fund at Levin Park via Venmo at @TulipsForLisa, or plant tulips in your front yard or boulevard to help spread the joy of the Tulip House throughout our neighborhoods.

(Images: Craig Wilson)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Hill & Lake Press

Composting: Worth the Effort

Ever wonder where your green-bin food waste goes? Five Kenwood Isles residents toured Specialized Environmental Technologies in Rosemount to see how Minneapolis’ composting system transforms table scraps into nutrient-rich soil — closing the loop from kitchen to garden.

November 1, 2025

Residents Rally to Save Lake of the Isles Skating Rink

Lowry Hill residents Janet and Phil Hallaway led a successful grassroots campaign to save the Lake of the Isles skating rink, prompting the Park Board to restore outdoor rinks citywide and commit to long-term support for winter recreation in Minneapolis.

November 1, 2025

A Sunday Run Through Hill & Lake Country — And Beyond!

The Twin Cities Marathon transforms a solitary sport into a shared celebration, as runners, volunteers and neighbors line the scenic route from Minneapolis to St. Paul — proving that even in an individual pursuit, community spirit carries us all to the finish line.

November 1, 2025

Clear as Mud! A Voter’s Guide to the Race for Park Board

Confused about how to vote for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board? This guide breaks down what’s on the ballot — who’s running, which district you’re in and how DFL endorsements actually work — so you can cast an informed vote on Nov. 4.

November 1, 2025

Derek Nicholas: Through Food We Know Ourselves

Ojibwe educator and author Derek Nicholas explores how traditional foodways can restore identity, community and balance — sharing lessons from his new cookbook, “Through Food We Know Ourselves.”

November 1, 2025

Rinata: A Longtime Uptown Trattoria Worth Revisiting

After nearly two decades at Hennepin and 25th, Rinata remains a cozy Italian staple worth revisiting — a neighborhood classic helping lead Uptown’s post-construction revival.

November 1, 2025
See all posts