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2017 Lilac Party at Willowwood Arboretum

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HAPPENINGS IN THE HILLS: Lovely Lilacs
• May 26, 2017 Bernardsville News

Trustees

Celebrating the evening’s success are, from left, Willowwood Foundation trustee George Rochat of Bernardsville, trustees and event co-chairs Becky Terry of Peapack and Anne Peterson of Bernardsville, trustee Peter Williams of Peapack, President Brace Krag of Pottersville, and Betty Cass Schmidt of Pequannock, the president of the Morris County Parks Commission.

Guests to Willowwood Arboretum’s 22nd annual Lilac Party Sunday, May 21, were treated to much more than just gorgeous gardens and fragrant blooms.
The Sunday afternoon tradition also featured a wine tasting hosted by Andrea Maranca of Tewksbury Fine Wine and Spirits in Oldwick and a silent plant auction so guests could take home a bit of the arboretum’s beauty to enhance their own home gardens. Additionally, each guest received a party favor of a lilac planting of their own.
The Ten of Somerset Hills, a men’s a cappella chorus, serenaded the nearly 200 guests with two sets of songs in the Stone Barn. The Ten’s vocal harmony covers the best of all musical genres with powerful chords, smooth and luscious tones, organizers said.
Inside the Lilac Party tent, composer, film scorer and pianist Amir Mortezai offered a wide range of musical selections, from classics to show tunes to his own interpretation of contemporary styles.
The elegant cocktail party offered a variety of savory tidbits, appetizers, as well as a selection of artisanal cheeses and veggies, tastefully executed by fine caterers, Ross and Owren of Whitehouse Station.

Wisteria Arbor by the Stone Barn

Spring Blooms 5.10.17

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We’re entering the second week of May with numerous plants flowering in the relatively cool weather. In fact, there are so many varieties of trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials in flower that they can’t all be mentioned. You’ll have to come experience them in person, but there are a few standouts that should be highlighted. First of all, the lilacs (Syringa sp.) are blooming now and their amazing fragrance permeates throughout the entire arboretum. Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) covers the arbors with cascading clusters of blue-violet flowers. It’s quite a treat for visitors entering the grounds from the parking lot. While meandering the trails and gardens, also look for dogwood (Cornus florida), red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), native azaleas (Rhododendron sp.), spring wildflowers, and so much more!

Willowwood Arboretum is open daily 8 am to dusk and will be open Mother’s Day. Bring Mom, take pictures with the Spring flowers and stroll through the Lilacs (wear your wellies!) and take the self guided cell phone tour. Plus from noon to four pm, we will be selling two interesting varieties of lilacs – a very pretty yellow lilac and a lovely lavender with white edging.

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May Showers and more…5.5.17

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It is a grey and messy day today, but the flowers and gardens do need the rain. At Willowwood, all the flowering trees are in bloom, the wisteria arbor has started but is not quite in full bloom as yet and all the lilacs are either in bloom (the early varieties) or beginning. So come for a stroll (with your wellies this weekend) when the weather is a bit nicer. Lots to see and smell!

Higan Cherry

Blooming Easter Weekend

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Easter weekend promises to bring great weather and masses of spring flowers to Willowwood. The daffodils are nearly in full bloom now and present breathtaking views along the entrance driveway.
Cherries and magnolia add splashes of spring color all over the arboretum. There is a giant Higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Shaka No Hisui’) in the Lilac Collection area, and an ancient specimen of Japanese alpine cherry (P. nipponica) from 1929 at the back of the Red Barn. Look for impressive examples of willowleaf magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia) in the Brocade Hillside.
Don’t forget that green is a color too! The stachyurus (Stachyurus chinensis) next to the propagation house has cascades of yellow-green flowers that resemble catkins.
Barrett Wilson, Willowwood Arboretum Plant Curator