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Bloom Report April 8, 2021

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“Blossom by blossom the spring begins” -Algernon Charles Swinburne

Suddenly it’s SPRING at Willowwood!. This winter was brutal as February was the snowiest on record for this area with over 31 inches of snow. It may have felt like winter was never going to end but the sounds of spring- the chirping birds, the hum of maintenance equipment, and the sounds of visitors in the gardens- have returned.

Many of the spring bulbs are beginning to peak. Most of the early and mid-season Daffodils have begun to bloom in the gardens and should continue to bloom for the next few weeks if the weather stays mild. Other spring bulbs, such as the glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa sp.) and Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica), are coating many corners of the arboretum in blue flowers. Plant common names like these often tell us something about a plant. Chionodoxa are incredibly hardy flowers and these “glory of the snow” can tolerate and bloom in cold, snowy conditions. However, some common names are misnomers. Despite the common name for Siberian squill, they are native to the southern region of Russia and not Siberia. All of these bulbs can be seen in the garden bed near the conservatory underneath the Cornus mas (Cornealian Cherry) which is also currently in bloom with a profusion of small bunches of golden yellow flowers.

The other sirens of spring are Magnolias and Cherry Trees. Several early flowering varieties are in bloom such as the Prunus subhirtella in the cottage garden and Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ in the orchard. While there currently are not any orchards at Willowwood, this part of the garden behind the Mediterranean inspired “Rosarie” garden was where the Tubbs family planted an apple orchard in the year following the purchase of “Willowwood Farm” in 1908 and it retains that historic garden name. The Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) and other varieties of Magnolias will also be blooming soon in the orchard area. Additional woody plants to look for that are in bloom around the grounds include these fragrant shrubs: Corylopsis glabrescens (Fragrant Winter Hazel), Viburnum farrieri ‘Candissimum’ (Fragrant Viburnum) and Lonicera fragrantissima (Fragrant Honeysuckle).

We are happy to announce that Willowwood’s regular daily operating schedule of 8AM to Dusk and all parking areas are open for the season. Please enjoy the gardens safely and respectfully.

CLICK HERE to see us on INSTAGRAM for more Spring pictures!

Zinnia Cheetham, Plant Records Curator Specialist, MCPC

Spring 2021 Update

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Greetings and Happy Spring,

Brace2016-th

With spring in the air, lengthening daylight hours and the awakening of the natural world, I’m feeling my energy begin to return after a year like no other. Like many of you, my attention this time of year turns to the garden and our hidden Gem, the Willowwood Arboretum.

The gardens at Willowwood Arboretum are timeless. Mark Inzano, Manager of Horticulture, and his team, are hard at work preparing Willowwood for the “busy season”. A semblance of normalcy has returned to the Arboretum, however, the Foundation has decided to defer the Tubbs Lecture, Mother’s Day Open House and Lilac Party to Spring, 2022. Like most gatherings, guidance from CDC, state and local authorities has upset the cadence and new normals are being established. We all look forward to the resumption of these event dates at the earliest possible time and will communicate accordingly.
Through social media, linked websites and the Morris County Park Commission website, all available at: www.willowwoodarboretum.org/links , a plethora of information and updates are available regarding the dynamic environment and opportunity to experience the Willowwood Arboretum. The bloom report www.willowwoodarboretum.org/weekly-bloom-report compiled by stalwart Morris County Park Commission Plant Records Curator, Zinnia Cheetham, provides wonderful Willowwood specific seasonal updates.

While I would much rather invite you to events in person, these virtual resources continue to serve us rather well. As always, I would like to thank our donors as none of this would be possible without your support. If you feel connected to Willowwood, our mission or the team of dedicated stewards who manage the resource, please consider supporting our efforts. The Willowwood Foundation is a certified 501 © 3 for purposes of gifting and is eligible for Corporate Matching.

Warm Regards, Brace Krag, President, Willowwood Foundation

Blooming at Willowwood 10.7.2020

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100_0247 late summer meadow
Late summer meadow

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

The beauty of the autumn season has begun and visitors may now enjoy the arboreta during standard operating hours, daily from 8AM to dusk. The maples, dogwoods, and katsura are all changing color at the Willowwood Arboretum and the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center. For those who are able to detect the sweet scent of yellowing katsura leaves (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), they will be delighted by the fragrance along the meadow near the Stone Cottage and on the Woodwalk path before the small stone bridge at.

The late season perennials in the garden are still going strong despite the chilly evenings. Some favorites that are blooming include the Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.) in the Cottage Garden, asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) in the meadows and cottage garden, and white and pink Japanese anemones (Anemone spp.) throughout the core gardens.

One show stopping annual in particular has been delighting visitors in the Cottage Garden this season. Several stalks of red amaranth are towering over other plants in the garden at over 7 feet! The feathery plumes are a rich reddish purple and draw attention like a waving flag. It is also lovely to look at the leaves as the sun shines through them as they take on an appearance of pure red stained glass. In addition to being an attractive plant, amaranth leaves and seeds are edible! The Cottage Garden once served as a kitchen garden for the Tubbs family who lived at Willowwood. Although they would not have grown amaranth, as it was not introduced into the United States until the 1970’s, the tradition of including vegetables, fruits, and grains among ornamental plants carries on.

The first hard frost will likely arrive in the next few weeks. The meadows have already evolved into shades of yellow, tan, brown, and purple and will offer movement and texture during the winter as the wind sweeps through the plants putting their seed heads into motion. Many shrubs and trees have also set fruit and birders will continue to see a variety of birds visiting the arboretum for sustenance during the months ahead. Meanwhile, the garden staff will continue to prepare for next spring and look forward to the next growing season.

Zinnia Cheetham
Plant Records Curator Specialist

Bloom Report August 4, 2020

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WELCOME BACK to the Willowwood Arboretum!

Beginning Monday, August 3, Willowwood is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm.
CLOSED WEEKENDS.
Buildings are closed but most gardens and walking trails are open. A porta john is available.

This quote by Minnie Aumonier seems apt for this moment in time- “When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden”. Welcome back to the garden.

The summer bloom has just begun in the meadows. The waves of pastel purple wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) are attracting lots of pollinators. Recently, the joe-pye weed (Eutrochium) and early goldenrod (Solidago) have also begun to bloom. Visitors will likewise see ironweed (Vernonia) starting to bloom along the drive among the meadows in the upcoming weeks as well.

The barns are similarly surrounded by pastel flowers this year. An assortment of white, purple, and pink Angelonia were planted by the Stone Barn for the season. These “summer snapdragons” are known for their fragrance and flower all summer!

Lilies are currently blooming across the site and reaching peak bloom. Several that are in full bloom are the bright pink Lilium ‘Elodie’ is in bloom along the back of the propagation greenhouse, the yellow Hemerocallis ‘Hyperion’ blooming along the propagation greenhouse steps, and the many orange lilies blooming, such as Lilium lancifolium var. splendens in the cottage garden.

Visitors should keep in mind that the coronavirus has had a significant impact on activities at the Willowwood Arboretum. This has led to the closure of the Rosarie for the season and impacted maintenance activities across the site. In addition, construction is currently underway to replace the cedar shingle roof on the Propagation Greenhouse.

Thank you for your patience and support during this time.
Zinnia Cheetham
MCPC Plant Records Curator Specialist

Willowwood Now Open Daily 8 am to Dusk

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As Covid restrictions have eased a bit, we are pleased to announce that the Willowwood Arboretum is open to visitors Daily 8 am to Dusk. All Buildings will be closed. A porta john will be available.

We ask that our guests continue to follow all social distancing guidelines and recommendations. Masks and 6′ distances between guests of different groups.

Instagram followers: https://www.instagram.com/willowwoodarboretumfoundation/ has wonderful and up to date photos of the gardens.