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!
Fred Spicer spoke on the topic, “Why Do We Botanize” at the 3rd Annual Tubbs Lecture on April 23, 2017.
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
Mother Nature offered all her choices in one afternoon – rain, sleet, snow, sunshine and rainbows but the staunch and happy party go’ers wrapped in down and wellies enjoyed the wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres by Ross and Owren, silent plant sale and music by the wonderful TEN of the NY University Glee Club.
Cool, wet weather in March slowed down our spring explosion, but activity in the gardens and landscape is starting to heat up again. The long range forecast for the week is sun and warmth! Daffodils (Narcissus sp.) are poised to be a prime attraction during the next couple of weeks and Willowwood’s collection contains over 40 cultivars. Over 1000 ‘Pistachio’ bulbs – a trumpet daffodil were planted last Fall to add to the collection! These happy yellow first signs of Spring range from dainty, solo flowers to clusters of thousands of blooms. Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) complements the daffodils and delights with sweeps of bright blue. The swelling buds of magnolias (Magnolia sp.) and cherries (Prunus sp.) promise more even more color in the coming weeks. Take a walk through the Orchard, Woodwalk, and Hillside Pasture to see these signs of spring and much more.
Be sure to walk by the propagation house and peek through the glass for a glimpse of pansies, violas, and numerous annuals being readied for the spring and summer seasons!