Category: Bloom Reports

Despite the worries of hurricanes, the weather forecast this week (10.5.16) and the weekend is just about perfect, warm in the sun, cool breeze and still so many plants in bloom in the gardens. And remember, the Arboretum is open from 8 am to dusk daily, so lots of time for a ramble through the gardens or hike in the meadows.

Willowwood Arboretum’s new Plant Record Specialist and Plant Curator. Barrett Wilson, has suggestions for the next week or so:

October is a time of rapid change in the landscape, with the summer shades of green giving way to an ever increasing palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. The warm weather and lack of frost have helped the Rosarie and Cottage Garden extend their exceptional variety of color into the fall season, and the meadows are highlighted with late goldenrod (Solidago altissima) and New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). However, visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for other less common wildflowers, such as the frost aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) in the meadows and zig-zag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) which can be found in moist and shady areas.
An important group of plants that begins to shine this time of year are the viburnums. Some good places to see these are in the Orchard and Monarda Meadow. Look for the developing deep maroon leaves of possumhaw (Viburnum nudum). Although the berry-like fruit of viburnums are technically called drupes, they are certainly magnificent by any name. The linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) is adorned with shiny, bright red berries, while the leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) has berries of two colors visible at this time of year as reds change to blue-black. The rainbow of color doesn’t stop there – yellow European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus cv. Xanthocarpum) (photo) displays drooping clusters of yellow fruit that are a favorite of birds, especially as colder weather approaches.

Visit and enjoy!

Willowwood Arboretum is just gorgeous at this time of year. The gardens, particularly the Rosarie and the Cottage Gardens are filled with blooms and riotous greenery. While rain has been scarce, the gardeners have been watering and with cooler nights and warm sunny days, visitors can enjoy these beautifully planted and arranged areas. And the meadows are in bloom as well for those who wish to take a short hike towards Bamboo Brook (which now has a cell phone tour as well!).

There is much in bloom here at Willowwood this week: in the Rosarie, several varieties of clematis, roses, white baptisia, luminously yellow evening primroses, and oakleaf hydrangea. In the Cottage Garden: hardy geraniums, white foxgloves, spotted deadnettle, lady’s mantle, poppies and cornflowers.
However, despite the abundance of blooms, June is really a month to celebrate the color green. Everywhere, leaves have filled out and transitioned from early-season coloring (often lighter yellow-green or reddish) to mature hues. Deep, satisfying tones of green surround us, and seem to quench a thirst that has built up during the drabber months of the year.
Plants whose interest is primarily from their foliage, like hostas, tiarellas and ferns, are looking spectacular now. Their leaves and fronds are fully grown, yet bright and fresh, still largely unblemished by the inevitable wear and tear that comes with living.
Taking a walk through Willowood’s woodland trails this time of year is a great way to get an intense dose of green that is both energizing and calming. The trails through the Bee Meadow are also lovely now, and will give you an excellent view of the curiously fluffy, popcorn-like catalpa flowers in bloom alongside the path.

May has been a spectacular month at Willowwood, and there is so much in bloom here now that a short report will hardly do it justice: you will simply have to come and see the gardens for yourself!

Later-flowering lilacs are still in bloom, and a stroll through the Lilac Collection will reward you with restful shades of pink, purple and blue, as well as drifts of scent. Now that summer temperatures seem to have arrived, continue through the Orchard and back down the Woodwalk for a shaded walk and cooling views of the brook. Rhododendrons are in bloom along the Woodwalk, as are herbaceous woodland plants like Solomon’s seal and candelabra primulas.

Pan’s Garden is also looking lovely at the moment, and can be reached easily from the Woodwalk. The white clematis ‘Guernsey Cream’ is in its element there now, and there are some lovely white irises and Jacob’s ladder in bloom as well.

In the Cottage Garden, the tapestry of perennials is getting taller practically by the minute and there is plenty in bloom, including irises and several varieties of clematis. Annuals of all stripes have also recently been planted out in the Cottage Garden, the Rosarie, and elsewhere; come have a look at them while they are small and watch them grow and fill out in the gardens over the course of the summer.

Willowwood and its adjacent sister property Bamboo Brook are open daily 8 am to dusk. No pets allowed.