Category: News

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.

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!

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

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!