If you like to walk the trails and/or hike around Willowwood and Bamboo Brook, late summer and into late fall with the changing foliage and blooming meadows is a perfect time.
This article “When you could in Jersey — and touch Africa” by Michele S. Byers, Executive Director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation, on our News Page will provide a different perspective as you walk around both properties.
As summer slowly starts to wind down, a subtle transition begins to occur in the meadows at the Willowwood. The mid-summer blooming perennials such as wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), slender mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolim), and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) have all begun to push out what will be their final flush of flowers for the season and have initiated the early process of seed production.
Late summer-blooming native plants now take center stage as a precursor for the spectacular show of colors that make the meadows at Willowwood so magnificent in the fall. The bright yellow blooms of tall goldenrod (Solidago atltissima) have started to illuminate the fields, while the clusters of New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis), and hollow Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) that tower over the other meadow vegetation begin to blossom adding hues of purple and pink to the mix.
Although considered an invasive species, Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carot) adds a graceful and airy element to the dense meadows. This biennial, a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), has the appearance of a bird’s nest while in bud that unfurls to reveal delicate compound umbels of white flowers.
Native grasses, such as Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) have also started to flower changing to the distinctive chestnut-brown and carmine-red seed heads that give the fall meadows their wispiness and earthy color tones.
Although sometimes subtle, the late summer is the perfect time to get a taste of the cool crisp autumn days that lie ahead.
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