Just got in from a quick walk along the March Bank at Winterthur. The blue of Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa lucilliae) and Siberian Squill (Scilla sibirica) is coming along nicely. There is much more blue than I expected with this week’s chilly temperatures. I should never try to second-guess this -or any- garden!
Today, it’s about 55 degrees with bright sun and the flowers are fully open. We’re on the leading edge of the “blue phase” of the March Bank. Over the next week or so, it will become more intensely saturated.
My favorite views in late March are daffodil “clouds” as the dark stubble of leaves emerge on the hillsides, reminding me of a 5 o’clock shadow. Doesn’t sound pretty, does it? It’s like my dad’s scratchy beard mixed with the promise of spring.
This afternoon I encountered two couples walking in the garden. The first woman stated that she and her husband had just come up with a new life plan. They are going to take an afternoon off a week to have lunch at Winterthur and walk in the garden. A worthy idea for enjoying life to the fullest, don’t you think?
I met the second couple walking near the greenhouses and asked if they had seen the March Bank. Oh yes, they said with glee. The woman added that today is their 48th wedding anniversary; they celebrated by enjoying the garden from their favorite bench. The March Bank seems to be blooming just for them!
Question: is the March Bank still blue? It’s April 2. Would it be worth a trip the 3rd or 4th? I read your blog entry about last week, but I’m not clear what’s blooming right now and if I should make the trek. Thanks.
Sara, yes it is. I will be up in the garden in about an hour and will check to make sure. But there is still plenty of blue to see.