I’ve just returned from a vacation to visit family in southern Iowa. One of my favorite things about Iowa is the open landscape with acres and acres of corn and soybeans. On my brother’s cattle farm, the soybeans were waving in the breeze, lush and deep emerald green. Even took in a tractor pull and a demolition derby at the Appanoose County fair. Stories for another day.
This summer, I’ve been riding along with many of the garden guides listening to their interpretation and enjoying the Winterthur Garden. Each time I ride along, I hear a unique story and learn something new. If you get a chance to listen to Nora’s interpretation, you’ll hear about native plants and favorite trees. Jeannette weaves a story of beauty that connects the house to the garden. Duncan’s engaging tour is full of fun with facts and stories thrown in for good measure. JJ’s tour incorporates lovely transitions from one garden area to another. Each garden guide has his/her own perspective on the world and on this garden in particular. Hope you’ll ride along on the garden tram tours this summer.
What’s of interest today? Bright pink Crape myrtle at the East circle near the Dorrance Gallery, white Crape myrtle and Rose of Sharon in the lower Reflecting Pool garden. ”Naked ladies” or “Resurrection lillies” Lycoris squamigera is coming up amongst hosta making it look like the hosta have an amaryllis-like pink flower.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=LYSQ
The meadow by Magnolia Bend is fabulous with mixed textures and rich colors of wildflowers and grasses plus butterflies and bluebirds skiting about. Winterthur’s horticulturists and interns are working on re-planting the hill above the museum store with azaleas and camellias.
The children’s gardens near the greenhouses are growing by leaps and bounds. Check out the fig plants in whiskey barrels at the ends of the rows. These are cuttings from H.F. duPont’s figs!
Come, enjoy the Winterthur Garden and let us know your favorite cool place for summer in the garden.