Oh boy, here it comes. These warm temperatures are bringing loads of flowers out in the Winterthur Garden. The Winterhazel Walk is almost in full bloom with Korean Rhododendrons and Winterhazel planted with hellebores underneath. The “Wada’s Memory” Magnolia in the Sundial Garden is almost fully open. Cherry trees and shrubs are blooming just past Magnolia Bend. Twinkly Italian windflowers blanket the upper March Bank. Such fun!
Too much to tell you about. (Sorry!) Grab your membership card or get an admission tag in the visitor center. Whatever you do, don’t miss spring in the Winterthur Garden! Recommendation: come at least once a week from now until mid-June to see the unfolding drama and color.
If you’re really into cherry trees, the Delaware Valley is a fabulous place to see them. No need to drive to DC! Check this out: http://www.greaterphiladelphiagardens.org/column.asp?BlogID=138
Magnolia ‘Wada’s Memory’ near Sundial Garden
Hi Karen, We love to visit Winterthur and Longwood Gardens when the Azaleas are in bloom. I know that spring is a little later than last year. Do you know what would be the best week to visit to see the azaleas in bloom this year? Last year you gave us wonderful advice, and our visit was perfect. Wanda – 10 Apr 2013 (e-mail: wanda@gemair.com).
Thanks for writing, Wanda! I’ll check with the horticulture staff to see if they have any ideas. The azaleas are pretty tight right now, though we have some early rhododendrons in bloom. I’ll post their response on this blog, but it may be a few weeks until they are willing to make a call. What we need is a really good crystal ball! (Right now, though, I’d say it’s a pretty normal spring and would anticipate the azaleas in bloom May 8-18…but at this point, it’s a guess.)
Hi again, Wanda! I checked in with the horticulturist in charge of Azalea Woods. It’s pretty early to make a prediction, but this is her response: With the push of warm weather this week, I think the Azaleas are on schedule to be at peak color for Mother’s Day week. The temperatures are supposed to be in the seventies next week; the Azaleas will most likely start showing color last week of April. Any way, that’s my guess.
Thanks Karen for the info on the azaleas. We made hotel reservations for 3-10 May 2013–so hopefully we will be able to see some of your beautiful azaleas. Wanda – 12 Apr 2013