Beautiful Wildflowers + Spring = A Visit to Garden in the Woods
Garden in the Woods, like all famous beauties, has often had its portrait taken. Its curving paths welcome visitors into a naturalistic garden that explores the exuberance and rich diversity of nature that is lovely from all angles and at any season, changing according to the day and weather.In April, wildflowers appear in an exciting array of colors, textures, and shapes. The golden chalices of Celandine Poppies mingle with Virginia Bluebells and intertwine with woodferns. Ephemeral Trout Lilies, Dutchman's Breeches, and Squirrel Corn line the edge of woodland paths while sweeps of yellow Spicebush and golden Marsh Marigolds illuminate wetlands. Tucked among rocks, delicate-hued Hepaticas, dainty Rue Anemones, and glistening white Bloodroot bathe their fragile blossoms in the sunlight.
During May plants weave and layer in evermore-intricate patterns. Drifts of blue Wood Phlox spill into the distance behind the sculptural leaves and flowers of large Yellow Lady-slippers. Gracefully arching stalks of Solomon's Seal, green-hooded Jackin-the-pulpits, and Shooting-stars provide unexpected accents. Here and there the blossoms of Redbud, Pink Shell Azaleas, and Great White Trilliums stand in relief against the rough textured trunks of Oaks and Pines.
By June, filtered sunlight casts dapples patterns on glistening ribbons of evergreen Galax. In special sunny habitats, delicate pink Calopogons, Yellow Stargrass, Prickly Pear Cacti (including a native New England variety), and ruby-throated Pitcher Plants provide a fascinating display. The Lily Pond reflects the lush Iris that bloom along its banks and delights children with sunbathing turtles and croaking frogs.
The remarkably diverse habitats at Garden in the Woods charm summer visitors as new gems continually appear. Around the Lily Pond, the rich fragrance of Sweet Pepperbush permeates the air. Nearby, Cardinal Flowers team with their relatives, Great Blue Lobelia, and Black-eyed Susans to form a brilliant color triangle.
Not to be out shown, the summer Meadow and nearby Wildlife Garden blaze with wildflowers in eye catching hues of raspberry, lavender, orange, red, white, and gold. As July passes into August, butterflies, moths, and birds flit and swoop among the Bee Balm, Coneflowers, Blazing Stars, Blackeyed Susans, Turk's-cap Lilies, and Butterfly Weed adding colorful punctuation marks to the profusion of flowers.
In fall, the slanting light highlights plant forms in different ways and brings a special radiance to grasses. Crisp autumn days shift nature's palette to include brilliant foliage and colorful berries. From mid-September to the end of October the warm tones of autumn begin to saturate the foliage of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and ferns. Salmonhued Sumacs, burgundy-leaved Blueberries, and golden Beeches weave a new tapestry of color.
Throughout the seasons, the Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Frarningham, MA, displays nearly 1700 varieties of wildflowers and other native plants on 45 glacially-sculpted acres. The Garden is open daily from April 15-June 15, Tuesday-Sunday from June 16-October 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended May hours to 7 p.m. Last admission to Garden trails is one hour before closing. Informal Guided Walks are at 10 a.m. during regular Garden hours, except at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Group Tours are by reservation. A self-guiding tour booklet is available in the Visitor Center.
Our nationally known nursery sells the largest selection of wildflowers in New England. The Visitor Center includes a gift and bookshop.
For information and directions to the Garden in the Woods call the 24-hour information/events line (508) 877-6574, the office during regular business hours (508) 877-7630, or visit our website at www.newfs.org
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