Spring
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Spring
New Beginnings
Spring brings emerging growth to the Garden. Things are happening in every corner – sprouts begin to show on trees; plants send up shoots, birds begin building their nests, and we return to enjoy the sunshine, warmer weather, and new life emerging from the soil. You’ll love experiencing the sounds and sights of spring. There are many wildflowers in the Garden this time of year that are often referred to as spring ephemerals because they grow, flower and disappear so quickly. Because they begin growing before many of the warmer season plants wake up, this is about the only time you will be able to see them in the Garden. The plants grow just long enough to flower and be pollinated, form seeds to ripen and drop to the ground to form new plants.
Bloodroot
In mid-March, those with sharp eyes will find small bloodroot flowers beginning to open. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant of the poppy family, native throughout eastern North America, and blooms in the early spring. Look for this small, stemless white bloom on the forest floor. You will find these by the Calcareous Ravine.
Summer Snowflake
Summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) is a tough shade plant that will spread and compete with tree roots. The green dots on each petal are delightful. These are in the Shade Garden.
Columbine
Columbine (Aquilegia) can be found all over the Garden and is easy to spot because it seeds around so prolifically. You can see one growing out of the side of the Calcareous Ravine wall here. This native perennial from the buttercup family blooms each spring and adds a lovely touch of color. They prefer partial shade, well-drained soil and provide nectar for many butterflies, moths and hummingbirds
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) grow in shady locations and not only have beautiful bell-shaped flowers that emerge pink and turn blue as the flower opens, but foliage that is purple and turns to a vibrant green. This is a native perennial that is always a delight. These are in the Shade Garden.
Hellebores
As March welcomes in April, Hellebores (Helleborus) have been blooming long enough to show their seed pods in the center of the bloom. This winter blooming plant grows in clumps and features large, cup-shaped flowers that last for weeks. The plant is sometimes referred to as Lenten Rose because it blooms during Lent. You will find them in shady areas as you wander past the Shade and Perennial Gardens.
Ferns
The fiddleheads on ferns are unfurling with such an interesting texture which will change dramatically as they grow. These may be found in shady areas of the Garden.
Shooting Star
Shooting Star (Primula meadia) is a native wildflower that blooms in early April and then goes dormant for the summer. The blooms do indeed look like shooting stars. These can be found in the Perennial Garden.
Lady's Slippers
The delightful Lady’s Slippers (Cypripedium parvifolium) may be found in the Calcareous Ravine the beginning of April.
Golden Alexander
The Meadow and area behind the Bog Garden is covered in yellow blooms about a foot from the ground in early April. This is the native Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) bloom. The plant is also a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly.
Carolina Allspice
The Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus) is a shrub that has beautiful and fragrant blooms in early April that last for about a month. It grows in shady woodlands and can be found close to the Fairy Garden.
American Wisteria
But don’t forget to look for so many of the other wonderful plants beginning to flower. The American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) will cover much of the trellis. Have a seat in the shade and enjoy the ‘tunnel’ effect.
Coral Honeysuckle
By the beginning of May, over in the meadow, the Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) will begin to attract many pollinators.
Wildlife
Speaking of pollinators, you’ll find a wide variety of these incredible insects as well as other interesting critters in the Garden in the spring. Look for butterflies, bees, moths, and even a Five-lined Skink to add enjoyment to your walk.
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) blooms in mid-May in a profusion of pom pom shaped groups. It can be found by the fence just past the car gate.
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5537 Centerville Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
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Williamsburg, VA 23187