What's Blooming Now in the Ellipse Garden?

MAY 2008 IN THE ELLIPSE GARDEN:

While April was the "yellow" month, as we move into May the garden is blooming with pinks and purples -- purple verbena edging the butterfly garden, pink chives in the herb garden, wild pinks in the patio area. Several iris species are adding spikes of blue color in the patio area and in the native gardens dwarf crested iris and rescued vernal iris show deep purple and yellow petals. And watch the lacy white fingers of the fringe trees coming into full bloom.

Red, white and purple verbenas greet the visitor who opens the Ellipse Garden gate, along the border of the Patriotic Meadow. They should cover the entire border very soon!

Just to the left of the Patriotic Meadow are round sky-blue clusters of blue dogbane or amsonia willow. It is a nice addition to a woodland, appearing just after the wild blue phlox is fading.

Several sweetshrubs are blooming in the native garden, and two clumps of oxeye daisy are in full bloom at the entrance to the Butterfly Garden.

The garden is responding to the care provided by volunteers and our paid worker Ed Matish. Thanks to all who are making the garden grow!
--Helen Hamilton, Horticulture Committee