What's Blooming Now in the Ellipse Garden?

FALL COLORS IN THE WILLIAMSBURG BOTANICAL GARDEN

With a mild fall and a few cold nights, flowers are still blooming in the Ellipse Garden, while leaves are showing vivid colors. Tattered butterflies are sipping the last of the nectar from the Verbenas and Salvias, and the bushy asters in the wetlands are alive with buzzing insects. Most of the beautyberries have lost their leaves, exposing the brilliant rose-purple berries for birds to enjoy. The grasses are in full bloom, with golden-brown seedheads and leaves.

Garden workers have marked plots in the meadow for periodic weeding and maintenance. Most of the crabgrass and other invasive plants have been removed, new perennials were installed, and grasses will be added in the spring. With the permanent deer fence in place, the wildflower meadow should be covered with blossoms in the spring.

Gary Driscoll has joined the Friday morning maintenance team of Carolyn and Ralph Will and Donna Ware. They can always use help, so come on out! Call Helen Hamilton, 564-4494 for more information.

Asters with insects

Woolgrass

Verbena and Butterfly

Mistflower