A delightful consequence of the constant rainy weather is the lushness of growth this spring. If ever there was a time to take a spring walk in a garden it is now — we all deserve it this year! After so many cloudy or wet days when the sun did not shine, we have a true appreciation for it, plus the temperatures now are warm but not yet too hot. Add into the mix the greening growth of trees that seems to unfold overnight. Then combine the scents and sights of flowers and the sounds of birds — it all adds up to an immersion into spring.  

May is a month of continuous flowering of trees and shrubs. Crabapples (Malus floribunda) and dogwoods (Cornus florida) are in full bloom, with lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) just starting.  The Korean spice bush (Viburnum carlesii) fills the North Garden with its sweet scent as the lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) will soon drift its fragrance throughout the Bosquet. Little treasures from newly planted bluets (Houstonia caerulea) to well establish primroses (Primula sieboldii) can be found growing along the path in the Enclosed Garden.

The North Garden perennials are starting to blossom with avens (Geum hybrids), woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) and catmint (Nepeta faassenii ‘Early Bird’), along with the charming tulip mix that should last through the weekend.

With the warm sunshine, the American toads’ calls can be heard in the distance from the Water Garden. There is the promise of new toads for the gardens with a healthy batch of tadpoles in the pond.  Carolina wrens, song sparrows and red-wing blackbirds are a pleasure to hear throughout the day. And finally – just as in years past – I spotted a pair of orioles singing in the crabapples plus a pair of hummingbirds zooming through the gardens. It’s heartening to be out in a spring garden.

Featured Image: Cutting Garden

Click here to view Gail’s video of tadpoles.