Written by Tolly Beck
Tolly Beck is the horticulturist at Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Westchester County. She was formerly a horticulture educator for New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland, NY.
What’s In Bloom
Trees
Crab apple Malus spp.
Dogwood Cornus florida
Eastern redbud Cercis canadensis
Flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
Star magnolia Magnolia stellata
Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangiana
Shrubs
Azalea Rhododendron spp.
Burkwood Viburnum Viburnum x burkwoodii
Carol Mackie Daphne Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’
Flowering quince Chaenomeles japonica
Korean spice viburnum Viburnum carlesii
Lilac Syringa spp.
Pinxterbloom azalea Rhododendron periclymenoides
Scotch heather Calluna vulgaris spp.
Witch alder Fothergilla spp.
Perennials
Bleeding heart Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Creeping phlox Phlox subulata
Heartleaf foamflower Tiarella cordifolia
Lenten rose Helleborous orientalis
Virginia bluebells Mertensia virginiana
Yellow corydalis Corydalis lutea
Bulbs
Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcasus
Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
Tulips Tulipa spp. and cvs.
Signs of Spring
Spring is definitely on its way. The Winter Hazel (Corylopsis spicata) shrub next to the small brown shed by the greenhouse has opened its pale primrose- yellow flowers. Nearby along the path by the Memorial Garden, the Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) shrub is showing off its bright yellow flowers.
Bulb foliage has pushed its way through the soil. The green leaves of the daffodils (Narcissus) are intermingled with swelling flower buds just waiting to open. In sunny, warm or protected areas of the gardens many of the yellow daffodils have already opened, spreading their much needed cheer. Colorful hyacinths are also blooming in the corners of the formal section of the Memorial Garden and areas outside the green kiosk entrance gates. Tulips in shades of apricot, rose, yellow and white will be flowering in the formal garden circles.
The pink or white star magnolia shrubs are in bloom to be followed soon by the saucer magnolias producing yellow, pink, and purple flowers. Walk through the Memorial Garden and along the path by the Magnolia grove and you will see springtime unfolding.
To see what is currently flowering at Lasdon Park, click on the In the Spotlight box at the bottom of the Home Page and you will be taken to the list of What’s in Bloom. Updates are done weekly. Come and visit Lasdon Park and enjoy being out in nature where you can discover your own signs of Spring!