Blooming Easter Weekend

Easter weekend promises to bring great weather and masses of spring flowers to Willowwood. The daffodils are nearly in full bloom now and present breathtaking views along the entrance driveway. Cherries and magnolia add splashes of spring color all over the arboretum. There is a giant Higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Shaka No Hisui’) in the Lilac Collection area, and an ancient specimen of Japanese alpine cherry (P. nipponica) from 1929 at the back of the Red Barn. Look for impressive examples of willowleaf magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia) in the Brocade Hillside. Don’t forget that green is a color too! The stachyurus (Stachyurus chinensis) next to the propagation house has cascades of yellow-green flowers that resemble catkins. Barrett Wilson, Willowwood Arboretum Plant Curator