Even though the forecast predicts freezing temperatures soon, many indications that Spring is just around the corner are beginning to be on display in Montgomery Botanical Gardens. The frilly, yellow blossoms of Forsythia hedges are the early bloomer to brighten our mood and raise our expectations of a colorful Spring to come. Many of the 2500 Daffodil bulbs that were supplied by the Montgomery Clean City Commission and planted by Master Gardener volunteers last Fall are beginning to push their green sprouts up through the soil in a number of locations and a few are even showing off their lovely yellow flowers already. Neither of these botanical beauties that are delightful harbingers of Spring will remain in bloom very long. So, plan to visit the gardens right away.
The Japanese Tulip trees are bursting with their deep pink blossoms and the Star Magnolia displays its pink and white star-shaped flowers even to the chilly winds. Many of the trees in the gardens, including the small Japanese Maples in Phase II, are showing tiny signs of new colorful leaves beginning to develop.
While all the new growth and hints of Spring are becoming evident, the marvelous, majestic Japonica Camellia shrubs in Phase I continue their Winter blooming. Some of the largest specimens are very old and display hundreds of blooms on each shrub. Other Camellias were planted in Phase II last year and are small but their blooms are impressive. The Japonica Camellia blooms will not last much longer, so don’t delay your visit to the gardens to enjoy the beauty of the ending of Winter as well as the indications of the beginnings of Spring.
When you visit the gardens, take time to walk over and see the newly installed gate at the Pedestrian Entrance to MBG on Forest Avenue between the stone columns. This entrance provides a more easily accessible and safer option for visitors entering the garden.
