Winter Paints Our 250 Acres

Posted in Around the Garden on February 5 2014, by Lansing Moore

Another day, another blizzard. All this snowfall has been inconvenient for a lot of people, and it’s easy to forget winter’s beautiful side. The Garden is certainly dazzling today, so why not enjoy a brief tour by Kristin Schleiter, Associate Vice President for Outdoor Spaces and Senior Curator, of what makes winter at the Garden so special?

Even while the flowers are slumbering, waiting for spring, Kristin reminds us that there is much to admire, especially in the Native Plant Garden. After all, native plants are used to this climate, and winter reveals just another aspect of their beauty. Kristin points out the intricate structures of mountain mint as just one of the lovely details visitors can observe this time of year.

When the other leaves and petals fade away, winter conifers take center stage in an atmosphere worthy of Swan Lake. These trees have so much personality that is best observed in the snowy months, from the scruffy mountain fir to the steely blue Atlas cedar. The Benenson Ornamental Conifers and the Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum are each open year round and offer self-guided Seasonal Conifer Explorations.

Even if it is chilly, this time of year is when enjoying sunlight will do the most good. A Winter Walk in the Forest is a lovely way to enjoy snow without having to shovel it. Remember, if the perennials can make it through winter then so can you!

Of course, there is no need to shiver when the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is offering the Tropical Paradise exhibition. It should be especially warm for our upcoming Valentine’s Day Dates on February 14 and 15.