By Kristin Hennig

When is the best time of year to visit the garden? This is a question I frequently get asked. And my answer is always, right now. No matter the time of year, there is always beauty to be found within and around Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden.

Now if you were to ask me, “what is your favorite season in the garden,” my answer is always going to be spring. There is something magical about coming to work each day and seeing the many changes that have happened overnight. Trees with new leaves and buds waiting for the perfect moment to open. The welcoming fragrance of the Magnolia figo, the banana shrub, when its creamy yellow flowers finally bloom. Bulbs that shoot up from deep in the soil and eventually produce a sea of color in the Pattern Garden. These are just a few of the transformations that happen in the garden throughout the spring.

The Spectacular Tulip Bloom is our annual display of spring color. Beginning in late March and all throughout April, thousands of tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs show off a stunning display of color in the garden. This year 15,000 individual bulbs are planted in the Pattern Garden and Hourglass Garden. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more in shades of white, yellows, oranges, reds, pinks, and purples will soon blanket the planting beds in these annual display gardens.

For approximately six weeks, there will be bulbs in bloom. The early season varieties begin blooming in mid to late March, mid-season varieties in early April, and late season varieties in mid to late April. Peak blooming season is always a guessing game, but we typically see it happen in the second week of April. Weather always plays a factor as we anticipate blooms, so we post regular updates online about The Spectacular Tulip Bloom.

The tulips and daffodils blooming in the Pattern Garden are just some of the many flowers blooming during March and April. So much of the garden is waking up from winter dormancy. Walk from the parking lot to the Welcome Center and discover five acres of developed garden spaces awaiting your exploration. Iris, allium, dianthus, camelia, and viburnum are just a few of the many flowers you might see this time of year.

The outdoor garden displays are open daily for self-guided tours from sunrise until sunset. Scavenger hunts are available for our youngest visitors, and those young at heart, and are a fun activity to do while exploring the garden at your own pace. Come into the Welcome Center and Gift Shop on Mondays-Fridays from 10am-4pm for a paper copy of the scavenger hunt or download a copy from the Knowledge page of our website.

In addition to self-guided tours, there are a number of exciting programs and events scheduled this spring. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming programs and events.

We are excited to welcome Miss Stefanie from Paddison Memorial Library back to the garden on Tuesdays, March 11 and April 8 at 10:00am for Story Time in the Garden. Children 6 and under are invited to join us for this free program outside on the Patio Terrace for stories, songs, and a special garden themed activity.

On Mondays, March 24 and April 28 at 10:30am, a Kindermusik Playdate with Carol Penney is happening inside the ballroom. This is a free program for families with children 5 & under. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

If you are planning any outdoor landscaping this spring, put the Spring Plant Sale on your calendar and set a reminder now. It will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 8:00am-12:00pm. Shop a selection of shrubs and herbaceous perennials for sun and shade, all while supporting the garden. The list of available plants will be announced on March 28. We are also excited to share the vendors that will have booths at the plant sale: KW Homestead with herbs and vegetable starts, Greensboro Beautiful with native pollinator plants, and Pond Country with aquatic plants. Come early for the best selection, we frequently sell out of many plants before 10am on the day of the plant sale.

There is so much to see and do at the garden this spring. Plan your visit and register for programs by visiting our website, www.CienerBotanicalGarden.org.