The wildflower walk, an Arboretum annual tradition, May 6

On a slope just south of the Connecticut College Arboretum laurel walk lies the Edgerton and Stengel Wildflower Garden, containing over 75 species of wildflowers. Meet by the Outdoor Theater, a short walk from the entrance to the native plant collection on Williams Street, to join Arboretum director Glenn Dreyer for the free annual wildflower walk on Friday, May 6, at noon.

Some of the flowers one can expect to see include Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Virginia Blue Bells, Wild Geranium, Solomon’s Seal and Wild Columbine. The Edgerton and Stengel Wildflower Garden is filled with wildflowers, ferns and a shrub layer of native azaleas and rhododendrons. Sheltered by a canopy of white ash and red maple, this naturalistic garden displays its beauty on a west-facing slope. The remains of stone walls are reminders of the original agricultural use of the land.

Guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch to eat by the Arboretum pond either before or after enjoying a 45-minute walk in the woodland garden.

The wildflower garden was created in 1956 as a memorial to Mrs. Malcolm J. Edgerton, who had been a respected member of the Arboretum Advisory Committee and the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. The actual design of the garden was created by John Stengel, arboretum horticulturist, Dr. Richard H. Goodwin, arboretum director and Dr. William A. Niering, professor of botany. Learn more about the wildflower garden. 

 

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May 2, 2016