As the harbingers of spring, the winter aconites (Eranthus hyemalis) under the beech in the Front Lawn begin to loose their yellow color and the very last of the snow piles disappears from the parking lot, the gardening season is under full swing at George Eastman House.

Winter Aconites

The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), a bit of a misnomer in our growing zone, is in full bloom under the fothergillas and tree peonies in the West Garden.

Christmas Rose

Tucked in the southwest corner near the steps into the West Garden is the earliest blooming rhododendron on site, the Korean rhododendron (Rhododendron muconulaum) whose pink flower buds are showing color.

Korean Rhododendron

There are Siberian squills popping up everywhere, in the lawns and many of the beds and borders. The first daffodil opened in the Terrace Garden on April 8.

Daffodils

The fern-leafed peony (Paeonia tenufolia) and oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) seem to grow inches each sunny warm day.

Fern-leafed Peony

Oriental Poppies

Garden Tours officially start in May and run through September, Tuesday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. If you are a Museum Member, see what’s in bloom on the members’ monthly In the Garden tours from May through September, including May 24 and June 28.

You May Also Enjoy:

1. The Gardens are Gorgeous! We are having the most beautiful May!  It has been...
2. Winter aconites are blooming! Spring must be on its way!  When I arrived at...
3. Terrace Garden Pond ca. 1910   Here is an image of the Terrace Garden...
4. Terrace Garden Pond Gets Spring Cleaning At the end of April we drained and cleaned the...
5. Tulips and Hyacinths and Daffodils, Oh My! Every fall volunteers gather in the Eastman House barn to...