It’s Poppin’: May 1

May 1, 2026

It’s May, and it’s definitely Poppin’! The exceptionally warm March we experienced this year has resulted in earlier bloom times than usual for many plants in our collections, including rhododendrons. A walk through the southern half of the arboretum will reveal that many azaleas are already at their peak bloom, and even some large-leaved rhododendrons are opening up. The forecast is cool for the next week, so we expect the display to have some longevity despite its early start. Stop by either campus this weekend to catch rhododendrons in bloom at either campus as well as other mid-spring highlights including phlox and flowering dogwoods. Make sure to check our collection map, Flora Finder, to locate the highlighted plants of the week so you don’t miss the most spectacular displays!

Alexandra Faidiga

Assistant Curator

Alex collaborates with the Curator of Living Collections, Plant Records Curator, and horticulture staff to ensure the Living Collections are not only captivating but also meaningful for research, ecology and conservation. Alex also helps coordinate collecting trips to acquire new plants for the Living Collections and documents them using GIS and our plant records database. She is motivated by the role public gardens can play in preserving biodiversity and loves helping people discover their new favorite plant.

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