It’s Poppin’: May 24th

May 24, 2024

The unseasonably high temperatures this week have been a clear reminder that summer is right around the corner. Between grilling, chilling, swimming, or any other Memorial Day weekend activities you might be partaking in this weekend, stop by either of our campuses to catch the late spring and early summer bloomers currently putting on a show.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

The highlight of the gardens this week are the rose gardens, both the Historic Rose Garden maintained by the Western Reserve Herb Society as well as the Swetland Rose Garden. Completely renovated in 2022, the Swetland Rose Garden has really flourished this year and is currently packed with roses in every color of the rainbow. If you’re looking for fragrance, make sure to walk through the Historic Rose Garden that is lined with mature, fragrant roses.

Holden Arboretum

While the earliest azaleas have faded, later-blooming large-leaved Rhododendrons are still going strong. Check out the Rhododendron Discovery Garden for several interesting varieties, and while you’re there, make sure to keep an eye out for the various peonies in shades of yellow, magenta, and white.

On your way out to the Discovery Garden, I recommend taking the Western path around Lotus Pond to catch the fringetrees in bloom on the eastern edge of the Wildflower Garden. This eastern US native is a member of the olive family and has extremely fragrant frilly white flowers that are sure to grab your attention on a warm breezy day. Taking this path will also give you the chance to see the Baptisia coming into bloom including the bright yellow flowers of Baptisia ‘Screaming Yellow’, which definitely lives up to its name.

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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