The photos speak for themselves this week—it’s definitely poppin’ out there! The arboretum really shines in May with fragrant lilacs blooming in the Display Garden and rhododendrons of every color lighting up the wooded rhododendron gardens. At the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Japanese Garden is also aglow with azaleas and the new growth of yews.

Holden Arboretum

If you’re planning on coming to the Arboretum this weekend, make sure you set aside plenty of time—there’s a lot to see! From the parking lot, start in the Display Garden to see (and smell) the lilacs. If you’re a lilac lover, now is the time to enjoy them before their peak bloom period is gone.

After walking the Display Garden loop around Lotus Pond, head to the Wildflower Garden to check out the May wildflowers. Eastern columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) and shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) are in bloom right now. Both of these species have pendulous flowers that are quite entertaining to watch a bee pollinate.

Finally, head to the Rhododendron Gardens to explore our diverse and extensive collection of azaleas. Two highlights this week are the dense magenta blooms of Rhododendron ‘Karens’ and vibrant red-orange flowers or Rhododendron ‘Aladdin’. If you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry—there will be plenty more to come in the next couple of weeks!

Cleveland Botanical Garden

The sculptural forms of the Japanese Garden can be enjoyed year-round, but the garden really lights up this time of year when the azaleas are in bloom and the meticulously pruned yew hedges are aglow with bright green spring growth. Learn more about the history of our beloved Japanese Garden this summer at our 50^th anniversary celebration and exhibit, Between Water and Stone!

In the Restorative Garden, look out for the huge tree peony flowers. They are called tree peonies not because they grow to the size of a tree (although that would be amazing), but because unlike garden peonies, they are woody.

The weather is supposed to be absolutely beautiful this weekend, and our gardens are the perfect place to enjoy Mother’s Day this Sunday. Come enjoy the sunshine and the beauty of May!