Spring Flowers Coming Soon…and a Tulip Update

The Gardens’ York Street location will likely have spring bulbs in bloom a little earlier than usual due to the warm winter. In early March, we are already seeing crocus, a few Narcissus (daffodil), Muscari (grape hyacinth) and Iris reticulata (netted iris), giving pollinators an early treat. 

Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will be on display along York Street in front of the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center and the Freyer – Newman Center. The great news is that access to these garden beds is free!

Inside the Gardens, tulips will be blooming in various locations, including the Steppe Garden, June’s PlantAsia and the Secret Garden. Please note that, due to a common blight that affects tulips, the Annuals Garden will not be featuring its usual tulip display this year or in 2027. We plan to have tulips in the Annual Garden’s 2028 spring display.

But don’t despair, a colorful variety of Fritillaria (checkered lily), Narcissus (daffodil), Hyacinthus (hyacinth) and Leucojum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’ (summer snowflakes) will be in the Annuals Garden this spring and will provide a longer and more varied display.

As you explore the rest of the Gardens, keep an eye out for pockets of other colorful spring flowers in the ground and in the trees! Our collection of crab apple trees along Shady Lane and in the Romantic Gardens will be bursting with delicate flowers. Apricot, Cornelian cherry, magnolia, redbud and lilacs will also join the party. 

Enjoy this gallery of spring blooms from March and April of last year to get a glimpse of what's coming.