Winter Discovery Stroll

Consider using this pre-planned tours as a way to spend your lunch hour, bring the children when you have a little time to kill between activities or simply enjoy the serenity of the Garden on your own.

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Taking a walk in the Garden after a snow is a magical experience. A blanket of white gives new outlines to trees, bushes and hard scapes. The activities of garden wildlife are revealed by tracks in the snow, squirrels, birds, mice, raccoon and waterfowl, all calling the Garden home. But even without snow, any garden stroll in the winter is worth getting bundled up for.

Begin your stroll heading north into the Shade Garden. Look to the right at the interesting bark of the stand of River Birch Trees, then take notice of the different tree and bark formations lining your path. The most dominant element is the large oak trees: stop along the way and look up to take in their massive size. At eye level is the under story filled with spring blooming bushes, several with berries, providing a winter food source. As you cross over the small bridge, to the left is our wildflower walk. If you happen to be strolling in late March you may want to take a detour to discover early wildflowers. The wooden framework of the Pond Gazebo provides interesting viewpoints of the surrounding gardens and pond. If you'nullre blessed with snow this scene is breathtaking. As you continue out of the Shade Garden take a look back at the silhouettes of branches against the winter sky. Continuing past the raised bed in front of you will be the Asian- American Garden; this is a great time to take in its design.

The Herb Garden to your left is filled with a wonderful blend of specialty gardens and hardscapes; the knot garden becomes a dominant element in the winter. Your stroll heads down the Sycamore Allee, which provides a wonderful framework to the "Monument to a Tree" sculpture and large garden landscapes. The gravel path to your right toward the parking lot provides many spectacular winter scenes.

Stay tuned for a Spring Discovery Stroll just around the corner!