Early Spring Bulbs In Bloom at Leonard J. Buck Garden

Spring Arrives Early at Leonard J. Buck Garden

FAR HILLS, NJ – Early spring bulbs and perennials are blooming at the Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, New Jersey. The calendar may say winter but the plants are emerging about one month early this year; hellebores, winter aconite, snowdrops, crocus, dwarf netted iris, and other cold hardy plants are already blooming.

The public is invited to visit the Garden to see beautiful early bulbs including winter aconite, Siberian squill, and common snowdrops that have naturalized throughout the garden.

Winter aconite has carpeted the garden beds with masses of cheery, lemon-yellow buttercup flowers; tucked away in the corners of Polypody Rock you notice the pheasant's eye, Adonis amurensis, a delicate, ferny foliage perennial topped with a golden globe flower. Growing among the deciduous trees and along the woodland edge is the common snowdrop; its droopy, milky-white flower can be seen swaying in the breeze.  Crocus, perhaps the most familiar of the little bulbs, has become a staple along the Helen R. Buck Trail. Their flowers bloom in various colors ranging from yellow, purples, to white.  

Edging its way along Horseshoe Rock grow stands of dwarf netted iris. Their solitary, pale blue to purple flowers are faintly fragrant.  Several dwarf netted iris cultivars can be seen including Iris reticulata 'Harmony' with royal blue flowers edged with white.  Siberian squill burst into bloom on Big Rock with sensational electric blue blossoms with clusters of nodding, starry flowers on spikes with dark, green, strap-like leaves.  Many cultivars of daffodil transform the woodland slopes and garden beds into masses of vibrant yellows and golds. 

The cold tolerant bulbs and perennials thrive in the cool, damp days of late winter and early spring and vanish before other plants have the chance to upstage them. Their arrival depends on the whims of Mother Nature, and so far, Mother Nature has been very kind with warm winter weather.

Visit the Leonard J. Buck Garden and experience the varied collection of these marvelous plants.  To see what's in bloom go to www.somersetcountyparks.org and click on gardens.

Leonard J. Buck Garden winter hours are weekdays 10 am - 4 pm; closed on weekends and major holidays in December - March.  Beginning March 31 hours are Monday through Friday 10 am - 4 pm; Saturday 10am - 5pm; and Sunday 12 pm- 5 pm.  

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.