Hi River Roaders, Well you knew this one was coming after my “April Showers” post two weeks ago.  After several weeks of wetter and colder than normal weather, it looks like things are going to warm up. Here are some of the flowers, shrubs and trees that have bloomed recently.

Virginia spiderwork (Tradescantia virginiana) in the vegetable garden.    Bees love the blue flowers.

American cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus) between the lower and middle parking lots.    

Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea) newly planted this year in the conservation area. Its in the carrot family and is a host plant for Black Swallowtail caterpillars.

Another beautiful native, Viburnum nudum, growing outside the lower classrooms in the new wing. 

A black cherry (Prunus serotina) in flower by the middle parking lot. 

Hanging clusters of white flowers of the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). This fast growing tree with rot resistant wood is common along our boundary with River Road. 

With the warmer weather and peak spring bird migration, I’m hoping next week we can do one for the birds. Enjoy the warm weather.

Joe