Ma Nature’s Yearly Miracle – Stunning Spring Blooms

May Flowers Abound at The Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL (May 9, 2007) – May is now bringing a spectacular palette of colorful flowering trees at the Morton Arboretum.

“We have reached the height of the spring bloom season,” says Ed Hedborn, Plant Records Manager and Arboretum “Color Scout,” adding that woodland phlox, wild geranium, Jacob’s ladder and Jack-in-the-pulpit, are peaking this week.

Wonderful redbuds continue to delight and amaze. Kris Bachtell, Arboretum Director of Collections and Grounds, noted that this spring has been one of the most prolific redbud flowering seasons in years.

In addition to such flowering trees such as the Arboretum’s 51 species of dogwoods and buckeyes are putting forth spectacular white, pink or red flowers in the Northern Illinois collection and the Ozarks collection. Near the buckeyes, dark purple flowers are now blooming on pawpaw trees. Later in the month, the ‘Winter King’ green hawthorns near the entrance and at Meadow Lake produce showy white flowers.

The Arboretum features 197 types of crabapple trees - many now sporting colorful flowers.

Small trees and shrubs such as Carolina allspice, various viburnums and a wide range of lilacs are in full bloom. Rhododendrons and azaleas are pushing out colorful pink, yellow and white flowers.

For a weekly update on what Arboretum trees and plants are budding, blooming and leafing, check out Hedborn’s  “Bloom n’ Color” report at www.mortonarb.org/color/index; the report is updated every Friday.

To celebrate the beauty of May, there are special events for the entire family.

The Children’s Garden holds drop-in activities “Fancy Flowers” on weekdays and “Fingerprint Flowers” on Saturdays and Sundays. Kids do a fun craft to take home as they learn about flowers. Special “Beautiful Bouquets” programs on May 12 and 13 allow children to create a flower bouquet for someone special – maybe for mom at our annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13.

Get a guided tour of a unique group of shrubs at the Arboretum with the “Rhodozalias and Azendrons Walk” on Wednesdays and Sundays in May. Our experts will lead you to the amazing colors in the “Plants of Acid Soils” collection.

After seeing nature’s artwork, visitors can view interpretations at the Nature Artists’ Guild Show on May 19 and 20. Artists – most of whom earned certificates in the Arboretum’s Botanical Art education program – display their latest works, discuss their art, and sell some pieces.

Get close-up to beautiful spring flowers at the “Floral Showcase” series on selected weekends in May and June. Start by attending the “Early Blooming Iris Show” on May 12 and then come back for the “Tall Bearded Iris Show” on May 26 and 27. Each show features numerous varieties of each flower, with experts on hand to discuss techniques and tips on how to grow these flowers at home. Many show flowers will be for sale.

NOTE: The Morton Arboretum has updated admission fees:

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations, including the Children’s Garden, are free with Arboretum admission, which is:

• Adults (ages 18-64): $9 ($6 on Wednesdays)
• Seniors (ages 65+): $8 ($5 on Wednesdays)
• Youth (ages 3-17): $6 ($4 on Wednesdays)
• (Under age 3 is free)
• Parking is free.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,057 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission - the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, Central Time. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630/968-0074 to learn more.

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