Happy May Day

I hope wherever you are this first day of May has a spring-like quality to it.

Speaking of “days”, www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/May.html reports that the 2nd week in May is Wildflower Week. I love it, since at least in the East where I live, this is the height of the wildflower season.

Many years ago, I decided to go on a Wildflower Hunt. In a period of 6 weeks (from the last week in April through the first week in June) I visited over 20 Connecticut State Parks, Preserves and Nature Centers searching for the elusive and mysterious wildflower. And, it was during this 2nd week in May that I found the most wildflowers, all on a one-half mile trail. The surprising number of 35 was thanks to the two friends who accompanied me, along with their three wildflower guidebooks.

This amazing place is The Botany Trail at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust in Woodbury, Connecticut. Here is what I say about the Botany Trail in Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket:

“This hunt also appeals to novices in the group. In fact, anyone who enjoys a spring walk will savor every step along the one-half mile woodland trail interspersed with a pond, streams, and open meadow. Wildflowers are everywhere, from the common phlox and violets adorning the edge of the trail to the pink lady slippers hiding in thickly-wooded areas and wild columbine flourishing near shaded rocks. Indeed, at every turn there is startling evidence of both the bounty and beauty of this nature center. My personal favorite is a cluster of painted trillium, the tip of each perfect white petal delicately brushed with a palette of pale pinks. What an exquisite contrast to the monochromatic woods and stone fence sharing this space.”

Another favorite of mine is Connecticut College Arboretum Native Plant Collection in New London, Connecticut, for two reasons. First, the variety is large but the hunt is easy due to the identification markers along the boardwalk trail, and second, because the 25-acre collection of trees and shrubs in addition to wildflowers makes this a destination suitable for all seasons. By the way, May 16th is Love a Tree Day and I can’t think of a better place to find a tree to hug.

Although I didn’t have any youngsters with me I have often thought this would be a wonderful way to introduce them to wildflowers. They will love getting into the "hunt” using a color-coordinated wildflower identification book to identify a blossom they found. This is a fun, no-cost outing that parents and children can enjoy together.

Signs of Spring

With my time in Florida nearing an end, my mind is racing ahead to my return to Connecticut. Not only am I looking forward to connecting with family and friends, but also enjoying my favorite season.

I love to watch the early signs of spring, when dormant gardens spring back to life, when the drab world of winter is taken over by vibrant colors and songbirds, and a feeling of joy and possibility is in the scented air. Best of all, the longer, warmer days mean we can spend more time enjoying outdoor activities, including of course, picnicking.

One of my favorite spring activities is the wildflower hunt. I became fascinated by wildflowers many years ago when I visited Garden in the Woods located at the New England Wildflower Society in Framingham, Massachusetts. I was so awed that I went on a 6-week spring wildflower hunt, visiting over twenty state parks, preserves and nature centers in Connecticut, all dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of these delicate and mysterious flowers.

Two of the 42 chapters in my day tripping and picnicking book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket are devoted to this activity, which are best viewed from the last week in April through the first week in June, with the peak, most years, around mid-May.

The first day trip, the Native Plant Collection located at the Connecticut College Arboretum in New London, contains a separate wildflower garden with markers for easy identification. And, while there, check out the amazing 25-acre collection of native trees and shrubs. (http://www.arboretum.conncoll.edu/)

A more challenging hunt is The Botany Trail at the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust in Woodbury. This one-mile trail is great for wildflower enthusiasts, although I first visited as a novice. Luckily, I had invited a friend who brought along three wildflower identification books! (http://www.flandersnaturecenter.org/)

To view an amazing collection of photos from these and the other destinations in Cruising Connecticut, go to http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/ and click "Photos" on left.

Happy Spring!