Week of October 7, 2024
Enjoy the quiet beauty of the Walking Trail
By Julia K., Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Pitt County Arboretum
In the summer, the Arboretum’s Walking Trail provides shelter from the scorching sun. Visitors are able to walk up and down the trails cooled by a green canopy of leaves from the tall trees. In the fall, the Walking Trail provides strollers with the opportunity to take in the quiet beauty of the different shades of greens and textures that the trees and shrubs provide. Cooler temperatures make this an ideal time to amble along the Walking Trail.
The Arboretum is open seven days a week, from dusk to dawn. There are plenty of benches, if you’re inclined to pause to take in the beautiful blooms and foliage. For more information on these and plants, check out the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Perennial Garden
1. Symphyotrichum oblongifolium – ‘Fanny’ Aromatic Aster (native plant)
2. Persicaria microcephala – ‘Red Dragon’ Fleece Flower
3. Rostrinucula dependens – Weeping Buddleja
Butterfly Garden
4. Abelia x grandiflora – ‘Little Richard’ Glossy Abelia
5. Ilex serata x verticillata – ‘Sparkleberry’ Winter Holly (male)
6. Symphotrichum novae-belgii – ‘Winston S.’ New York Aster
Walking Trail
7. Acer saccharum – Sugar Maple
8. Aucuba japonica – Japanese Laurel, Spotted Laurel
9. Ilex Cornuta ‘Burfordii’ – Dwarf Burford Chinese Holly
10. Mahonia bealei – Leatherleaf Mahonia
Week of September 30, 2024
Foliage takes front of stage
By Lindsay E. J. & Ricardo E.M., Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Pitt County Arboretum
If you've never had the opportunity to visit the Herb Garden, now's a good time to go. The herbs smell heady, and the varying shapes and textures of the different plants' stems are striking.
The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week and there is plentiful parking. Cooler temperatures make walking through the different gardens a pleasurable experience.
Herb Garden
1. Salvia rosmarinus – Rosemary
2. Allium tuberosum – Garlic Chives
3. Salvia leucantha – Mexican Bush Sage
Perennial Garden
4. Ruellia simplex – Pink Mexican Petunia
5. Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii – ‘Turk’s Turban’ (native plant)
6. Salvia guaranitica – Sapphire Blue Sage
Butterfly Garden
7. Abelia x grandiflora – ‘Little Richard’ Abelia
8. Gomphrena globosa – Globe Amaranth
9. Lespedeza bicolor – ‘Little Buddy’ Lespedeza
Welcome Garden
10. Lantana camara – ‘New Gold’ Lantana
Week of September 23, 2024
Celebrating Goldenrod, a native, non-allergenic pollinator
By Jamie C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
Goldrenrod, with its masses of yellow flowers in dense clusters, is often unfairly mistaken for causing allergies. Goldenrod is actually an important food source for bees and other native pollinators. This week’s WIB celebrates this showy native plant. By contrast, glossy abelia, fortune’s osmanthus, wild bergamot, the hardy ice plant, and euphorbia display delicate pops of color.
Cooler temperatures makes strolling around the gardens of the Arboretum a pleasant activity. The Arboretum is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. We hope to see you.
Butterfly Garden
1. Solidago – Goldenrod (native plant)
2. Abelia x grandiflora – 'Little Richard' Glossy Abelia
Welcome Garden
3. Rudbeckia hirta - Black-eyed Susan (native plant)
Walking Garden
4. Osmanthus x fortunei – Fortune's osmanthus
5. Juniperus chinensis – ‘Kaizuka’ Hollywood Chinese Juniper
Herb Garden
6. Allium tuberosum – Garlic Chives
Wildflower Garden
7. Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot (native plant)
Children's Garden
8. Delosperma cooperi – Hardy Ice Plant
9. Echinacea purpurea – Coneflower (native plant)
Wet Site Garden
10. Euphorbia cyathophora – Fire-on-the-Mountain
Week of September 16, 2024
Fall-flowering plants are the stars
By Susann C. & Bob C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Pitt County Arboretum
While some annuals are exhibiting watercolor-like hues, it's really the fall-flowering plants that are the stars, such as the delectable Dr. Moy Ginger Lily and the showy purple berries on the American Beautyberry. Now is a great time to walk through the gardens of the Arboretum in search of inspiration for your own fall plantings. The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. There is ample parking, plenty of benches for pausing, and everyone is welcome. For more information on this week's plants in bloom, go to the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Butterfly Garden
1. Gomphrena globosa – Globe Amaranth
2. Solidago rugosa – ‘Fireworks’ Rough Goldenrod – Native
Children’s Garden
3. Ruellia brittoniana - Mexican Petunia
4. Zinnia angustifolia x elegans – ‘Profusion’ Zinnia
Perennial Garden
5. Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii - Turk’s Turban
6. Perovskia atriplicifolia - Russian Sage
Walking Trail
7. Osmanthus x fortunei - Fortune’s Osmanthus
Wet Site
8. Callicarpa americana – American Beautyberry (native)
9. Equisetum hyemale – Rough Horsetail (native)
10. Hedychium ‘Dr’ Moy’ – Ginger Lily
Week of September 9, 2024
Green leaves glimmer as fall approaches
By Jamie C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
Fall is fast approaching, and the different shades of green in the leaves of plants, shrubs, and trees are providing glamor in the gardens. Some of these plants are also in bloom, adding visual interest. At the same time, the gardens still have plenty of pops of color from annuals, such as Zinnias, and flowering herbs, including Dark Opal Purple Basil and Mexican Bush Sage. If you would like to know more about these plants, check out the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Cooler temperatures mean optimal walking conditions. Stroll through the gardens any day of the week from dawn to dusk. There’s plenty of free parking. We'd love to see you enjoying the Arboretum's gardens.
Walking Trail
1. Ginkgo biloba – Ginkgo Tree
2. Fothergilla spp – Fothergilla
3. Hibiscus moscheutos – Swamp Rose Mallow
Butterfly Garden
4. Abelia x grandiflora – 'Little Richard' Glossy Abelia
5. Buddleja davidii – Butterfly Bush
Children's Garden
6. Stachys byzantina – Lamb's Ears
7. Zinnia elegans – Zinnias
Mixed Border
8. Magnolia grandiflora – 'Southern Charm' Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia
Herb Garden
9. Ocimum basilicum – 'Dark Opal' Purple Basil
10. Salvia leucantha – Mexican Bush Sage
Week of September 2, 2024
Plants with striking shapes
By June G., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
While it's easy to be drawn to mass quantities of brightly colored blooms, this week's selections are plants with distinct shapes. They run the gamut from the cobra-like Veronica Speedwell, with its curved stalk, to the knifelike leaves of the Purple Queen, to Threadleaf Tickseed's thin, straight stems topped by yellow flowers.
Now is a great time to stroll through the Aboretum's gardens to enjoy flowering plants in bloom as well as plants that are noteworthy for other qualities. The Arboretum is open every day, from dawn to dusk. It's your community arboretum, and you're always welcome to visit. If you would like more information about this week's selections, please go to the NC State Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Children’s Garden
1. Tradescantia pallida – ‘Purple Queen’ Zinnia angustifolia x elegans
2. Zinnia angustifolia x elegans – ‘Profusion’ Zinnia
Mixed Border
3. Ilex cornuta – ‘Burford’ Holly
4. Illicium parviflorum – Anise Shrub
5. Koelreuteria paniculata – Golden Raintree
Perennial Garden
6. Veronica – Veronica Speedwell
Butterfly Garden
7. Abelia x grandiflora – ‘Little Richard’ Abelia
Perennial Garden
8. Coreopsis verticillata – Threadleaf Tickseed (Native)
Herb Garden
9. Salvia rosmarinus – Rosemary
Shade Garden
10. Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’ – Striped Solomon’s Seal
Week of August 26, 2024
ECU colors pop
By Lindsay E. J. & Ricardo E.M., Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Pitt County Arboretum
It's what many Greenville residents have been waiting for: the return of the ECU Pirates football season. The ECU colors of gold and purple are well represented in this week's selections. The vibrant hues of the coral-colored Zinnia and Limelight Hydrangea complement the university's colors.
Cooler temperatures make walking in the Arboretum's gardens highly pleasurable. The Arboretum is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to know more about this week's selections, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Herb garden
1. Salvia rosmarinus – ‘Rosemary’
Children’s Garden
2. Zinnia angustifolia x elegans – ‘Profusion’ Zinnia
Perennial Garden
3. Platycodon grandifloria – ‘Mariesii blue’
4. Hydrangea paniculata – ‘Limelight Hydrangea
5. Coreopsis x verticilata – 'Full Moon' Tickseed
Butterfly Garden
6. Salvia guarantica – ‘Black and Blue’ Salvia
7. Abelia x grandiflora – ‘Little Richard’ Abelia
8. Gomphrena globosa – Globe Amaranth
9. Rudbeckia fulgida var sullivanti – Black-Eyed Susan
10. Dahlia x hybrid – 'Unwins’ Dwarf Dahlia
Week of August 19, 2024
Striking scene stealers
By Jamie C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
When we think of vibrant colors, very seldom does white come to mind. One of this week's selections may change that. The very striking Velvet Centaurea, with its silvery-white leaves, is a scene stealer, more than holding its own against pink, purple, burgundy, and yellow tones. The Centaurea's fernlike fronds pair nicely with Mexican Bush Sage, Trailing Rosemary, and Mexican Tarragon – upright, fernlike plants from the herb garden.
See these striking plants by strolling through the gardens of the Arboretum, which is open from dawn till dusk seven days a week. For more information on these and other Arboretum selections, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Butterfly Garden
1. Buddleja davidii – Butterfly Bush
Shade Garden
2. Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum – 'Variegatum' Striped Solomon's Seal
Perennial Garden
3. Prunus cerasifera – Purple Plunge' Weeping Plum
4. Hydrangea paniculata – Limelight' Hydrangea
5. Centaurea gymnocarpa – Velvet Centaurea
Herb Garden
6. Salvia leucantha – Mexican Bush Sage
7. Salvia rosmarinus – Prostratus Trailing Rosemary
8. Tagetes lucida – Mexican Tarragon
Mixed Border
9. Rosa – 'WEKvossutono' Julia Child Floribunda Rose
Memorial Garden
10. Rosa – 'Meiswetdom' Sweet Drift Rose
Striking scene stealers
By Jamie C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
When we think of vibrant colors, very seldom does white come to mind. One of this week's selections may change that. The very striking Velvet Centaurea, with its silvery-white leaves, is a scene stealer, more than holding its own against pink, purple, burgundy, and yellow tones. The Centaurea's fernlike fronds pair nicely with Mexican Bush Sage, Trailing Rosemary, and Mexican Tarragon – upright, fernlike plants from the herb garden.
See these striking plants by strolling through the gardens of the Arboretum, which is open from dawn till dusk seven days a week. For more information on these and other Arboretum selections, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Butterfly Garden
1. Buddleja davidii – Butterfly Bush
Shade Garden
2. Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum – 'Variegatum' Striped Solomon's Seal
Perennial Garden
3. Prunus cerasifera – Purple Plunge' Weeping Plum
4. Hydrangea paniculata – Limelight' Hydrangea
5. Centaurea gymnocarpa – Velvet Centaurea
Herb Garden
6. Salvia leucantha – Mexican Bush Sage
7. Salvia rosmarinus – Prostratus Trailing Rosemary
8. Tagetes lucida – Mexican Tarragon
Mixed Border
9. Rosa – 'WEKvossutono' Julia Child Floribunda Rose
Memorial Garden
10. Rosa – 'Meiswetdom' Sweet Drift Rose
Week of August 12, 2024
Enjoy an early morning stroll around the Arboretum
By Jamie C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
While the mornings have become wonderfully cooler, extremes in precipitation leave us wondering, on rainy and stormy days, when the deluge will end. On dry days, we wonder if we’re going to get another protracted drought. If you’re looking for a place where you can stroll past blooming bushes and sit for a few minutes to admire a wide variety of plants, visit the Arboretum early in the day to take advantage of the pleasant temperatures. The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. There’s plenty of parking and lots of trails where you can wend your way through shaded walking paths and gardens brimming with flowers.
For more information on these and other Arboretum selections, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Children's Garden
1. Gaura lindheimeri – Wand Flower (native plant)
2. Asclepias syriaca – Common milkweed (native plant)
3. Angustifolia x elegans – 'Profusion' Zinnia
Perennial Garden
4. Ruellia simplex – Mexican Petunia
5. Baptisia sphaerocarpa – 'Screamin Yellow' Baptisia
6. Coreopsis x verticillata – 'Full Moon' Big Bang Tickseed (native plant)
Wildflower Garden
7. Chasmanthium latifolium – Northern Sea Oats (native plant)
Butterfly Garden
8. Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii – 'Goldsturm' Black-Eyed Susan (native plant)
Welcome Garden
9. Abelia x grandiflora – 'Kaleidoscope' Glossy Abelia
10. Lagerstroemia indica – Crape Myrtle
Week of August 5, 2024
Summer stalwarts
By Lindsay E.J., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
Even though it's only early August, some of the plants at the Arboretum have struggled with heat, drought, followed by heavy rain. Check out the bright red zinnias and fuschia globe amaranths in the Children's Garden as examples of plants that continue to put out bright, vibrant blooms. If you're lucky, you may spot a vividly colored butterfly or two in the Butterfly Garden.
The Arboretum is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. There's lots of places to park, lots of benches scattered through the gardens, and admission is free. This is your community arboretum. We'd love to see you.
Herb Garden
1. Ocimum kilimandscharicum – African Blue Basil
2. Salvia rosmarinus – Rosemary
Children's Garden
3. Delosperma cooperii – Hardy Ice Plant
4. Gomphrena globosa – Globe Amaranth
5. Zinnia angustifolia x elegans – ‘Profusion’ Zinnia
Perennial Garden
6. Hydrangea paniculata – ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea - Perennial Garden
Wildflower Garden
7. Scutellaria incana var. punctata – ‘Hoary Scullcap’ – native plant
Butterfly Garden
8. Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii – ‘Black-Eyed Susan’
9. Abelia x grandiflora – ‘Little Richard’ Abelia
10 Salvia guaranitica – ‘Black and Blue’ Anise Sage
Week of July 29, 2024
Vibrant colors of summer
By Lindsay E.J., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
Reds, golds, purples and whites provide vibrant pops of color to catch your attention as you stroll through the Arboretum's gardens. There are lots of benches if you'd like a leisurely stroll with a lot of breaks to stop and see the blooms. The Arboretum is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. For more information about this week's selections, browse the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Welcome Garden
1. Rudbeckia triloba – ‘Brown-Eyed' Susan (native plant)
2. Lantana camara – ‘New Gold' Lantana
3. Tradescantia pallida – 'Purpurea purple queen’
Children’s Garden
4. Gaillardia aristata – 'Blanketflower' (native plant)
Wildflower Garden
5. Phlox paniculata – ‘David’ White Phlox (native plant)
Perennial Garden
6. Angelonia hybrid – ‘Angel Face' Summer Snapdragon
Welcome Garden
7. Coreopsis verticillata – ‘Zagreb’ Threadleaf Tickseed (native)
Perennial Garden
8. Hydrangea paniculata – ‘Limelight' Hydrangea
Herb Garden
9. Thymus vulgaris – English Thyme
Perennial Garden
10. Celosia argenta –‘Fresh Look' Feather Celosia
Week of July 22, 2024
Highlighting the Arboretum's Herb Garden
By Jamie C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
With many fruits now being harvested, it’s a good time to think about the herbs that can enhance the taste of tomatoes, zucchinis, and other spoils of summer. The Arboretum’s herb garden delights the olfactory senses, and its circular shape is an aesthetically pleasing sight to see.
The Arboretum is open from dusk to dawn, seven days a week. Lots of benches and shaded areas make it an ideal venue for strolling and pausing. If you would like to know more about this week’s selections, visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Wildflower Garden
1. Chasmanthium latifolium – Northern Sea Oats
2. Gaura lindheimeri – Gaura
Children's Garden
3. Tradescantia pallida – 'Purpurea' Purple Queen
Perennial Garden
4. Baptisia Spherocarpa – 'Screaming Yellow' Yellow Wild Indigo
Herb Garden
5. Salvia rosmarinus – Rosemary
6. Tagetes lucida – Mexican Tarragon
7. Salvia leucantha – Mexican Bush Sage
8. Nepeta x faassenii – Catmint
9. Thymus vulgaris – English Thyme
10. Artemisia – 'Powis Castle' Wormwood
Week of July 15, 2024
Berries & figs flourish in the Fruit Garden
By Jamie C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
Despite scorching temperatures, many of the plants at the Arboretum are putting out fruit or growing larger pieces. In the Fruit Garden, check out two plants in particular, the Fig Tree and Rabbiteye Blueberry bush. For color, nothing beats the vivid yellows of the Swamp Sunflower in the Wet Site Garden or the Marome 'Goldsturm' Black-Eyed Susan.
The Arboretum is open from dusk to dawn, seven days a week. If you would like to know more about this week’s selections, visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Wet Site
1. Helianthus angustifolius – Swamp Sunflower (Native)
2. Callicarpa americana – American Beautyberry (Native)
Perennial Garden
3. Stachys byzantina – Lamb's Ear
Shade Garden
4. Lagerstroemia indica – Crapemyrtle
Children's Garden
5. Tradescantia pallida – 'Purpurea' Purple Queen
Fruit Garden
6. Ficus carica – Fig Tree
7. Vaccinium ashei – Rabbiteye Blueberry
Welcome Garden
8. Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii – Marome ‘Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan
Butterfly Garden
9. Sambucus nigra – American Black Elderberry
10.Buddleja davidi – Butterfly Bush
Week of July 8, 2024
Greens in the Gardens
By Julia K., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
While high temperatures and too little water are taking their toll on many plants, the trees at the Arboretum and other greens are faring better. Enjoy a reprieve from the scorching temperatures by strolling through the Walking Trail. The Arboretum is open from dusk to dawn, seven days a week. If you would like to know more about this week’s selections, visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Walking Trail
1. Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ – Burford Chinese Holly
2. Ilex cornuta ‘Rotunda’ – Dwarf Chinese Holly
3. Asimina triloba – ‘Pawpaw’ (native)
Perennial Garden
4. Eupatorium dubium – ‘Little Joe’ Dwarf Joe Pye Weed
5. Stokesia laevis – ‘Blue Danube’ Stokes Aster
6. Perovskia atriplicifolia – Russian Sage
Herb Garden
7. Tagetes lucida – Mexican Tarragon
8. Murraya Koenigii – Curry
Wet Site Garden
9. Equisetum hyemale – Rough Horsetail (native)
10. Hibiscus coccineus – Swamp Hibiscus (native)
Week of July 1, 2024
Crape Myrtles stand out in the gardens
By Joanne C., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
While all of the plants in the Arboretum are beautiful in different ways, the vibrant pink colors of Crape Myrtle blooms are particularly pleasing to behold. The Arboretum is open from dusk to dawn, seven days a week. If you would like to know more about this week’s selection, visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Butterfly Garden
1. Abelia x grandiflora – ‘Little Richard’ Glossy Abelia
2. Foeniculum vulgare – ‘Purpureum’ Bronze Fennel
Perennial Garden
3. Rudbeckia triloba – Brown-eyed Susan
Welcome Garden
4. Lagerstroemia indica – Crape Myrtle
Wildflower Garden
5. Coreopsis x verticillata – ‘Full Moon Big Bang’ Tickseed
6. Phlox paniculata – ‘David’ – White Phlox
Perennial Garden
7. Centaurea gymnocarpa – Velvet Centaurea
8. Perovskia atriplicifolia – Russian Sage
Children’s Garden
9. Canna x generalis – ‘Bengal Tiger’ Canna
10. Tradescantia pallida – ‘Purple Queen’
Week of June 24, 2024
The resilience of plants
By Dell H., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
Despite excessive heat and lack of rain, the established plants at the Arboretum are tolerating both reasonably well. My early morning gathering of plants for What’s in Bloom? found lots of lovely plants ending their spring blooms and others beginning to bloom for the summer season. They are amazing plants, providing so much food for pollinators and wonderful habitat for wildlife.
The Arboretum is open from dusk to dawn, seven days a week. If you would like to know more about this week’s selection, visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/
Butterfly Garden
1. Lantana camara (Chapel Hill Lantana)
2. Dahlia x hybrida (Unwin’s Dwarf Dahlia)
3. Achillea millefolium (Moonshine Yarrow)
4. Echinacea purpura (Primadonna Deep Rose Coneflower) – Native
Welcome Garden
5. Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush)
Wildflower Garden
6. Oenothera lindheimeri (White Gaura) – Native
Perennial Garden
7. Perovskia atripleciflolia (Russian Sage)
8. Eupatorium dubium (Little Joe-Dwarf Joe Pye Weed) – Native
9. Stokesia laevis (Stokes Aster) – Native
Children’s Garden
10. Zinnia elegans (Common Zinnia)
Week of June 17, 2024
Savor the scent of fresh herbs
By Wendy P., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
In addition to their unique aromas and the way they add flavor to culinary dishes, many herbs stand out for their spiky shapes or tightly packed flowers. Now is an ideal time to visit the Arboretum's gardens and, particularly, the Herb Garden and others with herbs whose scents you can savor. The Arboretum is open from dusk to dawn seven days a week. If you would like to know more about this week's selections, visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox if you would like to know more about these selections or many other plants grown in our state.
Herb Garden
1. Salvia rosmarinus – ‘Prostratus’ Trailing Rosemary
2. Nepeta x faassenii – Catmint
Perennial Garden
3. Salvia yangii (formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Russian Sage
4. Phlox paniculata – ‘Grape Lollipop’ Phlox
Wildflower Garden
5. Gaillardia aristata – Blanketflower
Children’s Garden
6. Achillea millefolium – ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow
7. Leucanthemum – Daisy
Wet Site Garden
8. Canna x generalis – Canna
9. Helianthus angustifolius – Swamp Sunflower
Welcome Garden
10. Lantana camara – ‘Granny's Backyard’ Hardy Lantana
Week of June 10, 2024
Blooms abound in the Arboretum’s Gardens
By Lindsay J., Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Pitt County Arboretum
Wherever you walk, you’re sure to find beautiful blooms in the Arboretum, whether it’s the multicolored lantanas in the Butterfly Garden, the magnificent hydrangeas along the Walking Trail, or the colorful and aptly named ‘Grape Lollipop’ Phlox in the Perennial Garden.
Now’s a good time to stroll through the gardens, which are open seven days a week from dusk to dawn. Please visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox if you would like to know more about these selections or many other plants grown in our state.
Butterfly Garden
1. Lantana camara – ‘Miss Huff’ Lantana
2. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
3. Hemerocallis – ‘Olympic Gold’ Daylily
4. Hibiscus syriacus – ‘Aphrodite’ Rose of Sharon
5. Echinacea purpurea – ‘Primadonna’ Deep Rose Coneflower (native plant)
6. Achillea millefolium – ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow
Walking Trail
7. Hydrangea macrophylla – Bigleaf Hydrangea
8. Hydrangea quercifolia – Oak Leaf Hydrangea (native plant)
Perennial Garden
9. Phlox paniculata – ‘Grape Lollipop’ Phlox (native plant)
10. Rudbeckia hirta – ‘Glowing Smileyz’ Black-eyed Susan (native plant)
Week of June 3, 2024
Butterfly Garden gets a boost
By Dell E., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
This week’s beautiful blooms speak to the richness and variety of flowers on display at the Arboretum. Two gardens are highlighted, the Welcome Garden at the main entrance to the building, and the Butterfly Garden, which contains many pollinator plants. A special shout-out to Hibiscus syriacus – ‘Aphrodite’ Rose of Sharon. There are three tall pink Hibiscus shrubs and one white Hibiscus shrub in the Butterfly Garden and these are stunning to see and well worth a trip to the Arboretum.
We’re open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. There’s plenty of free parking, as well as benches for sitting. If you would like to know more about these plants, visit the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
Butterfly Garden
1. Buddleja – Butterfly Bush
2. Echinacea purpurea – Primadonna Deep Rose Coneflower
3. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
4. Salvia guaranitica – ‘Black and Blue’ Anise Sage
5. Achillea millefolium – ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow
6. Lantana camara – ‘Chapel Hill’ Lantana
7. Hibiscus syriacus – ‘Aphrodite’ Rose of Sharon
Welcome Garden
8. Rudbeckia triloba – Brown-eyed Susan
Butterfly Garden
9. Sambucas – Common Elderberry
Welcome Garden
10. Cyrtomium falcatum – Japanese Holly Fern
Week of May 27, 2024
Pitt County Arboretum salutes ECU with purple & gold selections
By Jamie C., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
This week's selections were chosen in homage to East Carolina University (ECU), whose official colors are purple and gold. These are winning colors for Pirates' fans and for this week's selections. The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Many plants are in bloom. Come see the many purple and gold blooms, including the plants highlighted here.
Welcome Garden
1. Rudbeckia fulgida – Black Eyed Susan (native)
2. Buddleja davidii – Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Garden
3. Lantana camara – 'New Gold' Lantana
4. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
5. Achillea millefolium – 'Moonshine' Yarrow
6. Echinacea purpurea – 'Primadonna Deep Rose' Coneflower (native)
Wetsite Garden
7. Ligustrum sinese – 'Sunshine' Ligustrum
8. Hemerocallis sp. – Daylily
Perennial Garden
9. Coreopsis verticillata – 'Zagreb' Threadleaf Tickseed (native)
Children's Garden
10. Hydrangea marcophylla – Bigleaf Hydrangea
Week of May 20, 2024
Children's Garden and Perennial Garden stand-outs
By Jamie C., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
While all of our gardens are filled with beautiful blooming plants, this week's selections focus on the Children's Garden, with its beautiful blooms, magical mushrooms, and many whimsical touches, and the Perennial Garden, which is chock full of plants in bloom.
The gardens are in great shape. If you were among the hundreds of visitors who came to last Saturday's Plant Sale, consider coming back, to stroll through the grounds and enjoy the plants in the different gardens. We're open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.
Children's Garden
1. Achillea millefolium – White Yarrow
2. Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' – Asparagus Fern
3. Hydrangea macrophylla – Bigleaf Hydrangea
Shade Garden
4. Tricyrtis formosana – Toad Lily
Wet Site Garden
5. Equisetum hyemale – Rough Horsetail – Native plant
6. Athyrium filix-femina – Lady Fern – Native plant
Perennial Garden
7. Sedum lineare – Stonecrop
8. Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant' – Catmint
9. Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' – Threadleaf Tickseed – Native plant
10. Baptisia alba – White Wild Indigo – Native plant
Week of May 13, 2024
Arboretum abounds with color
ByJoanne C., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Intern
Take advantage of this week's cooler temperatures to visit the Arboretum, where you will find many plants in bloom. Admission is free, and there is plenty of parking. For more information on the plants featured this week, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox. Our big Plant Sale is scheduled for Sat., May 18 between 10 a.m. and 12 noon (an hour earlier for 'Friends of the Arboretum.') We will have more than 4,000 plants for sale. Hope to see you there.
Butterfly Garden
1. Salvia guarantica – Anise Sage
Welcome Garden
2. Hemerocallis – Daylily
Memorial Garden
3. Rosa ‘Meiswetdom’– Sweet Drift Rose
Shade Garden
4. Aucuba japonica – Gold Dust Plant
Children’s Garden
5. Gaura lindheimeri – Wandflower
6. Delosperma cooperi – Ice Plant
Herb Garden
7. Salvia rosmarinus – Rosemary
Perennial Garden
8. Rudbeckia maxima – Giant Coneflower
Herb Garden
9. Criganium x majoricum – Italian Oregano
Wildflower Garden
10. Erigeron Strigosus – Prairie Fleabane
Week of May 6, 2024
Vertical and mounding forms pop with color
By Jamie C., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Intern
This week's selections celebrate both form and color. Some selections have vertical form, such as the dramatic and aptly named Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) with its flaming tips. Not to be outdone, Angelina Stonecrop is a small, mounding sedum with spiky brilliant yellow leaves. May is an ideal month for visiting the Arboretum because of the vast selection of plants in bloom. We're open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. There are also many benches dotted about the property, making it easy to take a break and rest as often as you wish. Admission is free, and there is plenty of parking. For more information on the plants featured this week, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Butterfly Garden
1. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
2. Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine’ – Moonshine Yarrow
Welcome Garden
3. Antirrhinum majus – Yellow Snapdragon
Perennial Garden
4. Achillea millefolium – Red Yarrow
5. Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant' – Six Hills Giant Catmint
Children’s Garden
6. Delphinium ajacis – Candle Larkspur
Perennial Garden
7. Paeonia sp – Peony
Children's Garden
8. Kniphofia – Red-Hot Poker
9. Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'– Angelina stonecrop
Shade Garden
10. Acer palmatum 'Crimson Prince' – Crimson Prince Japanese Maple
Week of April 29, 2024
Come and see a selection of native plants in bloom
By Dell H., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Intern
The gardens at the Pitt County Arboretum are in full bloom. Now is a good time to see numerous plants native to Eastern North Carolina in full flower. If you stroll around the Agricultural Center building, you’ll come to the Wildflower Garden, with its many long, delicate-stemmed plants, including many natives. Continue past the Wildflower Garden to take in the Perennial Garden, which also has many native offerings. For more information on the plants featured this week, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Perennial Garden
1. Coreopsis lanceolata – Lanceleaf coreopsis (native plant)
2. Achillea millefolium – Pink Yarrow
3. Antirrhinum majus – Red Snapdragon
4. Erigeron strigosus – Fleabane (native plant)
5. Amsonia tabernaemontana – Eastern Bluestar (native plant)
Wildflower Garden
6. Zizia aurea – Golden Alexander (native plant)
7. Phlox globerrima – Smooth Phlox (native plant)
8. Clematis florida – Asian Clematis
9. Aquilegia canadensis – Red Columbine (native plant)
10. Heuchera villosa – Hairy villosa (native plant)
Perennial Garden
1. Coreopsis lanceolata – Lanceleaf coreopsis (native plant)
2. Achillea millefolium – Pink Yarrow
3. Antirrhinum majus – Red Snapdragon
4. Erigeron strigosus – Fleabane (native plant)
5. Amsonia tabernaemontana – Eastern Bluestar (native plant)
Wildflower Garden
6. Zizia aurea – Golden Alexander (native plant)
7. Phlox globerrima – Smooth Phlox (native plant)
8. Clematis florida – Asian Clematis
9. Aquilegia canadensis – Red Columbine (native plant)
10. Heuchera villosa – Hairy villosa (native plant)
Week of April 22, 2024
A bounty of blooms
By Barbara P., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Wherever you go, you'll find plenty of plants in bloom in the many gardens that make up the Pitt County Arboretum. Now is an ideal time to stroll through the grounds and enjoy the abundance of blooms. We're open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. For more information on the plants featured in this week's column, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox at
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu
Perennial Garden
1. Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’ – ‘Hot Lips’ Little Leaf Sage
2. Baptisia sphaerocarpa ‘Screamin’ Yellow’ – Screamin’ Yellow Wild Indigo
3. Achillea millefolium – Red Yarrow
Mixed Border Garden
4. Rosa ‘WEKvossutono’ – Julia Child Floribunda Rose
Perennial Garden
5. Nepeta x fassenii ‘Six Hills Giant’– Six Hills Giant Catmint
Herb Garden
6. Allium schoenoprasum – Chives
Perennial Garden
7. Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain’ – Trevi Fountain Lungwort
Butterfly Garden
8. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
9. Kniphofia uvaria ‘Flamenco’ – Flamenco Red Hot Poker
10. Philadelphus x virginalis ‘Natchez’ – Natchez Virginal Mock Orange
Wherever you go, you'll find plenty of plants in bloom in the many gardens that make up the Pitt County Arboretum. Now is an ideal time to stroll through the grounds and enjoy the abundance of blooms. We're open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. For more information on the plants featured in this week's column, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox at
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu
Perennial Garden
1. Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’ – ‘Hot Lips’ Little Leaf Sage
2. Baptisia sphaerocarpa ‘Screamin’ Yellow’ – Screamin’ Yellow Wild Indigo
3. Achillea millefolium – Red Yarrow
Mixed Border Garden
4. Rosa ‘WEKvossutono’ – Julia Child Floribunda Rose
Perennial Garden
5. Nepeta x fassenii ‘Six Hills Giant’– Six Hills Giant Catmint
Herb Garden
6. Allium schoenoprasum – Chives
Perennial Garden
7. Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain’ – Trevi Fountain Lungwort
Butterfly Garden
8. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
9. Kniphofia uvaria ‘Flamenco’ – Flamenco Red Hot Poker
10. Philadelphus x virginalis ‘Natchez’ – Natchez Virginal Mock Orange
Week of April 16, 2024
The blooms keep a comin'
By Vicki K., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Vivid reds, pinks, purples, golds, and greens. The blooms keep a comin'. The plants on display provide just a hint at what you will see as you wander through the Arboretum. We're open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Now is an ideal time to stroll through the gardens. For more information on the plants featured in this week's column, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox at
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu
Children’s Garden
1. Tradescantia – Spiderwort
2. Lonicera sempervirens – Honeysuckle
3. Dianthus – Pinks
Shade Garden
4. Aquilegia canadensis – Columbine
Herb Garden
5. Mahonia bealei – Leatherleaf Mahonia
Perennial Garden
6. Coreopsis auriculata ‘Nana’ – Mouse Ears Tickseed
7. Lamium maculatum – Spotted Nettle
Memorial Garden
8. Rose ‘Meiswetdom’ – Sweet Drift Rose
Wildflower Garden
9. Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot
Butterfly Garden
10. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
The blooms keep a comin'
By Vicki K., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Vivid reds, pinks, purples, golds, and greens. The blooms keep a comin'. The plants on display provide just a hint at what you will see as you wander through the Arboretum. We're open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Now is an ideal time to stroll through the gardens. For more information on the plants featured in this week's column, go to the NC State Plant Toolbox at
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu
Children’s Garden
1. Tradescantia – Spiderwort
2. Lonicera sempervirens – Honeysuckle
3. Dianthus – Pinks
Shade Garden
4. Aquilegia canadensis – Columbine
Herb Garden
5. Mahonia bealei – Leatherleaf Mahonia
Perennial Garden
6. Coreopsis auriculata ‘Nana’ – Mouse Ears Tickseed
7. Lamium maculatum – Spotted Nettle
Memorial Garden
8. Rose ‘Meiswetdom’ – Sweet Drift Rose
Wildflower Garden
9. Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot
Butterfly Garden
10. Verbena bonariensis – Brazilian Verbena
Week of April 8, 2024
Celebrating National Native Plant Month
By Teresa S., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
April is National Native Plant Month. Think about adding native trees, shrubs, and flowers to your garden. All plants on display today are native plants. For more native plant ideas, check out the NC State Plant Toolbox at
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu
Walking Garden
1. Chionanthus virginicus (Virginia or White Fringe Tree)
2. Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar)
3. Crataegus viridis (Green Hawthorn)
4. Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye)
5. Halesia tetrapteta (Carolina Silverbell)
Butterfly Garden
6. Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine)
Wildflower Garden
7. Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf Sage)
Perennial Garden
8. Baptisia alba (White Wild Indigo)
9. Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox)
Wet Sites Garden
10. Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire)
Week of April 1, 2024
Colorful blooms for everyone
By Barbara P., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
While the size, form, and fresh white hue of Viburnum macrocephalum - Chinese Snowball Viburnum - makes it this week's showstopper, there are blooms of all colors in the Arboretum, sure to please everyone's palette. We're open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Admission is free and there's lots of free parking, too. Hope to see you.
Browse the NC State Plant Toolbox website if you would like more information on this week's plants in bloom.
Shade Garden
1. Hyacinthoides hispanica – Spanish Bluebells
2. Polygona odoratum ‘Variegata’ pluriflorum – Striped Solomon’s Seal
Wet Site Garden
3. Sabal minor – Dwarf Palmettos
Welcome Garden
4. Antirrhinum majus – Snapdragons
Butterfly Garden
5. Gelsemin sempervirens – Carolina Jessamine (Native plant)
Mixed Border
6. Syringa ‘Penda’ – Bloomerang Reblooming Lila
Children’s Garden
7. Ipheion uniflorum – Spring Starflowers
8. Iberis sempervirens – Evergreen Candytuff
Walking Trail
9. Viburnum macrocephalum – Chinese Snowball Viburnum
10. Fothergilla spp. – Fothergilla
Browse the NC State Plant Toolbox website if you would like more information on this week's plants in bloom.
Shade Garden
1. Hyacinthoides hispanica – Spanish Bluebells
2. Polygona odoratum ‘Variegata’ pluriflorum – Striped Solomon’s Seal
Wet Site Garden
3. Sabal minor – Dwarf Palmettos
Welcome Garden
4. Antirrhinum majus – Snapdragons
Butterfly Garden
5. Gelsemin sempervirens – Carolina Jessamine (Native plant)
Mixed Border
6. Syringa ‘Penda’ – Bloomerang Reblooming Lila
Children’s Garden
7. Ipheion uniflorum – Spring Starflowers
8. Iberis sempervirens – Evergreen Candytuff
Walking Trail
9. Viburnum macrocephalum – Chinese Snowball Viburnum
10. Fothergilla spp. – Fothergilla
Week of March 25, 2024
Pops of color in the Gardens
By Cindy C., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Spring is here, and the gardens at the Arboretum are displaying more and more pops of yellow, pink, white, and even blue.
Consider visiting the Arboretum for a leisurely stroll around the walking trails and gardens. The Pitt County Arboretum is open seven days a week from dusk to dawn. The plants highlighted here are on display under the green canopy next to the parking lot. If you would like more information about these plants, check out the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Walking Garden
1. Mahonia bealei Leatherleaf Mahonia
Butterfly Garden
2. Gelseminum supervirens Carolina Jessamine (native)
Welcome Garden
3. Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Candy Corn’ Candy Corn Spirea
Memorial Garden
4. Loropetalum chinense Chinese Fringe Flower
Wet Site Garden
5. Prunus x yedoensis Yoshino Cherry
Butterfly Garden
6. Cercis chinensis Chinese Redbud
Perennial Garden
7. Osmanthus fragrans Tea Olive
8. Euphorbia martini ‘Ascot Rainbow' Spurge
9. Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain' Lungwort
10. Helleborus x hybridus Frostkiss ‘Molly’s White' Lenten Rose
Pops of color in the Gardens
By Cindy C., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Spring is here, and the gardens at the Arboretum are displaying more and more pops of yellow, pink, white, and even blue.
Consider visiting the Arboretum for a leisurely stroll around the walking trails and gardens. The Pitt County Arboretum is open seven days a week from dusk to dawn. The plants highlighted here are on display under the green canopy next to the parking lot. If you would like more information about these plants, check out the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Walking Garden
1. Mahonia bealei Leatherleaf Mahonia
Butterfly Garden
2. Gelseminum supervirens Carolina Jessamine (native)
Welcome Garden
3. Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Candy Corn’ Candy Corn Spirea
Memorial Garden
4. Loropetalum chinense Chinese Fringe Flower
Wet Site Garden
5. Prunus x yedoensis Yoshino Cherry
Butterfly Garden
6. Cercis chinensis Chinese Redbud
Perennial Garden
7. Osmanthus fragrans Tea Olive
8. Euphorbia martini ‘Ascot Rainbow' Spurge
9. Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain' Lungwort
10. Helleborus x hybridus Frostkiss ‘Molly’s White' Lenten Rose
Week of March 18, 2024
Watch Spring unfold at the Arboretum
By Joanne K., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer,
with assistance from Master Gardener Interns, Carolyn E. and Barbara P.
Tuesday, March 19, is the official start of spring, but the Pitt County Arboretum has been abloom for several weeks.
The native trumpet honeysuckle vine in the Children's Garden, which can be spotted in woodlands and along Greenville's greenway, is covered with clusters of tubular-shaped flowers, coral on the outside and yellow inside. The flowers are magnets for the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Another native, the Columbine, with its orange and yellow coloring similar to the native honeysuckle, can be seen in the Perennial and the Shade gardens. Hummingbirds love its bell-shaped flowers.
Also in the Perennial Garden the Japanese camellia continues flowering, as do the hellebores. Both are evergreens providing year-round garden interest.
The Ostrich Ferns still sport their dry brown fronds, which are lovely for dried arrangements. Soon tiny green curled fronds will appear at the base.
In the Walking Garden, the yellow magnolia 'Butterflies' has new blooms along with the older ones that have turned a soft tan. With its mass of beautiful white balls from top to bottom, the Chinese Snowball Viburnum is always a knockout.
The variegated leaves of the Japanese Acuba and the evergreen needles of the Dwarf Japanese Euonymous needles look good all year.
The delicate blooms on the Japanese Maple look very airy in the morning light.
We invite you to visit the Arboretum and watch spring unfolding in eastern North Carolina.
Watch Spring unfold at the Arboretum
By Joanne K., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer,
with assistance from Master Gardener Interns, Carolyn E. and Barbara P.
Tuesday, March 19, is the official start of spring, but the Pitt County Arboretum has been abloom for several weeks.
The native trumpet honeysuckle vine in the Children's Garden, which can be spotted in woodlands and along Greenville's greenway, is covered with clusters of tubular-shaped flowers, coral on the outside and yellow inside. The flowers are magnets for the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Another native, the Columbine, with its orange and yellow coloring similar to the native honeysuckle, can be seen in the Perennial and the Shade gardens. Hummingbirds love its bell-shaped flowers.
Also in the Perennial Garden the Japanese camellia continues flowering, as do the hellebores. Both are evergreens providing year-round garden interest.
The Ostrich Ferns still sport their dry brown fronds, which are lovely for dried arrangements. Soon tiny green curled fronds will appear at the base.
In the Walking Garden, the yellow magnolia 'Butterflies' has new blooms along with the older ones that have turned a soft tan. With its mass of beautiful white balls from top to bottom, the Chinese Snowball Viburnum is always a knockout.
The variegated leaves of the Japanese Acuba and the evergreen needles of the Dwarf Japanese Euonymous needles look good all year.
The delicate blooms on the Japanese Maple look very airy in the morning light.
We invite you to visit the Arboretum and watch spring unfolding in eastern North Carolina.
Children's Garden
1. Lonicera semperviens, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Native
Perennial Garden
2. Aquilegia sp., Columbine, Native
3. Camellia japonica, Japanese Camellia
4. Helleborus x hybridus FROSTKISS, 'Molly's White,' Lenten Rose
5. Matteuccia structhioptaris, 'The King,' Ostrich Fern, dried fronds
Walking Garden
6. Magnolia 'Butterflies,' Magnolia Hybrid
7. Viburnum macrocephalum, Chinese Snowball Viburnum
8. Acuba japonica, Japanese Acuba
9. Acer palmatum, Japanese Maple
10. Euonymous japonicus, 'Microphyllus,' Dwarf Japanese Euonymous
1. Lonicera semperviens, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Native
Perennial Garden
2. Aquilegia sp., Columbine, Native
3. Camellia japonica, Japanese Camellia
4. Helleborus x hybridus FROSTKISS, 'Molly's White,' Lenten Rose
5. Matteuccia structhioptaris, 'The King,' Ostrich Fern, dried fronds
Walking Garden
6. Magnolia 'Butterflies,' Magnolia Hybrid
7. Viburnum macrocephalum, Chinese Snowball Viburnum
8. Acuba japonica, Japanese Acuba
9. Acer palmatum, Japanese Maple
10. Euonymous japonicus, 'Microphyllus,' Dwarf Japanese Euonymous
Week of March 11, 2024
Getting closer to spring
By Susann C., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Feeling the sun and seeing today’s bright blue sky suggests we’re that much closer to spring. Deep pink and red blooms shine at the Arboretum, whether it is the deep round dark purple berries massed over a trellis in the Children’s Garden; Moss Phlox with its delicate flowers, on the edge of the Wildflower Garden, the recovering Redbud with its striking fuschia notes in the Butterfly Garden, or the deep purple tones of the clumps of Lenten Rose in the Perennial Garden. Luckily for us, sunny warm days will accelerate the arrival of more plants in bloom, adding to the pops of color now present.
If you’d like to know more about the plants featured in What’s in Bloom, check out the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Getting closer to spring
By Susann C., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Feeling the sun and seeing today’s bright blue sky suggests we’re that much closer to spring. Deep pink and red blooms shine at the Arboretum, whether it is the deep round dark purple berries massed over a trellis in the Children’s Garden; Moss Phlox with its delicate flowers, on the edge of the Wildflower Garden, the recovering Redbud with its striking fuschia notes in the Butterfly Garden, or the deep purple tones of the clumps of Lenten Rose in the Perennial Garden. Luckily for us, sunny warm days will accelerate the arrival of more plants in bloom, adding to the pops of color now present.
If you’d like to know more about the plants featured in What’s in Bloom, check out the NC State Plant Toolbox.
Butterfly Garden
1. Cercis chinensis – Chinese Redbud
Children’s Garden
2. Gelsemium sempervirens –Carolina jessamine (native)
3. Akebia quinata – Chcolate Vine
Perennial Garden
4. Helleborus hybridus ‘Molly’s White’ – Molly’s White Lenten Rose
Mixed Border
5. Camellia japonica – Japanese Camellia
Walking Trail
6. Berberis bealei – Leatherleaf Mahonia
7. Ilex x attenuata ‘East Palatka’ – East Palatka Holly (native)
Wet Site
8. Equisetum hyemale – Rough Horsetail (native)
9. Farfugium japonicum – Leopard Plant
Wildflower Garden
10. Phlox subulata – Moss Phlox (native)
1. Cercis chinensis – Chinese Redbud
Children’s Garden
2. Gelsemium sempervirens –Carolina jessamine (native)
3. Akebia quinata – Chcolate Vine
Perennial Garden
4. Helleborus hybridus ‘Molly’s White’ – Molly’s White Lenten Rose
Mixed Border
5. Camellia japonica – Japanese Camellia
Walking Trail
6. Berberis bealei – Leatherleaf Mahonia
7. Ilex x attenuata ‘East Palatka’ – East Palatka Holly (native)
Wet Site
8. Equisetum hyemale – Rough Horsetail (native)
9. Farfugium japonicum – Leopard Plant
Wildflower Garden
10. Phlox subulata – Moss Phlox (native)
Week of March 4, 2024
Late winter bloomers
by Joanne K., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
With the beginning of March, What's in Bloom begins its 2024 season.
Late winter bloomers range from bright yellow forsythia, which comes out ahead of its leaves; the many beautiful magnolias with their varied shapes and colors; and the very fragrant osmanthus and viburnums. Beautiful bulbs such as daffodils continue to open.
If you look closely at the trees, you'll see the first flowers on the cherries and the buds on the native red maples that will soon burst open. Known for its beautiful variegated leaves, the aucuba surprises and delights when it sports tiny blooms this time of year.
Now is a wonderful time to stroll through the many Arboretum gardens to observe the approach of spring.
You can learn more about the plants below by looking them up in the NC State University Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
Late winter bloomers
by Joanne K., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
With the beginning of March, What's in Bloom begins its 2024 season.
Late winter bloomers range from bright yellow forsythia, which comes out ahead of its leaves; the many beautiful magnolias with their varied shapes and colors; and the very fragrant osmanthus and viburnums. Beautiful bulbs such as daffodils continue to open.
If you look closely at the trees, you'll see the first flowers on the cherries and the buds on the native red maples that will soon burst open. Known for its beautiful variegated leaves, the aucuba surprises and delights when it sports tiny blooms this time of year.
Now is a wonderful time to stroll through the many Arboretum gardens to observe the approach of spring.
You can learn more about the plants below by looking them up in the NC State University Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
All selections are from the Walking Garden
1. Forsythia x intermedia, Border Forsythia
2. Osmanthus fragrans, Fragrant Tea Olive
3. Magnolia 'Butterflies,' Hybrid Magnolia
4. Magnolia stellata, Star Magnolia
5. Magnolia x soulangeana, Saucer Magnolia
6. Viburnum tinus, Tinus viburnum
7. Narcissus 'Ice Follies,' Large-Cupped Daffodil
8. Prunus x 'Okame,' Okama Hybrid Cherry
9. Acer rubrum, Red Maple – native plant
10. Aucuba japonica, Japanese Aucuba
1. Forsythia x intermedia, Border Forsythia
2. Osmanthus fragrans, Fragrant Tea Olive
3. Magnolia 'Butterflies,' Hybrid Magnolia
4. Magnolia stellata, Star Magnolia
5. Magnolia x soulangeana, Saucer Magnolia
6. Viburnum tinus, Tinus viburnum
7. Narcissus 'Ice Follies,' Large-Cupped Daffodil
8. Prunus x 'Okame,' Okama Hybrid Cherry
9. Acer rubrum, Red Maple – native plant
10. Aucuba japonica, Japanese Aucuba