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After an unusually dry winter, the late March rains have brought an abundance of spring blooms to the Garden. Immediately noticeable are the many shrubs now in flower. A standout in the view from the deck behind the Visitor Center is the western redbud (Cercis occidentalis), its bright pink flowers decorating the gray, still-leafless stems. Also noteworthy in several locations throughout the Garden are several types of barberries (Berberis spp.), currently covered with bright yellow flower clusters, some with a wonderful honey-like scent.

A large variety of wild lilacs (Ceanothus spp.) are now coming into their prime. This large family of garden-worthy shrubs has members ranging in size from low ground covers to tall tree-like forms, with flower colors that range from white to deep blue. The tall tree ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus), which has been in bloom for some time, is still a spectacular sight in the back of the Channel Islands section. Smaller varieties include the low-growing Point Reyes ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus), with medium blue flowers and beautiful spiny leaves.

Other currently blooming plants include a variety of trilliums, so-named for their three prominent leaves, above which sit three-petalled flowers. Wake robin (Trillium chloropetalum), found in several wooded locations in the garden, exists in forms with flower colors from white, through pink, to dark purple. A related species, brook trillium (Pseudotrillium rivale), is a more delicate plant, its white petals decorated with small purple spots. A nice spread of these can be seen in the Shasta-Klamath section, just outside the Visitor Center. Nearby in the same section, the coast fawn lily (Erythronium revolutum) is also in bloom. The spotted leaves, a characteristic of fawn lilies, are especially striking in this species, as are the nodding pink flowers with recurved petals.

Not to be missed at this time of year is the bulb bed near the lodge at the edge of the Sierra section. Currently in bloom is the low-growing lava onion, its bright pink flower clusters sitting directly atop the gravel bed. And just beginning to open are the beautiful pink flowers of bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva).

At this time of year, the Garden's palette changes quickly, so enjoy the current blooms while they last, and look forward to discovering many more in the spring months to come.

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