The Annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College in Western Massachusetts

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This weekend we headed up north to Western Massachusetts, aka "the other side of MA" to visit the Annual Spring Bulb Show at the Botanic Garden of Smith College in Northampton Massachusetts. The northeast section of the U.S. has been experiencing some downright frigid temperatures - so a glimpse of spring would be a welcome respite to all us New Englanders!

The Botanic Garden of Smith College, developed in 1875, was the brainchild of  L. Clarke Seelye, the College's first president, who had a vision for the entire campus to be developed as a botanic garden. In addition to the aesthetic beauty it brought to the campus, this innovative concept would also allow for scientific research. While strolling the campus grounds don't be surprised if the  landscape feels somewhat familiar -  the same firm that designed Central Park was hired to bring President Seelye's vision to life. (Smith College, About Us)

Fast forward to Smith College in the 21st century and the Botanic Garden of today includes thousands of plants, including those grown under glass in the Lyman Conservatory and outdoors in the campus arboretum, the landscape for student learning, and various specialty gardens around campus. Additionally, there are 60,000 pressed specimens available for research in the herbarium.

The living plant specimens are the heart of the Botanic Garden and their bridge to the rest of the botanical world, studying the past through the future. (Smith College, About Us)

One of their most popular exhibitions is the Annual Spring Bulb Show which dates back to the early 1900's. This showcase of spring blooming flowers includes crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips as well as non-hardy South African Bulbs. The process begins in October, when Smith College horticulture students pot up the bulbs and put them into cold storage. Starting in January, the bulbs are moved to the greenhouses. It takes careful timing and temperature control to orchestrate their colorful and fragrant debut in March.

Here are some of the beautiful sights from the 2017 showcase:

In addition to the flowering bulbs there is a tropical rainforest area with ponds, water features, exotic orchids, and tropical plants

The Spring Bulb Show opens the first Saturday in March; runs for two weeks including the third weekend.

Weekday Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Extended Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $5.00

This year the Spring Bulb Show Runs March 4th through March 19th - don't miss this beautiful 'welcome to spring' with a bounty of blooming flowers at Smith College Botanic Garden.

The Botanic Garden at Smith College

16 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063


The bulb show also offers a bulb sale the weekend after the show. Details are available at https://www.smith.edu/garden/event/after-the-show-bulb-sale

Don't miss any of the upcoming events at the Botanic Garden - look here https://www.smith.edu/garden/events and save the dates of November 4 - November 19th for their Fall themed Chrysanthemum Show where the deep autumnal tones of fall are featured.

Look for more beauty in 'the other side of MA" by searching  the hashtags #InBloomMA and #otherSideMA on your favorite social media outlets.

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.


© Home Place 2017

Herb Day at the Ellington Farmers Market

Meet your herbs - at the Ellington Farmers Market!

This Saturday, May 30, 2015,  the Ellington Farmers Market is hosting a "Meet Your Herbs" Day. It is a nice opportunity to get fresh herbs and learn about their medicinal benefits.Saturday,

The goal of the Ellington Farmers' Market Association is to provide their community with a variety of products that are grown, harvested,  produced or handcrafted in the state of CT, connect residents to food production and help them create healthier eating habits, enhance the quality of life in the Ellington area by providing a community activity which fosters social gathering and interaction and to preserve Ellington’s unique agricultural heritage by supporting local farmers.

Location: Arbor Park (next to Chuck Wagon restaurant area) on Main St. in Ellington, CT. Parking is available along the side and back area of the park.

Opening hours: 9:00 am (closes by noon) on May 30, 2015

Free Talk Times:

9:30 - 10:30 - Cathy T (at the Square Gazebo) - "Combining Herbs in Container Plantings". Herbs are easy to grow and many perennial herbs return in container gardens. Cathy T will go over her usual steps for success, tips, and information about herb growing in containers and how to use some to cure ailments. She will have a limited supply of herbs, tropicals, and perennials for sale.

 10:30 - 11:30 - Stacy Wood - Herbs and Elixirs. Spring detox will be the topic by herbalist Stacey Wood at 10:30 am in front of Whole Harmony Artisan Tea booth. She will give advice on how to feel your best this summer using herbs and elixirs. Her teas are wonderful.

Tips for the Market:

• Bring a bag to put your items in as you walk and shop.
• Insert an ice pack in the bag (great seafood available there).
• Arrive early, look around before going to the free talks.
• Bring your pet if you want - they are welcome at the park.
• Plan your happy hour apps or dinner just by getting fresh food at the market.
• Stay a while, there is musical entertainment to enjoy as well.