BY DAVID P. DAVIS
After a spring snow is a great time to visit the WVBG.
The start of spring coincides with the March equinox this Sunday, and blooms are just getting started at the West Virginia Botanic Garden.
At this time of year, Mountaineers can count on winter not letting go easily — we always seem to have a few spring snowfalls in March and April. These late snows present a challenge to our spring fever, but also an opportunity to take in the beauty of a winter landscape juxtaposed with early-season flowers.
Blooming now at the WVBG are hellebores and crocuses, with daffodils just beginning their show. All are very tolerant of spring chills and snowfalls and make great photography subjects. In April, our tulips will be blooming and we will see if we get snow on them for the third consecutive year.
As we head into our spring and summer season at the WVBG, I would like to remind visitors of a few features of the garden to maximize everyone’s enjoyment. The WVBG is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. And, while parking in the lower levels of the garden is time-restricted depending on the season, the recently expanded upper parking area along Tyrone Road is always available.
Please stay on blazed walking trails in the WVBG when walking and hiking to protect existing habitats.
Visitors are free to walk across, play and picnic on the lawn areas, but please pack out everything that you bring in. Also, please do not walk into the flower beds while enjoying this season’s blooms, even when taking photos or portraits. This applies to all ages, babies on up (so cute and hard for me to reprimand).
Dogs are also welcome in most areas at the WVBG. Please read the signs, keep your dogs on leash and please also use the dog waste stations that we provide.
Come and enjoy, and when it snows, bring your cameras.
For information, maps, and more, go to WVBG.org or visit at 1061 Tyrone Road in Morgantown.
