Summer flowers are beginning to bloom in the gardens and the prairies at The Morton Arboretum, as the spring bloom season comes to an end. In the woods, the trees’ shady canopy of leaves has opened and the last spring wildflowers are fading.

This summer, look for blooms in containers and flower beds around the Visitor Center (Parking Lot 1) and the Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), as well as the gardens. Near the Visitor Center, find flowers in the Ground Cover Garden, The Grand Garden, and the plantings around Meadow Lake. Near Thornhill, enjoy blooms in the Four Season Garden, the Fragrance Garden, and perennial gardens along Joy Path. Peonies in the Joy Path gardens are especially colorful.

On the East Side, near Parking Lot 4, shrubby cinquefoils and species roses are blooming. Cow parsnip is just beginning to bloom in Crowley Marsh just past Parking Lot 5. The East Woods are shady and green. On the West Side, great angelica is starting to bloom west of Lake Marmo near the dam (Parking Lot 28). At the Schulenberg Prairie (Parking Lot 25), the summerlong bloom season is just beginning. To explore the entire prairie, be sure to bring a hat and water!

This is the last Spring Bloom Report of 2023, but the Arboretum is beautiful in every season. In addition to flowers and gardens, there are plenty of trails to explore the tree collections, woodlands, and prairies. Enjoy the many shades of green this summer.

The Bloom Report is written by the Arboretum’s Manager of Plant Records, Ed Hedborn. It is typically published on Fridays through spring to give members and guests a chance to plan their weekend visits. The Arboretum also publishes a weekly Fall Color Report.

The Morton Arboretum is more than a walk in the woods. Explore upcoming learning opportunities and events to learn more about trees and plants and to celebrate your love of nature.