"Late evening, on the first of May – The twilit May – the time of love..." Karel Hynek Mácha, with his poetic mastery, painted a vivid tapestry of spring in his lyrical-epic composition, penned in the year 1836. It is the fleeting moment of blooming trees and shrubs, especially plum and cherry trees. Among them, one could marvel at the native wild cherry (Prunus avium) or the renowned Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata). Let us highlight the columnar cultivar 'Amanogawa' or the cultivar 'Kanzan' used in street avenues, reminiscent of the bonsai style of Hokidachi, also known as the "broom." Yet, it is the weeping cultivar 'Kiku-Shidare' that resonates most deeply with the Japanese language, its branches gracefully cascading like tears of joy. Another remarkable species is the Sargent's cherry (Prunus sargentii), native to the Far East.
May is the richest month for the blossoms of woody plants. As mentioned, the sakura, takes center stage, alongside them a distinctive group of lilacs adds its own enchantment. Particularly, the cultivars of the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), the Chinese lilac (Syringa x chinensis), and the later flowering Preston lilac (Syringa x prestoniana). Completing the array of flowering trees and lilacs in parks and gardens, the native and white-flowered common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) adds its unique charm. Another standout group in the May Symphony of Blossoms are plants from the Rhododendron genus. And let us not forget the captivating flowering dogwoods. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) flowers before leafing, sometimes extending its delicate blossoms into the early days of May. On the other hand, the Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa) flowers later, with its first flowers appearing towards the end of the month. Let us not overlook the graceful climbers, with the wisterias claiming their place of distinction. In May, the Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) takes the spotlight, alongside the elegant cultivars of the silky wisteria (Wisteria brachybotris 'Yae Kokuryu Fuji'). These flowers were just after the reign of the April queen of trellises and pergolas, the Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis).
In the beautiful expositions of our garden, you can immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of May flowers. One of the highlights is the enchanting Japanese Garden, adorned with delicate Asian plum and cherry trees, as well as vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas. As you stroll through the garden, you'll be greeted by the magnificent blooms of horse chestnut trees (Aesculus) on the Peony Meadow. Witness the splendor of a full-flowered cultivar of European horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) called 'Baumannii' or admire the smaller yet striking red flowers of the red buckeye (Aesculus pavia). Adding to this floral spectacle, late May reveals the blossoms of woody peonies.
If you're seeking a romantic moment, our botanical garden beckons with its abundance of flowers for a May kiss.
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