Hey everyone, if you really want to enjoy Mother Nature’s splendor, don’t miss this opportunity at Merrimac Farm! See the info below from the Prince William Conservation Alliance:
Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area
15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville, Virginia
Saturday, April 11, 009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Free of charge, no reservation required.
More information: 703-499-4954, [email protected], http://www.pwconserve.org/plants/
Bring your family and friends to Merrimac Farm on Saturday, April 11, to welcome spring and view the spectacular display of Virginia Bluebells that carpet the floodplain along Cedar Run for nearly a mile.
Event includes a nature art show and naturalist-led tours to Cedar Run, where everyone can learn more about the birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife at Merrimac Farm.
A variety of Northern Virginia environmental organizations will provide displays, including opportunities to meet turtles and other wildlife up close and personal, and activities for children of all ages in the front yard of the Stone House. Participating organizations include the Audubon Naturalist Society, Prince William Art Society, Prince William Conservation Alliance, Prince William Wildflower Society, Washington Smart Growth Alliance, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries.
This event is made possible by the Merrimac Farm WMA Conservation Partners: Prince William Conservation Alliance, Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries
Aren’t bluebells the Prince William County flower? I seem to recall them being designated as such fairly recently.
Are daffodils bigger and more prolific this year or is it my imagination?
I thought for sure mine were going to be nipped in the bud during that really cold snap the first week or so of March. Such was not the case.
Bluebells are just gorgeous! MH, you are correct:
“Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica
At it’s April 1, 2008 meeting the Prince William Board of County Supervisors designated the Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica, as the official flower of the County.
The Board thanked the local chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society, the Prince William Wildflower Society, for suggesting Virginia Bluebells as the official flower. The Society presented the County with an original drawing and framed print of the County’s new official flower at the meeting.”
http://www.pwcgov.com/default.aspx?topic=030030002060004977
Maybe Censored will let us know when the wild flower sale is taking place. Those wild flower buyers are serious about their business. I went last year and went home with my tail between my legs. I had ‘looked’ at someone else’s purchase.
Those folks get there early and line up for some not so hot looking plants. They know a lot more about wild flowers than I do. You shouldn’t go if you don’t know your wild flowers.
I went home and ordered off of ebay. We shall see in a few weeks if that was a good idea or not. Spring is always just full of surprises. You can also easily be duped. I forget what I planted and where I planted it 9 months ago.
HAPPY APRIL TO YOU ALL!!!
This is when spring REALLY starts and it always gladdens my heart.
Furthermore, it’s my birthday month! Higher number = more wisdom.
/I wish/
Happy Birthday early Punchak. Lets us know when the big day arrives.
Most previous societies had great reverence for its elders. I do not see that in our society, I am sorry to say.
Moon-howler, here’s the info on the sale and the garden tours:
http://www.vnps.org/chapters/princewilliam/
Yup, you can’t be a shrinking violet when it comes to that particular plant sale. If I remember correctly, they used to signal the start of that sale with a gunshot (starter pistol, cap gun?) and everyone would be off and running. (In keeping with the discussion on the other thread, the sidewalk Nazis would keep everyone on the sidewalk until the gunshot rang out.)
And let’s not forget the bluebells at Bull Run Regional Park. If you take this walk, make sure your shoes are waterproof as the trail gets muddy.
Happy Birthday Punchak. Today was my grandfather’s birthday too.
Sow flowers to make a garden bloom around you
The thorns you sow will prick your own feet
Rahman Baba
Are blue bells ever another color?