What’s in Bloom — April 2015

Our regular “What’s in Bloom” feature typically highlights the exuberance of park gardens, blooming seasonally with all of the colors of the rainbow.

For this “What’s in Bloom,” however, we’re taking it to the trails, where wildflowers and native plants of all shapes and sizes are quietly blooming in living color.

Recently, we were delighted to see wildflowers flourishing along Falls Ravine and Nature Trail in Frick Park. If you’ll remember, many of this crop of ephemeral flowers and ferns were transplanted in preparation for the construction of the new Frick Environmental Center. We’re happy to report that they’re doing well in their new home!

Twinleaf a-bloom.

A transplanted fern unfurling on Falls Ravine Trail.

Toadshade, or trillium sessile

Dutchman’s breeches look like tiny little knickers on a line.

A hillside covered with itty bitty spring beauties

Elsewhere in the parks, wildflowers are popping. Keep an eye out for all of the differently colored blooms.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Bluebells start off pink, then turn blue when they open.

Trout lily in Schenley Park

Want to brush up on your native plant know-how? Join us at these two upcoming events:

Bird and Nature Walk with “Outside My Window’s” Kate St. John
Sunday, April 26th
8:30 – 10:30am
Meet at Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center

Wildflower Walk and Campfire with the Urban EcoStewards
Thursday, May 7th
6:00 – 8:00pm
Frick Park
Register here!

What’s in Bloom – September 2012

Fall is coaxing its way in and football weather is upon us. The annual closet exchange from breezy summer clothes to cozy winter attire is underway and leaf-peepers have their cameras on deck anticipating the gold and crimson hues of a Pittsburgh autumn. Don’t worry, there will be an abundance of beautiful fall photos throughout the season, but in the meantime, enjoy some final splashes of pinks, purples and greens in our September What’s in Bloom.

Highland Park Entry Garden

Anemone (anemone x hybrida) ‘Honorine Jobert’

Aster & Helianthus

Aster & Summer Annuals

Flower Sage (salvia nemerosa) reblooming

New England Aster (aster nova-angliae)

Rubbeckia ‘Herbstsonne’

Riverview Visitor Center

New Guinea Impatiens & Canna Lily

Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center

Pink Begonia

Pink Begonia layered in front of more Pink Begonia ‘Dragon Wings’ & Euphorbia ‘Diamond Forst’ planted in the pots.

More layers of Pink Begonia & Euphorbia

Mellon Park Walled Garden

Anemone (anemone x hybrida) ‘Honorine Jobert’

Begonia, Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ & Angelonia

Keep up with the ever-changing color palette of Pittsburgh parks by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. If social media’s not your cup of tea, be sure to sign up for our e-news to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. We have some new ideas and projects swirling around and you won’t want to miss out!

What’s in Bloom – August 2012

When did it get to be August already? Summer may be flying by and have you itching for fall colors, but there are still plenty of summer flowers blossoming. Check out what’s in bloom in Pittsburgh’s parks this August!

Riverview Chapel Shelter

Summer Annuals (dusty miller, vinca, blue salvia, red celosia, pennisetum grass)

Summer Annuals (profusion zinnia mix, marigold mix, celosia, blue salvia, pink begonia)

Highland Park Entry Garden

Aster (aster nova-angliae)

Black-Eyed Susan (rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’)

Canna Lily (canna species)

Hardy Sunflower (helianthus x multiflorus ‘Meteor’)

Hardy Sunflower (Helianthus species)

Schenley Plaza

Summer Annuals (banana tree, mixed celosia)

Summer Annuals (caladium ‘Arron’ and ‘Carolyn Warton’)

Summer Annuals (dragon wing begonia, golden coleus)

Summer Annuals (pink begonia, vanilla marigold)

Summer Annuals (pink geranium, white alyssum)

Summer Annuals (red salvia, marigold, blue lobelia)

Summer Annuals (sweet potato vine, zinnia, croton)

Mellon Park Walled Garden

Daylily (hemorocallis ‘Happy Returns’)

Salvia (salvia nemerosa ‘Eastfriesland’)

Liriope (liriope muscari)

If you’re like us and can’t imagine Pittsburgh’s breathtaking park gardens without these vibrant bursts of plants and flowers, consider giving a gift to support park restoration. If you’d rather just get down and dig in the dirt yourself, we’re always looking for volunteers!