Spring bloomers

Mayapple

A diversity of flowers bloom in the spring, April and May, here in the mountains. Last week an article talked about four early bloomers-redbud, serviceberry, bloodroot, and dogwood. Here are pictures of other spring bloomers. As you look at the pictures be sure to check your wooded areas to see if some are hiding in your yard.

Many of these wild flowers can be seen at the Hamilton Rhododendron Garden at the top of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Parking area. It is open yearround from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and azaleas are blooming now as well as the many dogwood trees. There are over 2,000 rhododendron plants, plus many other plants, that will soon be blooming, especially in May. The path through the Garden is easy on the feet and fairly level. Many benches are along the path and a beautiful water wheel and a rose arbor have been donated to the Garden in the last several years. Most of the plants are named so it can be an educational walk. A $3 donation is asked to help with maintenance.

H a m i l t o n Rhododendron Garden was started at the Fairgrounds in 1982 when Fred and Hazel Hamilton donated their wonderful collection of rhododendrons to Georgia Mountain Fair. Each year the GMF added plants to the Hamiltons' original 1500

(Above) A nodding trillium greets spring with it's colorful blooms.

plants. They also started

a "Memory Garden" so citizens could donate a rhododendron in memory of a friend or loved one. When they ran out of room for plants, they put in benches and stones with names. For further information call 706-896-4191.

Jack-in-the-pulpit has a very distinct bloom and leaves.