Garden Highlights

The gardens at Jenkins showcase a rich tapestry of curated plant collections, including breathtaking azaleas and rhododendrons grown alongside plants native to the eastern United States. Serene walking paths and tranquil spaces invite visitors to immerse themselves in nature throughout the year. Explore our Garden Highlights below or take part in virtual tours, including our popular Wednesday Walkabouts.

January through March

While most of the garden is dormant, witch hazels bloom along Stream Walk. Some of the earliest plants start to emerge, including skunk cabbage, which generates heat and will melt any snow around it.

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April

Spring ephemerals, those plants that only show aboveground for a short time, are blooming along Woodland Walk: bloodroot, trout lily, Virginia bluebell, and more. Trilliums dot the gardens. Rhododendrons and azaleas burst with color on Azalea Hill and Elizabeth’s Walk.

May

The azalea and rhododendron show continues! More spring flowers line the paths, and flowering trees and shrubs, including dogwood and red buckeye, put on a show. Our collection of mountain laurel along the main walkway dazzles.

June

The air is fragrant with perfume from magnolias and swamp azaleas, especially on Stream Walk. Throughout the garden, more flowers are in bloom every day.

July

Pollinators flock to the garden, from the sourwoods in the parking lot to the mountain mints around the pond. Summersweet scents the air.

August

The pond is buzzing with activity: birds, pollinators, and turtles sunning on the logs. Towering ironweed, joe pye weed, and swamp rosemallow make any visitor feel small.

September

While flowers continue to bloom throughout the garden, fruits and seeds are ripening on Woodland Walk, and some plants are beginning to change color. Asters and goldenrods begin their duet.

October

Fall color dazzles, from the reds of the eastern wahoo on the hill above the pond to the rusts and yellows of the flowering dogwoods. Aromatic asters by the pond continue to provide a food source for pollinators still out looking.

November

Encore azaleas provide pops of pinks and purples on Azalea Hill while the fall color show continues. Seeds and berries feed songbirds and mammals.

December

Evergreens shine, from rhododendrons to junipers to pines. American holly brings a festive touch to the parking lot. The eye adjusts to the many shades and textures of brown throughout the garden as deciduous trees and shrubs reveal their forms.