April 2024: looking for spring wildflowers

April 10, 2024April 10, 2024Mary

This morning Mae (canine companion) and I took a 2 mile walk along Wagner Road, then back through the woods on our hill trail. It wasn’t specifically a spring wildflower walk but we found enough of them to write a report.

What spring wildflowers we found

Golden ragwort about which I wrote a blog post in 2012
Common violets
Spring beauties in abundance
B luets, my favorites – so tiny!
Cut-leaved toothwort
Dandelions, this is an interesting article about invasive species in a great little Ohio publication, “Farm & Dairy.”
May-apples (not in bloom but in bud)
Coltsfoot
Blue phlox
Rue anenome

Check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildflower report every week through spring. And print your own Ohio spring wildflower checklist.

And if you are really interested in wildflowers in the spring, check out my blog posts from the past:

Spring wildflowers in the Hocking Hills (2023)
A very short wildflower walk (2018)
Hocking Hills wildflowers right now (2007)

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Spring wildflowers in the Hocking Hills

April 26, 2023May 1, 2023Mary

Introduction

Hocking Hills is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but spring is especially special. The wildflowers are in bloom, the waterfalls are flowing, and the birds are singing. Here are some of the best places to see spring wildflowers in Hocking Hills:

Where to see spring wildflowers

Ash Cave: Ash Cave is a large recess cave that is home to a variety of wildflowers, including Virginia bluebells, columbines, and wild geraniums.
Old Man’s Cave: Old Man’s Cave is another popular spot for wildflower viewing. Here, you can find wildflowers such as trillium, trout lily, and spring beauty.
Cedar Falls: Cedar Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by wildflowers, including purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and blazing star.
Conkle’s Hollow: Conkle’s Hollow is a deep gorge that is home to a variety of wildflowers, including Dutchman’s breeches, jack-in-the-pulpit, and mayapple.
Rock House: Rock House is a natural rock formation that is home to a variety of wildflowers, including columbine, Virginia bluebells, and wild geraniums.

In addition to these popular spots, there are many other places to see spring wildflowers in Hocking Hills. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled and you’re sure to find some beautiful blooms. In fact, Marsh Hollow Cabins is hosting a variety of flowers today (April 26): spring beauties, mayapple (not blooming yet but foliage is abundant), wild geranium, hepatica, violets, both purple and white, large trillium, bluets and more!

For more information about where to go and what to see, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildflowers web site.

How to enjoy

Here are some tips for enjoying the spring wildflowers in Hocking Hills:

Visit in the spring (April-May). This is when the wildflowers are in bloom. But the Fall also has some gorgeous color, especially asters and goldenrod.
Don’t forget that trees also have flowers in the spring. Tulip poplars have large yellow/orange blooms. The pawpaw tree has dark, inconspicuous flowers that are easy to overlook.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing some hiking!
Bring a camera. You’ll want to capture all of the beauty.
Be respectful of the wildflowers.
Don’t pick them or trample on them.

Writing this post gave me the opportunity to look back at a wildflower post I wrote in 2007. My goodness time flies.

Enjoy the beauty of nature!

Mary

Mary at Marsh Hollow

Bluets

April 19, 2015June 26, 2015Mary

Bluets are our very favorite spring wildflower. They have just started to bloom here at Marsh Hollow and are scattered throughout the fields at Shadyside and Pinewood, as well as at our home.

They are tiny flowers and bloom in clumps. According to the Peterson Field Guide to Wildflowers, they are a member of the bedstraw family and are pale bluish to white, with a yellow eye. Stem leaves paired, short, narrow. Often forms large colonies. 2-8 in. Grass, fields. Wisconsin, Quebec, Nova Scotia south. They will bloom April-July.

Although no photos yet, Marsh Hollow is rich in spring-beauties. They are everywhere throughout the fields. They close up in the evening. Grandson Aaron says they are going to sleep.

Flowers: perfect for every occasion

February 29, 2012June 26, 2015Mary

A recent guest asked us to have fresh flowers available in Pinewood Cabin, to surprise his wife. So of course we called our friends at Hocking Hills Florist to create a special arrangement for. We think they turned out beautifully and so did his wife!
If you plan to stay at Marsh Hollow, please just give us a call to let us know what kind or color of arrangement you would like, as well as how much you’d like to spend, we’ll handle the rest.
This is a great way to let that special someone know how much she means to you.

Mary at Marsh Hollow