Planning for Spring Blooms | Nov 20, 2016

As the leaves begin to fall and winter slowly presses in upon us, it is important to think towards warmer times and the return of spring. We here at the Esplanade Association are already looking forward to spring and planning on how to celebrate spring and enhance esplanade-goers experience. Over the last few weeks, the EA horticulture staff along with the help of several volunteer groups have been digging, fertilizing, and planting roughly 42,000 flower bulbs throughout the Charles River Esplanade. Among the thousands of flower bulbs are different species of Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses, Muscari, snow drop, spring beauty and many more! Depending on what type of flower, a hole is dug anywhere from 2 to 8 inches down (typically the depth is about twice the height of the flower bulb). Between 7 and 15 bulbs are then placed at the bottom of the hole, sprinkled with fertilizer, and then covered with soil. Sometimes multiple layers of flower bulbs are planted in a hole with a layer of larger ones at the bottom and smaller ones sitting on top.

These bulbs have been planted in patches and waves throughout the esplanade including in front of the Hatch Shell, along shorelines and bridges, and near exercise courses and scattered across open spaces. Different flower species will bloom at different times. Some flowers such as Crocus and snowdrop are early spring bloomers and can be seen from late January to early March. Others such as Scilla and Daffodils can be seen in the esplanade starting in March and April. Then we have planted some late bloomers such as our Tulips and Lilac. So when the snow finally starts to melt, be sure to head down to the esplanade to enjoy the vibrant waves of purples, golds, whites, and reds when spring comes.