Walking the Primrose Path at Tower Hill Botanic Garden

BOYLSTON, MA - Most people probably know primroses as the ubiquitous potted plants with bright pastel flowers that land in every garden center and grocery store in February and March to brighten winter's darkest days.

However, few gardeners are aware of the amazing versatility in the genus Primula, and the wonderful contribution these plants can make to the home landscape.

There are actually more than 450 species of primula in the wild, ranging in height from a few millimeters to over a meter tall, and their flowers can be red, blue-purple, yellow, white, and all shades in between. They are attractive to gardeners for their early spring bloom and adaptability to garden and greenhouse cultivation. Many are especially adaptable to shade and rock garden environments.

The annual New England Primrose Show will return to Tower Hill Botanic Garden on May 5-6.

In addition to the indoor displays of blooming plants at the show, lectures and guided tours will provide cultural instructions for growing primroses in home gardens. Alpine and rock garden plants and supplies will also be for sale.

The Primrose Show is included with regular admission to Tower Hill Botanic Garden; $12 Adults, $9 Seniors, and $7 Youth aged 6-18, Children under 6 and WCHS members FREE. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is located at 11 French Drive, Boylston, Mass., exit 24 off Route 290.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden is the home of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, incorporated in 1842 for the purpose of "advancing the science, and encouraging and improving the practice of horticulture."

Located on 132 acres of garden paradise in bucolic Boylston, Massachusetts, the Garden hosts educational programs, exhibits, shows, and special events throughout the year.

Free Admission for Mothers on Mother's Day Weekend

Are you looking to find a new place to take Mom for Mother's Day? Tower Hill Botanic Garden is offering free admission for all mothers all Mother's Day Weekend on May 12-13, 2012, from 9am-5pm.

Whether an avid gardener or just one who admires the beauty of nature, all mothers will appreciate a visit to this garden paradise, bursting with the colors and fragrances of spring, and located just east of Worcester. Families are invited to spend the day by strolling the gardens during this peak of display.

Visitors are also welcome to bring picnics, although alcohol is not permitted. The Gift Shop will feature many items for Mother's Day gifts, including greeting cards and plants. Consider a membership for Mom, and she can return to the garden free of charge for a whole year, and get a bouquet of other benefits, like 10% off purchases at local participating garden centers.

The second weekend in May is an ideal time in the garden when thousands of bulbs are in bloom, as well as many trees and shrubs. Those blooming include lilacs, azaleas, cherries, honeysuckle, early rhododendrons, and others. Mothers and their families can walk through formal gardens, meander on woodland paths, or take in the view of Mt. Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir. A garden docent will offer a free guided tour on Sunday at 2pm.

For all "non-Moms," regular admission fees apply; $12 Adults, $9 Seniors, and $7 Youth aged 6-18, Children under 6 and WCHS members FREE. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is located at 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA, exit 24 off Route 290.

For more information, call (508) 869-6111, or sign on to www.towerhillbg.org