Spring Bulb Show to Open March 2 at Smith College

A spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips will provide an early glimpse of spring at Smith College’s Lyman Conservatory from Saturday, March 2, through Sunday, March 17.

The bulb show is open to the public daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with Friday evening hours on March 8 and 15, 4-8 p.m. The suggested donation is $2. Members-only hours are 9-10 a.m. Groups of ten or more should schedule in advance by calling (413) 585-2742.

On Friday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m., Michael Marcotrigiano, director of Smith’s Botanic Garden, will open the show with a lecture, titled “New Trees for the Landscape: From Plant Exploration to Genetic Manipulation.” The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Carroll Room, Campus Center, and will be followed by a reception and preview of the bulb show in the illuminated Lyman Conservatory.

While on sabbatical, Marcotrigiano, a professor of biological sciences, visited several facilities across the United States that develop and introduce new trees for the American landscape. In his talk, Marcotrigiano will give an overview of the origin of new trees and give an insider’s view on what trees can be expected in your nursery in the coming years.

In conjunction with the bulb show, “From Petals to Paper: Poetic Inspiration from Flowers,” a selection of poems by contemporary poets Li-Yojng Lee, Jean Valentine and Louise Glück, will be on view in the Church Exhibition Gallery of the Lyman Conservatory. The poems were selected by Smith seniors Liliana Farrel and Janan Scott, both of whom are pursuing academic concentrations in poetry.

On Saturday, March 23, noon to 3 p.m., and Sunday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friends of the Botanic Garden and the general public are invited to purchase many of the hardy bulbs that appeared in the show. Inexpensively priced, these crocus, daffodil, hyacinth, narcissus, and tulip bulbs, as well as other plants, can later be planted outdoors or displayed indoors in pots. Members-only hours are Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m.-noon (please bring your membership card).

Lyman Conservatory is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available on College Lane for the two weeks of the show. For more information, contact the Botanic Garden of Smith College at (413) 585-2740.