May Day, and the azaleas are blooming once again in the Barden. Though common in the past, no native azaleas would bloom now in Herrontown Woods if not for human intervention to rescue them from deer and heavy shade.
Monday, May 1, 2023
A Misty, Moisty Morning at Herrontown Woods
It can be a delight to visit the Herrrontown Woods after a heavy rain. This past weekend, we had several heavy rains, with pauses inbetween that were ideal for seeing the preserve when it is rich with water.
I found a soaked frog puppet lying on the trail, and gave it a good perch to dry out upon.
Ostrich ferns from Rachelle's garden contrast with the fallen tree behind.
Rachelle and Andrew created this Zen Garden, with a small pond that swells in the rain. Rivulets flow through the Barden from higher up in the preserve, pausing on their journey here and there before feeding the natural vernal pools down the hill. The water that periodically flows through the Barden could be a nuisance, washing woodchips off of pathways, but we find ways to direct its flow, to play with it, so that it feeds and beautifies the landscape.
Victorino's bridge, hewn from fallen trees, leads towards the red trail.
Blackhaw Viburnums are common in the woodlands around the Barden, blooming with the flowering dogwoods and, it can be dreamed, a growing abundance of native azaleas. 
The one cluster of trillium--the only trilliums I've seen growing in Princeton--has bloomed again this year, up on the Veblen House grounds.
