By: Amanda Engen
While most visitors to Inniswood Metro Gardens come for the carefully curated ornamental displays, our March 30th Friends-only Hidden Gem hike revealed a different side of this beloved park—the woodland trails where spring wildflowers make their first appearance. Despite a morning of steady rain, eleven curious hikers gathered, raincoats and all, eager to discover the forest's awakening flora and experience firsthand why Inniswood's natural areas are worth exploring in any weather.
Our guide was Jen, a senior environmental educator who has dedicated over 20 years to the Metro Parks. Her extensive knowledge and passion for the natural world made for an enlightening 1.5-hour adventure through the lesser-known woodland areas of Inniswood.
Behind-the-Scenes Greenhouse Tour
The hike began with a special privilege—access to the normally off-limits greenhouses. Here, we observed various tropical plants "wintering over," meaning they were being sheltered indoors during the cold months to protect them from freezing temperatures. These plants will return to outdoor displays when warmer weather arrives.
The greenhouse staff were busy starting seeds that will eventually beautify Inniswood's gardens. Interestingly, they also grow vegetable seedlings for Slate Run's historical farm, showcasing the interconnectedness of different Metro Park properties.
First Signs of Spring
This week marked the first glimpses of wildflowers beginning to bloom in Inniswood's forest. Jen explained that spring is the optimal time to observe woodland wildflowers because the trees haven't yet leafed out, allowing maximum sunlight to reach the forest floor. This brief window of opportunity creates perfect conditions for early bloomers to thrive.
"It's variable, even a week makes a difference," Jen advised, recommending weekly visits throughout April to witness the rapidly changing landscape as different species take their turn to bloom.
Wildflower Discoveries
Throughout our journey along The Boardwalk Trail, Jen pointed out dozens of emerging wildflowers and provided a helpful identification guide for future reference. Among our discoveries:
Purple Cress: This four-petaled flower from the mustard family is hearty enough to be one of the first woodland bloomers of the season
Trout Lily: We spotted the distinctive mottled leaves emerging from the forest floor
Skunk Cabbage: Recognizable by its unique form located near water and, as the name suggests, distinctive aroma
False Mermaid: We observed this delicate plant blanketing the ground like a carpet across the forest floor
As we explored, Jen also highlighted the differences between these native wildflowers and the cultivated garden flowers that Inniswood is famous for. While both were beginning to bloom, the wildflowers have evolved specifically for this woodland environment and its seasonal rhythms.
Jen shared that each year, thousands upon thousands of tulip bulbs are planted throughout Inniswood's gardens by dedicated volunteers. While predicting peak bloom time can be challenging, she typically observes the most spectacular tulip displays during the last two weeks of April.
Discover Inniswood's Seasonal Symphony
For anyone interested in experiencing this hidden gem of Inniswood Metro Gardens, the coming weeks offer the perfect opportunity to witness the ephemeral beauty of spring wildflowers. Whether in sunshine or light rain, these woodland trails reveal a different side of Inniswood beyond its renowned ornamental gardens—a side equally worthy of appreciation. Each visit promises new discoveries as different wildflower species take center stage in this beautiful spring performance.
