House & Theater District

Tulips are native to Central Asia, especially the Tien Shan Mountains in areas now part of Kazakhstan. They were first cultivated in Persia and beloved by the Ottoman Empire, where the sultans bred them into dazzling forms. The flower was introduced to Europe in the 1500s, and then in the 1630s, the Netherlands went wild for tulips during a phenomenon called Tulip Mania.  At the height of the craze, a single bulb of a rare variety could cost more than a house in Amsterdam. Some people sold everything they had—land, livestock, even dowries—to invest in tulip bulbs. The market crashed in 1637, making it one of the first recorded economic bubbles in history. Still, the Netherlands never fell out of love with tulips, and the country remains the world's largest exporter of the bulbs today.

Mertensia virginica is native to the woodlands of the eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian and Ozark regions. It’s often found in moist, shady areas along streams or in deciduous forests.  The vibrant blue bell-shaped flowers start as pink buds and gradually turn to a striking blue as they mature. This color transition is a unique feature that adds even more interest to this early blooming ephemeral. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the sweet nectar. The plant’s blossoms are especially favored by the fritillary butterfly, which often lays its eggs on the plant.

Commonly known as the white trillium or large-flowered trillium, a stunning wildflower that is native to eastern North America.  Known for its striking, three-petaled white flowers, which give it a distinctive and elegant appearance. The flowers typically turn pink.  The name "trillium" comes from the Latin word "trillium," meaning "three," which reflects the three petals, three sepals, and three leaves that all make up this flower's structure. It’s a prime example of the number three in nature!  The white trillium is one of the most iconic wildflowers of spring and is sometimes referred to as the “queen of the woodland flowers.” It’s commonly seen in forested areas, where it creates a beautiful carpet of white flowers in the spring.

The bright red berries produced in the fall, are a high-fat food source for over 36 species of birds, including wild turkeys, cardinals, and robins.  The tree supports more than 100 species of moths and butterflies, which lay their eggs on dogwood leaves—making it essential for local food webs. Because it flowers early, it’s also a critical nectar source for pollinators just coming out of winter dormancy. In fact, its ecological value is so high that Cornus florida is often promoted in native plant gardening for habitat restoration.  While the tree is too small for lumber, dogwood wood is incredibly hard and dense. It’s been used historically for golf club heads and handles for tools and knives. 

Commonly known as creeping phlox, this native wildflower can be identified as a low growing mat-like groundcover. These shade loving, spreading perennials are best used in woodlands, informal borders, or tucked into corners, paths, and rock walls. From late April to early June, the popular cultivar ‘Sherwood Purple’ bears highly fragrant purple-blue flowers on 6 inch tall stems. 

Fothergilla gardenii, dwarf fothergilla