“Wildflowers are nature’s way of painting the world with vibrant hues.”- Unknown.
It was a chilly March afternoon when I visited Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, PA.; a day that felt like Winter was fighting against the newly blooming flowers that were heralding Spring.
Set on 134 preserved acres of forest, ponds, meadows and trails, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is the only accredited botanical museum in the country dedicated to native plants. With over 700 plants that are native to Pennsylvania, it is a nature lover’s delight.
Our walking tour guide and naturalist Rick, with a plethora of information, led us on a journey through meandering trails pointing out the buds and blooms of wildflowers, hidden in cracks and crevices along the way. A meadow of bluebells made a carpet of the most vibrant blue. There were trees which survived for hundreds of years and native plants that the Lenape Tribe used for medicinal purposes
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The Preserve’s scenery is breathtaking with ponds, stone bridges over Pidcock Creek and a preserved log cabin made of chestnut. Trails range from a leisurely walk to difficult, with plenty of benches to rest along the way and take in the beauty surrounding you. You can picnic in the Moore Pavilion and enjoy the lush lawn in warmer weather.
They also host weddings from small and intimate to larger affairs. What could be more romantic than saying “I do” in a magical garden setting? Weddings can be held in the Pavilion or outside in a setting of your choice. Special events can also be held and there is an auditorium available for rentals.
The Preserve also has a wonderful gift shop with a great selection of reference and guidebooks for adults and children. When shopping for the gardener and naturopath in your life, the gift shop is the place to go.
Bowman’s Hill has been a staple in Bucks County for their educational programs. There are lectures all year long, from growing mushrooms to birdwatching plus hands-on activities for adults and children alike. Plant identification, growing seedlings, climate change and cultivating fruit are among the choices. There are also guided forest walks and yoga classes!
The Preserve has their own greenhouses which grow native plants available for sale. Countless volunteer hours are spent organizing and cultivating the plants. This year the plant sale opening day is April 12, 2024. There are master gardeners and naturalists on hand to guide you through the best plants for your location. Whether it is a perennial or shrub, you will be taking home a piece of history.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is under the direction of Peter Couchman. Mr. Couchman took on this role in 2020, with over 15 years’ experience in horticulture and fundraising. Since its beginning in 1934, the Preserve has welcomed all and today there are 70,000 annual visitors.
From azaleas to violets there are wildflowers in every season and a peace that only the Preserve can bring.
From April to June, they are open daily from 9am-5pm. The last entry is at 4:00pm. From July- March they are open Wednesday through Mondays and closed on Tuesdays.
I suggest putting this high on your list of places to visit. You can also download a complete guide to their native plants. For that and more information, please visit their website at https://bhwp.org/.
