Spring is in the air at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, and what better way to celebrate the season than with the return of the beloved springtime festival, Cheekwood in Bloom? Returning to the botanical gardens on March 12 and running through April 10, this year’s tenth anniversary festival promises to be the largest and most colorful celebration of the season yet with a plethora of blooms, wellness programming, and family-friendly fun.
A treasured tradition for locals and visitors alike, Cheekwood in Bloom boasts 250,000 beautiful blooms throughout the property’s sprawling 55 acres. This past fall, 100,000 new daffodils were planted along the Pineapple Hillside beyond the Color Garden Arches, resulting in an explosion of colors as the new blooms make their debut this March. And in addition to the breathtaking exhibition of 250,000 blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and violas, visitors will notice colorful signs of the season in the trees as well. As an accredited Level II National Arboretum, Cheekwood’s diverse collection of magnolias, redbuds, and dogwoods will also showcase new fragrant blooms in the upcoming months.
“I’m excited to activate our permanent and perennial daffodil collection to effectively double the number of blooms on display, and I love how the design and color palette reference the yellow daffodils and pull the new feature in the Color Garden,” says Cheekwood Vice President of Gardens and Facilities Peter Grimaldi. “The rich yellows and oranges of the classic daffodil palette are set up by a contrasting combination of pink and purples arranged along the Arches and woven into a bright yellow ribbon of tulips twisting through the Color Garden.”
In addition to the heavenly hues of spring perennials, the festival also features live concerts, family-friendly workshops and programming, and outdoor wellness classes for holistic experiences that all ages and interests can enjoy. Some of this year’s many offerings include dog events, a native plant sale, adult workshops, and interactive and educational activations in the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. New this year, Cheekwood will host a Holi celebration with food, music, dancing, and hands-on activities, including throwing colored powder to honor the holiday which originated in ancient India. And for guests longing for some relaxation and rejuvenation, Cheekwood’s Wellness 360 initiative returns with outdoor classes led by local instructors. Offerings include yoga, forest bathing, nature walks, and sound meditation.
Keeping with the upbeat spirit that accompanies the season of new beginnings, Cheekwood will also hold regularly scheduled live concerts in the gardens including Sunday jazz and a weekend beer garden. And to get the whole family springing into the fun, the Great Spring Art Hop returns for its 30th year on April 15 and 16 featuring egg hunts and large-scale bunny sculptures decorated by local artists that guests can hop throughout the gardens to find.
Typically closed on Mondays, Cheekwood will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the duration of the festival. Advanced reservations are required for all happenings including workshops, classes, and general admission, and can be purchased online. Whether you’re strolling the grounds soaking up the rising temps and radiant colors of the season, seeking a day of family-fun activities, or craving for a mindful escape into nature, there is something for everyone to discover at this sensational spring festival. (1200 Forrest Park Dr., 615-356-8000; cheekwood.org)