Season by season

We invite you to visit in spring as new life unfurls, in summer as our gardens explode in blooms, in fall when our landscapes are alive in color, and in winter when the quiet beauty of our places becomes even more striking.

See the seasons unfold by browsing seasonal collections of plants from our gardens and natural areas.

Seasonal Plant Collections

Spring

Spring in upstate NY starts with the the bright blooms of witch hazels, early spring flower bulbs and continues with our native wildflowers. As the temperature warms, flowering trees and shrubs and primrose blooms cover the landscape. By late spring our Rhododendron collection shines along with the opening of the gorges.

Watch spring unfold

SPRING

March

Early blooming spring bulbs start to emerge.

April

Many native wildflowers start blooming.

May

Spring flowering trees, rhododendrons and much more!

SUMMER

Summer is one of the best times to visit! Blooms can be found in many of our gardens and throughout the arboretum. Our natural areas offer ample opportunity to explore unique settings.

Summer

June

June explodes in bloom in our gardens, arboretum and natural areas.

July

A perfect month for seeing our gardens at peak bloom.

August

Enjoy the beauty of flowers, foliage, and fruit this month offers.

FALL

Fall is a magical time with stunning vistas of fall foliage, ripening produce in our vegetable garden, and ornamental grasses and late-blooming flowers.

Fall at Cornell Botanic Gardens

FALL

September

Ornamental grasses, ripe produce, and beautiful strolls make September glorious.

October

Our grounds offer many places to enjoy spectacular fall foliage.

November

This is a great month for fall hiking, late fall flowers, and admiring garden architecture.

WINTER

Winter provides a season of stillness and quiet beauty throughout our gardens and natural areas. Explore our Winter Garden and collections of plants designed to showcase winter interest.

WINTER

December

Before the snow gets too deep, there is much to enjoy.

January

In winter, the colors, shapes, and textures of our plants stand out.

February

Snow-covered gardens provide a winter wonderland.