Edith Farnsworth House Blossoms

I have the privilege of leading a spring flower walk at the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano, IL around the third week of April. That seems to be the sweet spot for maximum flower power.

Recently, they have been overhauling the landscape around the house and turning toward a more native plant palette. Part of the work is clearing out all the invasive junk under the trees. With more sunlight comes a terrific flower show!

Lanning Roper had 30,000 to 40,000 daffodils and spring bulbs planted on the site in the 80s in large pools under the trees. The goal was to create splashes of sunny flowers for a spring day. Now that the brush has been removed, the daffodils are delighted and delightful.

But, growing in among those daffodils are thousands and thousands of native Virginia bluebells. They are happily co-existing and folks, they are doing their very best to make you light in the head with the sheer sweep of beauty. These photos don’t do it justice!

Mark your calendars for April 2026 and charge those cameras. You may have missed it this year, but don’t worry. These hardy flowers will be back again to knock your socks clean off!