An early April Day in Pine Hollow

In early April, the Pine Hollow Arboretum in Slingerlands begins its slow, beautiful awakening from winter. As you walk the grassy trails, you’ll likely see the very first signs of spring like the delicate pink and white Cyclamen coum (Eastern sowbread) near the front pond.

Low to the ground, early bloomers like snowdrops and colorful crocuses often peek through the last of the leaf litter. You may also spot the bright yellow of daffodils and witch hazel beginning to pop against the gray, cloud-filled sky. Higher up, the buds of magnolias and ornamental cherries are just starting to swell, promising a full palette of spring color in the weeks to come.

The air is soft, a gentle breath,
Through Pine Hollow’s quiet halls,
Where winter slowly yields to light
And the muted shadow falls.

Beneath the boughs, the earth awakes—
A stir in the damp, dark mold—
Where snowdrops hang their daring white
And crocus cups unfold.

The towering pines stand watch in green,
While gray clouds crowd the sky,
Drifting in on a mild spring breeze
As the afternoon slips by.

The daffodil lifts a yellow horn
To the mist that’s rolling in,
While cyclamen in shades of rose
Make the spring’s first song begin.

Nearby the pond, the witch hazel fades,
Its golden ribbons spent,
As magnolia buds, tight and round,
Wait for the sun’s consent.

The world is held in silver light,
Twixt the sleeping and the seen,
Walking where the spring begins
In the spaces in between.