After a long, Kansas winter, there's no better feeling than seeing bright blooms pop up from the ground and colorful buds burst open on trees. In Lawrence, we're blessed to have quite a few spots to view stunning flowers that herald the arrival of springtime. Whether you're looking for a photo op or to take a meditative stroll surrounded by the sights and smells of spring, check out these recommendations for the best flower spots in Lawrence.
North Lawrence
Lawrence Welcome Sign - Daffodils
If you're entering Lawrence from I-70 into North Lawrence, wave hello to the Lawrence sign! An army of bright yellow daffodils emerge each spring to welcome you to Lawrence.
Union Pacific Depot - Daffodils, Korean Spice Viburnum
More cheerful daffodils can be found in front of the Union Pacific Depot, just North of the bridge over the Kaw River. Off to the right of the main garden, blooming bushes of Korean Spice Viburnum have the most intoxicating scent you can imagine.
The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas Grounds Crew does a phenomenal job keeping the campus blooming throughout the growing season. Each year, thousands upon thousands of bulbs are planted and carefully tended to ensure that the campus is blanketed in color during spring. If you're on Instagram, I recommend following the KU Grounds Crew for fun updates about what's blooming on campus and all the hard work it takes to get there. The following spots are perfect for viewing beautiful spring blooms starting in late March and lasting through early May.
Campanile & Memorial Drive - Daffodils
The earliest spring flowers you will see are daffodils, and you'll find these little yellow wonders waving cheerfully at you in spades in front of the iconic Memorial Campanile & Carillon and along Memorial Drive.
Chi Omega Fountain - Tulips
The big event each spring at KU? The Tulips. Thousands of tulips in shades of red, white, and yellow bloom all over campus starting in early April, and the sight is truly something to behold. I recommend making a trip to view the Chi Omega Fountain, another iconic campus fixture within a roundabout on Jayhawk Boulevard that is completely surrounded by colorful blooms in spring.
Lilac Lane - Lilacs
If you're the type to stop and smell the flowers, be sure to visit Lilac Lane behind Fraser Hall in April. These vibrant bushes are known for their delicate fragrance. Lilac Lane has been lined with lilacs since the 1870s.
Jayhawk Boulevard - Irises
Bright purple irises bloom in beds along Jayhawk Boulevard and between Fraser Hall and Watson Library from the second half of April into early May.
Downtown Lawrence
The City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department always keeps community spaces blooming in the spring, summer, and fall. Here are my recommendations for where to find signs of spring in Downtown Lawrence.
South Park - Tulips & Magnolia Trees
The best spots for tulips in South Park are in front of the Parks and Recreation Department building on the West side of Massachusetts Street, and in front of the Theodore Roosevelt Fountain and the gazebo, also known as the William Kelly Bandstand. The garden surrounding the fountain is always lovingly decorated and one of my favorite spots to stop and sit for a while in Lawrence.
While in South Park, be sure to keep an eye out for the Magnolia trees that splash the peripheries of the park with pink and white. They usually bloom in late March to early April and are still beautiful once they begin to fade, layering the ground with a carpet of petals.
Japanese Friendship Garden - Yoshino Cherry Trees
The Japanese Friendship Garden on the North side of the Watkins Museum of History is a great place to stop for a picnic in the spring. The sweet and lightly floral scent of the blossoming Yoshino Cherry trees is something special.
Is your favorite spot for spring blooms missing? Let us know by tagging us in your photos on Instagram and Facebook so we can spread the joy!
