medfield rhododendrons

I went this past weekend to see the rhododendrons in bloom but they were shut tight still. The stand is currently in a deer proof pen that has a gate for visitors to get inside and the Town of Medfield and The Trustees have worked on the trees in the area to let more light in. Some bushes are leggy and not in such good shape but they seem to be rebounding with the assistance. We saw many sprigs sprouting from the ground and there are some bushes with many buds, others none. I'm planning to stop back next week to check on the buds progress to blooming. Would also plan for another location hike, too, of which The Trustees have many within minutes.

There may have been Rhododendrons here years ago; but over time, the trees have grown up an blocked off all the sunlight and killed most of the Rhododendrons. There are almost zero Rhododendrons left and the area is fairly swampy and full of mosquitoes in the summertime.

I like to loop this in with a number of hikes in the area. When in bloom the Rhododendrons are very impressive as the trail takes you next to and through the rhododendrons themselves. The trail is not big enough to qualify as a walk or hike, but is worth the extra effort.