The retreat runs May 4-7 and May 11-15
Lambertville Station, 11 Bridge St., Lambertville, is taking guests on a field trip this spring to nearby Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Pa.
The “Walk on the Wildflower Side” retreat, running May 4-7 and May 11-15, promises a complete sensory experience, from the sights and smells of the region’s own native plant preserve to the hints of flavor underlying a two-course, floral-inspired lunch at the restaurant.
”Coming out of a long winter, our May wildflower retreat is all about refreshment, rejuvenation and inspiration,” said Rose DiMarco, co-owner of Lambertville Station Restaurant.
”Guests will have the delightful opportunity to immerse themselves in the splendors of spring, walking leisurely among the wildflowers and enjoying a culinary exploration of edible flowers. In just a few hours’ time, they’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday.”
A springtime sanctuary, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve encompasses a 134-acre stretch of rolling meadows, woodlands, streams and ponds, dotted with an extraordinary diversity of perennial wildflower plantings. Of some 2,000 species native to Pennsylvania, the Preserve is home to approximately 800 species of trees, shrubs, ferns, vines and herbaceous native flowers.
Upon arrival at 11:30 a.m., guests will join an hour-long guided tour of scenic trails and lush native flora, learning from naturalists about the history of wildflowers and the many varieties in bloom at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. In May, guests will see trilliums, violets, magnolias, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Eastern columbine, flowering dogwood, pinxterbloom azalea, shooting-star, foamflower and mayapples along the trails.
”This time of year, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is in full blossom with colorful spring ephemerals, soaking up the sunlight before deciduous trees and shrubs leaf out,” said Amy Hoffmann, education coordinator at the Preserve. “It’s a perfect time to be outdoors and reconnect with nature, whether guests are strolling along our many trails, resting in a gazebo nestled among the tall trees of Penn’s Woods, or unwinding along picturesque Pidcock Creek. Come ready to be inspired!”
Spring is the perfect time of year for bird watching at the Preserve. Located along the Atlantic flyway, the Preserve’s undisturbed forests serve as a seasonal refuge for many bird species. During the tour, guests will be encouraged to keep an eye and an ear out for American goldfinches, downy woodpeckers, red-breasted nuthatches, black-capped chickadees, tufted titmouses, cardinals and robins.
Following the tour, guests are invited to stop by the Visitor Center at the Preserve, which houses the Sinkler Bird Observatory, various feather-friendly exhibits, and the Platt Collection of birds, nests and eggs, as well as the Twinleaf Shop, brimming with gardening books, field guides and nature-themed gifts.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m., the sights, smells and sounds of the Preserve give way to new taste sensations at Lambertville Station Restaurant. Chef Chris Beall has outlined a two-course, floral-inspired lunch. Guests will enjoy a spring salad of baby field greens with a sweet pansy or rosewater vinaigrette, topped with seasonal vegetables and guests’ choice of grilled chicken or beef, and garnished with edible flowers. And for dessert: violet custard.
The ‘Walk on the Wildflower Side’ retreat is $29 per person, and includes an hour-long guided tour of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and two-course lunch at Lambertville Station Restaurant (tax and gratuity included).
Tours of the Preserve begin at 11:30 a.m., with lunch at Lambertville Station served at 1:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
For tour and lunch tickets, contact Christina Tomasulo, Lambertville Station, at 397-8256.
During the second week of the Wildflower Retreat, guests are invited to take advantage of the Preserve’s Spring Plant sale: May 9-17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A great addition to any garden space, the native plant palette encompasses everything from groundcovers to grand trees, offering a wealth of color and texture across buds, blooms, bark and wild berries. If sited properly, native plants can provide four seasons of interest.
”May is a great time to plant natives into your home landscape,” Ms. Hoffmann said. “As a rule of thumb in this region, by Mother’s Day weekend (May 9-10) we are past our last spring frost. So get ready to go play in the dirt!”
To get a garden started, The Preserve sells native plants and wildflower seeds throughout the growing season. For suggested native plants for your garden, or to access handy Seasonal Blooming Guides, visit www.bhwp.org.
For more information on Lambertville Station or the ‘Walk on the Wildflower Side’ retreat, visit: lambertvillestation.com. For more on Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, call 215-862-2924 or visit: www.bhwp.org.

