Growing Roots with Michelle Kennedy | Reynolda Gardens’ Jon Roethling shows us what’s new
Updated: 3:33 PM EDT May 8, 2026
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If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Reynolda Village, then you’re missing some wonderful new blooms. Jon Roethling became director at Reynolda Gardens in 2018. Since then, he’s been charged with not only keeping the roses blooming, but also Katherine Smith Reynolds’ legacy, who built upon her original vision for planting with the help of renowned landscape architect Thomas Sears. Roethling says that means you might see the traditional garden footprint remain the same, but there will be new blooms to look for in the spring borders as the staff keeps experimenting with color and textures.Daylilies at Reynolda GardensWhat to look for at Reynolda Gardens this MayThe big changes are visible near the Conservatory in the borders. You’ll find new additions amongst the traditional peonies. As we mention the type of flowers at Reynolda Gardens, I’ve included links to growing tips from the North Carolina Agricultural Extension. There are bulbs that bloomed earlier in the season, Leucojum that look like flowering snowflakes, with a dainty flower bowing its head to the soil. Now, there are purple flowers of Catmint and Ornamental Onions interspersed with bright Daylilies, varieties of sun-colored Baptisia, and, of course, the traditional Peonies blooming in between. There are also multi-seasonal changes you’ll spot in the median upon entry to Reynolda Village. Of course the rose gardens are also in bloom. It’s just in time for Mother’s Day celebrations too.A gentle reminder for all visitors to stay on the paths or open areas, and never step inside the garden beds— even for a better angle for your photos; you will damage the flower roots, bulbs and soil when you step on planted areas.Vegetable gardening at Reynolda GardensYou can also expect to be wowed by the hops garden and expanding vegetable gardens that are beautiful and edible; the vegetable gardens feed the community by donating to the H.O.P.E. project of Winston-Salem or Help Our People Eat.Reynolda Gardens upcoming eventsMay 9: Flower arranging workshop May 13: Young Explorers class Gardening support and educationThe NC State Extension is a joint program of North Carolina State University and N.C. A & T University. Find classes and links to upcoming NC Extension events here.Reynolda Village shops and restaurant information can be found here.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Reynolda Village, then you’re missing some wonderful new blooms. Jon Roethling became director at Reynolda Gardens in 2018. Since then, he’s been charged with not only keeping the roses blooming, but also Katherine Smith Reynolds’ legacy, who built upon her original vision for planting with the help of renowned landscape architect Thomas Sears. Roethling says that means you might see the traditional garden footprint remain the same, but there will be new blooms to look for in the spring borders as the staff keeps experimenting with color and textures.
What to look for at Reynolda Gardens this May
The big changes are visible near the Conservatory in the borders. You’ll find new additions amongst the traditional peonies. As we mention the type of flowers at Reynolda Gardens, I’ve included links to growing tips from the North Carolina Agricultural Extension. There are bulbs planted earlier in the season, Leucojum that look like flowering snowflakes, with a dainty flower bowing its head to the soil. Now, there are purple flowers of Catmint and Ornamental Onions interspersed with bright Daylilies, varieties of sun-colored Baptisia, and, of course, the traditional Peonies blooming in between. There are also multi-seasonal changes you’ll spot in the median upon entry to Reynolda Village. Of course the rose gardens are also in bloom. It’s just in time for Mother’s Day celebrations too.
A gentle reminder for all visitors to stay on the paths or open areas, and never step inside the garden beds— even for a better angle for your photos!; you will damage the flower roots, bulbs and soil when you step on planted areas.
Vegetable gardening at Reynolda Gardens
You can also expect to be wowed by the hops garden and expanding vegetable gardens that are beautiful and edible; the vegetable gardens feed the community by donating to the H.O.P.E. project of Winston-Salem or Help Our People Eat.
Reynolda Gardens upcoming events
May 9: Flower arranging workshop
May 13: Young Explorers class
Gardening support and education
The NC State Extension is a joint program of North Carolina State University and N.C. A & T University. Find classes and links to upcoming NC Extension events here.
Reynolda Village shops and restaurant information can be found here.
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