History of a House Museum

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**Ashland is a good place to get outdoors while social distancing.  There is plenty of room to walk, admire the trees, historic buildings, and the carpet of flowers, all while keeping everyone safe.**

Springtime at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate is especially glorious with the carpet of tiny white blossoms that covers the grounds.  Spring Beauty—often referred to as “Spring Beauties” —has been blooming every spring on the estate for generations.  Claytonia virginica is the botanical name for this perennial, in honor of colonial Virginia botanist, John Clayton (1694-1773).  It is also known as Eastern spring beauty, Virginia spring beauty, or fairy spud (!).  The individual flowers bloom for three days, although the five stamens on each flower are only active for one day. Mowing of the Ashland lawn may not ensue until the Spring Beauties are done blossoming.