Hearts of Spring © 2010 Bo Mackison

My grandmother’s garden had a bleeding hearts plant. I was fond of the tiny pink hearts that would bloom in April and May, all bunched together on branches. I always wanted to pick the branches of bleeding hearts to put in a jar in the house, but that wasn’t allowed. I can see why now. There is something quite magnificent about a little bush covered with rows upon rows of tiny fragile heart flowers.

These bleeding hearts are not from my grandmother’s garden. They were photographed at the Allen Centennial Gardens in the heart of the University of Wisconsin’s urban campus. This 2.5 acre garden serves the University’s horticultural program and students, although the university and Madison communities also benefit from this garden filled with botanical wonders and lovely sitting spaces.