With vibrant blossoms and budding trees, springtime at Bloedel Reserve is like walking through a kaleidoscope of colors and textures.

Adding to the visual beauty this year is a month-­long exhibit of 21 site­-specific poems that will allow visitors to pause, enjoy the words and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.

The poetic exhibit runs throughout the month of April and is included with general admission to Bloedel.

The poetry panels have been installed along the trails in conjunction with April’s National Poetry Month.

Selected works spanning a wide­ range of styles were nominated by poetry­ lovers in the community and curated by University of Washington professor/poet Linda Bierds and Bainbridge Island author/poet David Guterson.

“The nominators represent a broad range of poetry lovers and practitioners, from children who are just beginning to discover its gifts, to those who have read and written it for years,” Linda Bierds said. “That, to me, is a highlight of this project.”

Poetry at Bloedel has long been a part of the scenic garden’s history. The Bloedel grandchildren often recited poetry to Mr. and Mrs. Bloedel by the fireside. And Pulitzer Prize-winning­ poet and close family friend Theodore Roethke spent weekends at the Bloedels’ guesthouse.

Lines from Emily Bronte’s poem “Sympathy” are engraved at the Bloedels’ grave site near the reflection pool.

“Nature has long been a rich font of mystery and meaning for people the world over, and poets go to it as if by instinct,” said David Guterson.

Indeed, poets, both established and emerging, often frequent Bloedel to find such inspiration.

“The Poetry at Bloedel event allows visitors to experience the gardens in a new way,” said executive director Ed Moydell. “I’m thrilled with the poetry selections. They help frame the landscapes in a different light and bring another dimension to Bloedel Reserve.”

Visit www.bloedelreserve.org to learn more.