In Bloom: Basking in nature at Pinecrest Azalea Gardens

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor recreation is an activity people can still enjoy while maintaining social distancing.

With Earth Day on Wednesday and spring now in full swing in Southeast Missouri, one local spot to take in the beauty of nature is Pinecrest Azalea Gardens in Cape Girardeau County.

Lisa Schamburg, who operates the gardens with her husband, Jim, said the gardens were started in 1963 by Carl and Mettie Penzel. Later, Gene and Linda Penzel ran the gardens, and the Schamburgs took over upon Gene's death in 2018.

"As his health started declining, he was looking for somebody to take it over and to keep it going because that's the legacy that his parents had started. He wanted to see it carry on," Lisa said of her husband's late step-father Gene.

In addition to the azaleas, there are also rhododendrons, daffodils and jonquils at the location.

Flowers are seen Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at Pinecrest Azalea Gardens in Cape Girardeau County.Jacob Wiegand ~ jwiegand@semissourian.com

The gardens are open March 15 to May 15. Lisa said the peak time for the azaleas to be in bloom is around April 15. The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset and those visiting are asked to drive slowly.

A donation box is at the site, but Lisa said the gardens -- located at 799 Torre Lane in Oak Ridge -- are free and open to the public.