The mild weather—not too hot, not too cold—makes this region a
gardener's paradise. At almost any time of year, enthusiasts can stroll
through display gardens and admire the view close up. Here's a sampling
Volunteer Park Conservatory
1400 E Galer St, Seattle
206.684.4743
www.volunteerparkconservatory.org
The conservatory near the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park
boasts a fragrant collection of exotic and rare plants in five connected
greenhouses sheltering bromeliads, palms, ferns, seasonal plants and
cacti. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; summer hours, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; free.
Kubota Garden
Renton Ave. S and 55th Ave. S. Seattle
206.684.4584
www.kubota.org
In the 1920s, Fujitaro Kubota began creating this strikingly beautiful,
simply planned garden of Northwest plants designed in a Japanese manner.
A beautiful spot for an intimate picnic, the 20 acres of meadows,
streams, waterfalls, ponds and rock outcroppings provide ideal respite.
Open every day during daylight hours; free.
Seattle Japanese Garden
Washington Park Arbortum
1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E
206.684.4725
http://depts.washington.edu/wpa/
This serene 3.5-acre formal Japanese garden is one of the top-ranked in
the nation. Stroll around the koi pond and through stands of artfully
pruned conifers, delicate wisteria, Japanese maples and many other
lovely plants. Traditional tea ceremonies are demonstrated periodically
in the teahouse. Open Sept.-April, Tues.-Sun; May-Aug., every day; 10
a.m.-dusk;
Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden
Next to South Gate at N 50th St. and Fremont Ave. N,
206.684.4800
More than 280 rose varieties ideal for Seattle's climate grow in this
sprawling 2.5-acre formal garden built in 1924. Blended with America
Rose Selections Test Garden trials are many varieties of bush roses,
hybrid teas, miniatures, climbers and tree roses. Of special interest:
The garden is fertilized with Woodland Park "Zoo Doo." Open every day, 7
a.m.-dusk; free.
Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden
2525 S 336th St., Federal Way
253.661.9277
www.rhodygarden.org/
Just south of Seattle, Washington is the Rhododendron Species Foundation
and Botanical Garden, a non-profit organization and home to one of the
largest rhododendron collections in the world. Over 10,000 rhododendrons
grow in a beautiful 22 acre woodland of tall native conifers. The
flowering season in western Washington begins in early January and
continues through late July with the majority of species in bloom from
March to May.
As the sun warms the earth, rhododendron flowers burst forth in shades
of pure white to soft pink, clear yellow, brilliant red, and deep
violet. Complementing the rhododendrons are numerous companion plantings
of ferns, primroses, iris, heathers, maples, magnolias, and many other
exotic and unusual plants. These plants add year-round interest and
color including fiery fall color in autumn from the many different types
of deciduous trees and shrubs
Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection
3 Weyerhaeuser Way S, Federal Way
924.5206
expansive collection of bonsai from North America, China, Japan, Korea
and Taiwan "lived and trained" in this fascinating outdoor museum
adjacent to the Rhododendron Garden. Open round, guided tours are free
and available each day at noon. Self-guided tours with a guidebook
always an option.
Bloedel Reserve
1 NE Dolphin Dr., Bainbridge Island
842.7631
www.bloedelreserve.org
150-acre nature and bird reserve, created by lumber company executive
and his wife, respects cycles of nature with Japanese influences. The
reserve includes a formal European-style landscape around the manor, a
Japanese garden, a reflecting pond, a rock and sand Zen garden,
rhododendron glen and a dense Northwest forest with quiet trails.
Elandan Gardens
OW State Hwy 16, Bremerton
373.8260
www.elandangardens.com/
fans will not want to miss this elaborate, world-class bonsai garden
with spectacular rock formations and cascading streams on the shores
Puget Sound. Some of the bonsai collected by renowned expert and bonsai
artist Dan Robinson more than 1,000 years old. Elandan also features
stonework of sculptor Will Robinson, plus a nursery, gift shop, antiques
and treasures from all over the world. Open Feb.-Dec., Tues.-Sun., 10-5
p.m.; free.
Lakewold Gardens
12317 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood
584.4106
http://www.lakewoldgardens.org/
10-acre estate features tranquil gardens, historical features, statuary
and architecture by Thomas Church. Visitors will find gardening books,
unique tools and a large variety of plants for sale in The Garden Shop.
Strolling the grounds takes about 90 minutes. Picnickers and cameras
non-commercial use) are welcome. Open year round.
Apr.-Sept., Wed-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct to March, Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; children free - adults $3-5. |
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