In Full Bloom

Take a Stroll Through the Rhododendron Gardens

What better way to spend an unusually warm and sunny afternoon than walking through the shadows of a gorgeous forest garden, breathing in sweet-smelling air, and examining awe-inspiring natural beauty?

The incredible Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is located in Federal Way, just a quick drive from Seattle Southside.

Pair the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden with the Seattle Southside's own Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, and you've got a full day of natural splendor.

The Pacific rhododendron is Washington's state flower, so it makes sense that a garden dedicated to rhododendrons in all their forms would be here. Much of the garden’s design was meant to give the impression of wandering through the wild Himalayas. However, different landscapes take the visitor from a tropical world of heat-loving rhodies in the conservatory to a ‘stumpery’ (much like a rockery but with stumps) with small rhodies and other plants winding their way through the sprays of roots and skeletons of lifeless wood. From the rhododendron bushes you might expect to far more exotic varieties, something is blooming at any time of year to enjoy.

VISIT THE RHODY BOTANICAL GARDENS NEAR #SEATTLESOUTHSIDE

The “obtainer of rare flora” Executive Director, Steve Hootman, has traveled the world collecting rare and unusual plants. He collected rhododendron species in India in 2003, a 20-foot tall magnolia tree with one perfect flower that was brought back from a trip to Japan in 1998, and far, far more. Hootman’s stories of collecting and preserving species are the core of the Rhododendron Garden’s tenets, which is known worldwide as a source of quality seeds and pollen. There is an extensive nursery onsite where you can actually buy some of the plants you see on exhibit.

Admission to the Rhododendron Garden is $10, which supports the non-profit organization and the minimalist collection of staff that do an army's-work of cultivating, propagating, and designing beautiful rhododendrons and other plants along trails through the forest. The gravel trails are easy to manage for folks with walking difficulties and there is a welcoming patio in front of the conservatory for picnic lunches.

Knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents provide excellent tours throughout the gardens as well! It’s a wonderful way to learn about the garden and see the highlights. Advance registration is required, and during peak season requires a minimum of ten participants and two weeks' advance notice. Fees are $10 per person. Visit the website for more information.

In addition to the docent tours, information related to self-guided tours can be found here.

Rhodedendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way Washington

About the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

The Rhododendron Species Foundation is dedicated to the conservation, public display, and distribution of Rhododendron species. Home to one of the largest collections of species of rhododendrons in the world, the garden displays over 700 of the more than 1,000 species found in the wilds of North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as the tropical regions of southeast Asia and northern Australia.

When do rhododendrons bloom?

The prime flowering period extends from mid-March to mid-May, showcasing an array of Rhododendron species alongside spring bulbs, perennials, budding ferns, and blooming trees and shrubs. In May, the Meconopsis (Blue Poppies) start their bloom, lasting into June. During summer, the garden is alive with fresh foliage, unique late-blooming rhododendrons, perennials, carnivorous plants, hydrangeas, and ferns.

But don't hesitate to visit outside of peak bloom season! Autumn brings a vivid display of colors from azaleas, maples, sweet gums, fothergillas, and various decorative trees and shrubs. In winter, the garden offers views of deciduous tree silhouettes, a vast conifer collection, budding branches, and the early flowers of rhododendrons and heather in January and February.

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Author

Kristina Thorne