With the weekend approaching, I have a few early-summer ideas for you to get out and enjoy some nature in Seattle.
Kubota Garden (www.kubota.org)
This 4.5-acre garden is absolutely beautiful. Located in south Seattle, it is definitely worth the drive. You could spend hours and hours here, or just take a quick trip around, depending on how much time you have. There’s many a grassy area to spread out on and finish a book, but wandering around is the best part. If you’re adventurous you’ll find mnay small paths leading away from the main trails that will take you to secret nooks throughout the area. The diverse range of flowers and greenery is amazing, and the water elements add another touch of beauty. It’s a quiet retreat from the city — and it’s free! I feel like I could come back to Kubota all summer long and still find something new each time.
A couple dates to keep in mind: the 4th Saturday of each month (June 27th, July 25th, Aug 22nd) there’s a free public tour of the garden. It starts at 10am and meets in the parking lot. Also, on September 12th from 9am-Noon there’s a fall plant sale!
Washington Park Arboretum (depts.washington.edu/wpa/index.htm)
Kubota was big, but it was no 230 acres! The Washington Park Arboretum is not to be missed, any time of the year. They purposely planted different season flowers and greenery throughout the arboretum so that you can come see something beautiful in nature any time of the year (bring your boots in the fall and winter!!). In June, Rock roses, brooms, Korean dogwood, rhododendrons, stewartia, and styrax are all at their peak. You can also download their June birdwatching guide. My mother and I just loved the Azalea’s — absolutely gorgeous and incredibly diverse. It was also nice to just get out and walk around such a beautiful area so much. This is another place that you could spend hours in and come back all the time and find something new! Check out their map!
The arboretum also has tours:
Guided walks, held first and third Sundays (January through November) at 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., highlight the plant collections, seasonal beauty and history of Washington Park Arboretum. The 60- to 90-minute walks are led by trained volunteers and are free of charge. Walks begin at the Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East, in Seattle. No pre-registration required. For questions call (206) 543-8801.
And you can’t go to the arboretum without visiting…
Japanese Garden (Seattle Parks Japanese Garden Site)
This garden is absolutely lovely. Created and styled in the true Japanese way, you’re able to walk through all of the elements of a Japanese garden and experience their beauty for just $5 ($3 for students & seniors — or an annual pass is only $15). I picked up a guide map on my way in, and I’m glad I did. It walks you through the garden and explains the different parts, what they mean, and why they are included. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone put so much thought into a garden as with Japanese gardens. The man who created it actually picked all 500 boulders in the garden by hand for just the right ones, and directed where each and every flower should go. My favorite parts were the water features — especially the pond, where you’re sure to catch a glimpse of lots of koi and a couple of turtles as well!
For more pictures of all three gardens, check out Eats & Interest’s Flickr photostream!
What are some other beautiful places you love to escape to in Seattle? Even if it’s just a great coffee shop, I want to know!
