Bellevue Botanical Gardens - Bellevue, Washington - Voted Best Park in Northwest in 2009 by King 5

The Bellevue Botanical Gardens located in the Western Washington city of Bellevue is comprised of 53 acres of beautiful garden displays, woodlands, meadows and wetlands. Bellevue Botanical Gardens was voted Best Park in the Northwest by King 5. Some of the highlights of the Garden include the Perennial Alliance Border, Waterwise Garden, Yao Garden, Alpine Rock Garden and various summer displays. The garden changes in its beauty depending on the season which means no visit will be the same. The park is located at 12001 Main Street.

The Perennial Border is a large garden that resides to the west of the visitor center. It displays several varieties and hybrid plants. It was designed by Charles Price and Glen Withey. The Waterwise Garden located on the north and west sides of the visitor center were developed by the Bellevue Utilities Department to demonstrate the benefits of water conservation. The award winning garden was designed by Jill and Howard Stenn and shows how some plants can survive the summer with little or no water. Signage provides the details of what types of plants and the methods used in keeping them thriving without much water. Free waterless gardening guides can be taken home by guests.

The Alpine Rock Garden contains several different plant species from all over the world usually found in higher elevation areas. The soil is a special mixture of pumice, gravel and compost that is needed to keep these plants thriving. The Alpine Rock Garden is located to the north of the entrance patio.

The fern collection at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens is an impressive one featuring over 750 ferns. Another feature of the park is the Lost Meadow Trail which links the Perennial Border and Yao Garden together. This trail provides visitors the opportunity to see up close the Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir and Big Leaf and Vine Maples. The trails provide hours of fun exploring nature while getting a bit of exercise. School field trips are popular at this destination.

One of the highlights of the Botanical Gardens is the Garden d' Lights. In the middle of winter several plants light up with 500,000 lights that provide a spectacular light show of botanical beauty. The event is free to the public and has become a favorite with Bellevue locals and visitors.

The visitor center contains a shop with souvenirs, educational materials, a formal library and meeting space. Often times there are guest lecturers invited to speak about different topics related to nature and gardening. Pick up postcards or literature and read a bit of history about the park.

Admission to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens is free of charge to the public. It is open daily from dawn to dusk and from dawn to 9:30 during the Garden d' Lights. Throughout the year there are special events held at the Botanical Gardens to raise money for various causes deemed important by the Gardening Society and its partners.