The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

Located adjacent to the Bonsai Museum is the large Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, dedicated to the conservation and display of species rhododendrons and azaleas. It is set in a typical northwest forest with tall fir, cedar, and hemlock, and under planted with native and non-native maples and a wonderful mix of forest floor plants. 

The bonsai museum is free of charge, but there is a charge for the rhododendron garden. However, it was an Open Garden weekend for NPA members, so no charge for us! 

 While many of the rhododendrons are finished blooming, the new growth buds on these big leaf varieties are impressive. 

 The size of the leaves on this magnolia is impressive too!

 Overhead Japanese maples filter the light. 

This is the perfect setting for all kinds of ferns. 

 Tall rhodies reach for the sky, their blooms too high to see. 

 
 A fancy yellow poppy. 

 This hosta was bejewled in the sunlight. 

 A giant stand of May Apple, Podophyllum, with blooms hanging like fruit under the leaves. 

 Rodgersia and ferns

 

 A blue poppy sculpture celebrates a patch of Himalayan Blue Poppies. 

 Martagon lilies.

 The Pond Garden. 

 A dove tree, or handkerchief tree, Davidia involucrata for those who want botanical names. 

 The path into the Stumpery. 

A jumble of magnificent ferns is planted here.

Stumps were hauled to this site maybe ten years ago to build what is known as a Stumpery. Now greenery engulfs the stumps. 

This is a fern lover's paradise.

Moving on through the woodland to the rock garden. 

And then, back in the trees, another planting of blue poppies. 

Finally, the conservatory, where tropical species thrive. 

We end up at the plant sale area after a great stroll through this lovely garden. 

Yes, I did buy something - a hosta. Gotta support these places of beauty, and we did get in free.