Washington Park Arboretum
2300 Arboretum Dr. E.
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 543-8800
www.arboretumfoundation.org
Washington Park Arboretum explodes into color with the blooming of the rhododendron and azalea gardens. They start blooming in late April, and continue into June. It varies each year due to the weather conditions. Through-out the arboretum, spring brings flowers and new growth on the plants and trees. The Japanese garden is on the southwest corner of the arboretum, and its display is includes a large pond with gardens in Japanese design. The trails through the arboretum give visitors views of Lake Washington, the various gardens, and beautiful stone bridges.
Spring transforms Green Lake into a park filled with colorful blossoms. The mature blooming trees grace the gardens above the lower growing greenery and flowering plants. The yellow irises grow at the water’s edge, giving cover for wildlife. The lake is encompassed by a paved trail that is a great place to walk, run, or skate. The bath house and the recreation building offer a contrast of brick structures against the vibrant natural surroundings. Most of the vegetation is mature trees and other plants.
3015 N.W. 54th St.
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 783-7059
www.nws.usace.army.mil
The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens sit above the locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks. The gardens were planted in the early 1900’s by Carl S. English, and are maintained today by the City of Seattle Parks Department. Spring in the gardens brings out a variety of blooming plants. The variety of plants range from magnolia trees to forsythia. This botanical garden focuses on trees, bushes, and green grass spaces. The pathway through allows visitors to see the variety of plants and local wildlife.
Related: Best WA Wildflower Hikes
15th Ave. N.E. & 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-2100
www.washington.edu
The University of Washington was built at the end of the 1800’s. Its gothic architecture is prevalent in the quad, and through-out the campus. The quad is an incredible mix of pink cherry blossoms, brick, and students against the backdrop of gothic inspired buildings. This is located on the north end of the campus near the campus entrance off of 45th Street. Both students and locals visit the quad during the spring to see the peak blossoms, usually in the month of April.
Golden Gardens park sits on the shoreline of Puget Sound, and nice spring weather brings people to the beach. The blossoming trees of pink and white contrast against the blue of the sound and distant Olympic Mountains. There is a paved walking path above the beach, and it goes through the blooming trees. The beach is sandy, and inviting to visitors of all ages. The gardens in the park fill with blossoms with the coming spring.