The Bellevue Botanical Garden, a 53-acre show place for flowers and other plants, is always a pleasant destination, but it really blossoms with activities, from plant identification tours to an evening concert, during the warmer months.

Located at 12001 Main St., at Wilburton Hill Park, the Botanical Garden offers impressive summer displays of dahlias and fuchsias along with specialized theme gardens, including the Northwest Perennial Alliance Border, Waterwise Garden, Yao Garden and Alpine Rock Garden.

Guided tours are offered at 2 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, April through October, a tour begins at the visitor center at 2pm. Free tours can be arranged for groups at other times. The visitor center (425-452-2750) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On July 12, docents lead visitors on a plant idenfication tour of the gardens, highlighting plants in bloom in mid-summer. The 1 p.m. tour is free, but donations are encouraged. For information, call 425-451-3755.

Pops in the Park is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 2. Visitors can pack a picnic suppers and watch the Bonnie Birch Band. Children can participate in face painting; a professional clown will entertain with balloon tricks. Sponsored by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society and the City of Bellevue, this event is free, but donations are encouraged. For more information, e-mail Judy Mock or call 425-452-2750.

The weekend of Aug. 16 and 17 features the Eastside Fuchsia Society Plant Show and Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A considerable selection of plants from Eastside gardeners will be on offer.

Rare and interesting plants, exotic trips and culinary delights consistent with a "Monet's Garden" theme are all part of the package at the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society's 2008 auction, 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Westin Bellevue. Ticket Prices start at $100 per person and include dinner. For additional information call 425-451-3755 or e-mail auction@bellevuebotanical.org.

Return to News Release Index