An abundance of spring color has already arrived at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden thanks to the relatively mild weather of late-winter.
World-renowned as the largest public collection of species rhododendrons on the planet, the garden, located at 2525 S. 336th St. on the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Campus, started widespread blooming very early this year.
“Our species rhododendrons are typically found high in the mountains and so consider these mild conditions optimal for spring blooming,” explained Steve Hootman, the garden’s executive director and curator. “We have over one-hundred Rhododendron species in gorgeous full bloom already along with spectacular magnolias, cherries and winter hazels in brightest, fragrant yellow.”
The peak bloom season will continue into May, with wave after wave of colors from pale pink, lavender and yellow to bold red, orange and purple competing for attention. It’s best to leave long-held assumptions about Washington’s state flower at the front gate: unlike their hybridized cousins, the diversity of species rhododendrons (those that originate in the wild) is vast. Leaves of the R. sinogrande can reach three feet long, while alpine varieties barely stretch to an inch. Some leaves are covered in fuzzy hairs while others are bluish or differing shades of green. There are tiny, ground-hugging rhododendrons from Tibet, as well as a native Himalayan specimen over 35 feet tall, all showcased within the garden’s 22 acres.
With different species blooming at different times, it takes repeated visits to see the widest variety of this quite varied flora.
Due to extensive habitat destruction, many of the species seen at the garden are severely threatened with extinction in the wild. Conservation of the species is at the core of the work done at the Garden.
In the spirit of Tacoma’s Third Thursday Art Mingle, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is pleased to host free evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. every third Thursday of the month from March to September. The opportunity to provide special evening hours for an enriching community experience is just one way this nonprofit membership organization shows its appreciation to the public for their support.
The Third Thursday Garden Mingle is the perfect time to relax with friends, family, or to enjoy a solo excursion into nature. Take a sunset stroll among thousands of rhododendrons and their companion plants, indulge your sense of photography, or take a rest in the recently remodeled Gazebo. If it gets chilly, you can always find serenity among the rushing waters and towering boulders of the tropical Rutherford Conservatory.
Outside of third Thursdays, standard gate admission rates are $8 for general admission and $5 for seniors (65 and over) and students (with ID). Children under 12 and military personnel enter for free.
The garden offers much to explore, including the big leaf rhododendron forest, alpine and pond gardens, and Himalayan Blue Poppy meadow. For more botanical artistry, walk through the world’s largest public Victorian stumpery, a sculptural environment of tree roots and ferns. The Visitor Center Shop and Nursery will also be open if you want to take home an evening treasure from the Garden.
