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Washington Park Arboretum Review

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Washington Park Arboretum

Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr. E, Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA | Map It
Phone: 206/543-8800 arboretum; 206/684-4725 Japanese garden
depts.washington.edu/wpa

Category: Gardens/Arboretums
Location: Capitol Hill

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Fodor's Review:

As far as the area's green spaces go, Volunteer Park gets all the attention, but this 230-acre arboretum is far more beautiful. On calm weekdays, the place feels really secluded; though there are trails, you feel like you're freer to roam here than at Discovery Park. The seasons are always on full display: in warm winters, flowering cherries and plums bloom in its protected valleys as early as late February, while the flowering shrubs in Rhododendron Glen and Azalea Way are in full bloom March through June. In autumn, trees and shrubs glow in hues of crimson, pumpkin, and lemon; in winter, plantings chosen specially for their stark and colorful branches dominate the landscape. From March through October, visit the peaceful Japanese Garden (206/684-4725. $3), a compressed world of mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and tablelands, open daily from 10 AM until sunset. The pond, lined with blooming water irises in spring, has turtles and brightly colored koi. An authentic Japanese teahouse is reserved for tea ceremonies and instruction on the art of serving tea. The Graham Visitors Center at the park's north end has descriptions of the arboretum's flora and fauna, which include 130 endangered plants, as well as brochures, a garden gift shop, and walking-tour maps.

Cost: Free
Open: Park daily 7 AM-sunset, visitor center daily 10-4

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