Bellevue Botanical Gardens

Bellevue Botanical Gardens Review

This beautiful, 36-acre public area in the middle of Wilburton Hill Park is encircled by spectacular perennial borders, brilliant rhododendron displays, and patches of alpine and rock gardens. Docents lead tours of the gardens Saturdays and Sundays (April through October), beginning at the visitor center at 2 pm. The Yao Japanese garden is beautiful in fall, when the leaves change color. One of the most interesting features of the park is the Waterwise Garden, which was planted with greenery that needs little water in summer to demonstrate that not all great gardens require wasteful daily drenchings with a hose or sprinkler system. When you're tired of manicured gardens, take the Lost Meadow Trail, which winds through a heavily forested area, to see nature's disorganized beauty. The gardens are a short drive from Bellevue's core.