Bainbridge Island, Washington
Bloedel Reserve
The Bloedel Reserve, a former private estate with views of the Puget Sound, is now a 150-acre arboretum and natural reserve, with over three hundred types of trees; 84 acres are second growth forest. Highlights: meadow; Swan Pond, with plantings selected to provide food and cover for birds (cattails provide a nesting place for redwing blackbirds); man-made bird marsh in a natural wetlands setting; a waterfall overlook; the glen with thousands of perennials, bulbs, wildflowers, rhododendrons, including more than 15,000 cyclamen plants, one of the largest plantings in the world. There’s also a Japanese Garden; rock and sand Zen garden designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana; Japanese Stroll Garden; Moss Garden; Reflection Pool and Garden (a favorite of the Bloedels), Camellia Walk and Orchid Trail. Open by reservation 10:00am – 4:00pm., Wednesday to Sunday, except federal holidays. Self-guided tour. [ info ]