9 Gorgeous Reasons to Visit Meerkerk Gardens
— Created April 12, 2026 by Samantha Goodman
9 Gorgeous Reasons to Visit Meerkerk Gardens
Take a delightful day trip to Whidbey Island’s most beautiful outdoor experience
Spring is in the air at Meerkerk Gardens. This public garden has a stunning variety of rhododendrons and northwest plants, woodlands with walking trails, and a specialty rhododendron nursery with exclusive species. The gardens are open daily and are beautiful year-round. Peak bloom season is now through June and you won’t want to miss it! Plan a visit soon. The vibrant rhododendrons bloom in a stunning array of colors. It’s a flower lover’s paradise.
The gardens and woodlands are a respite from hectic life and a chance to unwind, listen to birds, and take in views of the Sound and the mountains. Just an hour and a half from Seattle, a visit to Whidbey Island’s Meerkerk Gardens makes for a perfect day trip.
1. A Feast for the Senses
Wandering through the 10 acres of display gardens, you’ll be serenaded by sounds of the seasons: buzzing of bumblebees, wings of an eagle, splashes of frogs into the ponds, or the music of songbirds. You’ll discover that each turn of the trail is filled with floral fragrance and color. In spring, the eye is delighted by specialty rhododendrons, Mt. Fuji cherry blossoms, white daffodils, and azaleas. In summer, abundant colorful irises, daisies, and poppies appear, followed by magnificent foliage colors in autumn. It’s even beautiful in the dark days of winter with touches of frost or a blanket of snow that conceal the spring buds to come.
2. Quiet the Noise
Spending time at Meerkerk Gardens is a gift. Leave your phone behind and take in the peace and serenity of these gardens and woodlands. Be fully present in nature and experience connecting to all that surrounds you. The noise of daily life recedes. Nature has a healing, relaxing effect that is essential for good mental and physical health.
3. Lush woodland Walks Offer a Lesson
Over two miles of trails lead you through 43 acres of wild coastal forests filled with majestic Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedars among a carpet of ferns.
An amazing world lies hidden beneath your feet in the forest. Each tree is connected underground through a web of fungal threads that form a communications network between nearly every tree. Extensive research now shows that trees and under-story plants support each other through a linked community. As we walk through the forests, it serves as a reminder to look beneath the surface and see the web that connects us to nature and each other.
4. Wildlife Delights
While sitting on one of the memorial benches throughout the garden, focus on the wildlife. These gardens are a sustainable wildlife habitat. Downed trees in the forest are sanctuaries for forest creatures. Three ponds provide a rich home for a large population of newts, salamanders, toads, and frogs. Eagles fly overhead, birds nest in the plantings, squirrels leap wildly between trees, owls hoot from the forest, and families of deer walk silently together.
5. Variety Abounds
Meerkerk Gardens displays specialty gardens (Ramsey Rock Garden, Asian Hillside Garden, Secret Garden, Meditation Garden, Big Leaf Valley, and more). Discover exotic specimen trees, including a Monkey Puzzle, a Purple Leaf Indian Bean, ginkgo, and more. Plant enthusiasts will enjoy the Hybridizers Tribute Garden, which celebrates the efforts of local experts to create new rhododendron varieties.
6. A Specialty Nursery
Want to enhance your own garden? The Meerkerk Garden Nursery has a collection of unique species and hybrids, and helpful plant specialists to answer questions. The nursery is open Wednesday through Sunday through October. Come early. Come often. Special plants go fast.
7. Secrets and Scavenger Hunts for All Ages
Pick up a scavenger hunt page from the Welcome Center. Your quest will be to find specimen plants, whimsical statues, and other garden features. How many can you find hidden in the gardens?
8. Treat Mom to a Memorable Mother’s Day
Mark your calendars! Meerkerk Gardens hosts a fantastic Mother’s Day concert every year, featuring three well-known Whidbey Island bands performing with a backdrop of Puget Sound, famous Whidbey Pies and beverages, and access to the gardens all day to enjoy the peak of bloom season. Dogs on leash are always welcome at Meerkerk. Reserve tickets now for Sunday, May 10 at https://www.meerkerkgardens.org/mothers-day-celebration
9. Join a class or tour
Whether you are new to plants, or an expert, there are classes throughout the year on rhododendrons, mushrooming, pruning, and more. Scheduled spring and summer tours will take you through the gardens, so you are sure to see the hidden secrets of the garden.