I have been so hungry for some spring weather and since the sun has finally decided to shine for a few days, we decided to take in a plant sale over at the Rhododendron Gardens.   And since they were offering free admission to the gardens, we spent a little time there also.

I’m almost embarassed to admit this, but we’ve lived here for almost 13 years and although I’ve wanted to check out the gardens since shortly after we moved here, this is the first time we’ve visited.  I’m so sorry we didn’t go sooner.  It was amazing, although not what it will be later in the season when more Rhodys are in bloom.

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, WA is a 22 acre woodland garden featuring one of largest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas in the world.  Flowers are white to soft pink and yellow to brilliant red and range from the 100-foot trees of the lower Himalayan Mountains to ground hugging alpine species of China and Tibet.  All this is set in a forest of conifers, deciduous trees, ferns, maples, heathers and perennials.

I’m not sure what I expected, but it surpassed my expectations and the Rhodys are just starting to bloom.  As we walked the trails that intersperse the 22 acres, I felt like I was walking in a deep forest.  The only thing that spoiled the feeling was the sound of freeway traffic, but not even that could spoil the mood.

The picture below doesn’t do the meadow justice.  It was so pretty and if you look real close you can see a bench on the other side.  I think this might become one of my favorite places to sit.

Close up of the tree to the left of the meadow.

Another great place to sit is inside the conservatory where this water fall and stream are located.

As we were walking along the pathway, we came upon this serene pond (covered with green plankton).  I took this picture from a park bench overlooking the pond.  Possibly another favorite spot to sit.

I really can’t believe I waited so long to discover this little oasis in the middle of everything.  But now that I have, I have big plans.  I’ve always wanted a yard with lush planting of trees, shrubs and flowers.  That hasn’t happened, but I decided to buy a yearly membership to the Rhododendron Gardens which included free admission, so now I can enjoy a walk in a 22-acre garden anytime I want!

I do have to confess one thing.  Like an idiot, I forgot to charge my camera battery before going so I didn’t get to take as many pictures as I wanted.  But we will be returning when more Rhodys are in bloom, so I’ll be sure to get more pictures then.

Do you have someplace close to home that you love to visit or that you have been wanting to visit for a long time?

Wishing for more spring weather,

Linking to:

• All Things Inspired – All Things Heart & Home