Stop and smell the Rhodies…
Spanning over 22 acres, these Washington State attractions in Federal Way near Weyerhaeuser showcase over sixty meticulously cared for bonsai trees in addition to an impressive collection of hundreds of species of rhododendrons.
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden or RSBG is run by the Rhododendron Species Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving and cultivating Rhodies whose origins stem from all around the world. The botanical garden has other types of flora as well, its essentially a nature trail that winds around in a maze with tons of plant life everywhere to get immersed in. If the cause of this place resonates with you and you would like to be a member or donate, click here. Or next time you are in Washington State, just visit! The general admission is $8.00 and is put to good use in caring for this one of a kind botanical garden.
The Pacific Bonsai Museum is free but donations are welcome and appreciated. Many of the specimens are over 50 years old (the oldest being 110 years) and both traditional and avant-garde representations are displayed. They even offer a beginning class to learn the art of bonsai. They really are miniature trees. I know Im stating the obvious but this exhibit brought that fact to a whole new level of comprehension in my mind. For example, there is a redwood bonsai here a couple feet high when in nature they are the tallest trees in the world and have been known to tower over 300 feet high.
I was intrigued by both the museum and the botanical garden. There are Rhododendron species out there I never knew existed and bonsai trees are always interesting to view! I hope I was able to capture some of the magic of my recent visit in the following photos and I also certainly hope you enjoy the greenery and scenery as much as I did.
Wonderful garden that shows how to integrate rhodies and other plants into a woodland setting.
Interesting post!
Rhodies are wonderful