๐ฟ Hidden Gem Alert: Bellevue Botanical Garden
A Tranquil Oasis Near Seattle! ๐ธ๐ณ Just a short drive from Seattle , the Bellevue Botanical Garden in Washington State is a 53-acre urban paradise featuring cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands. Since opening in 1992, it's become one of the most beloved public gardens in the Pacific Northwest ! ๐ฟ๐ ๐ A Rich History The garden's story began in 1947 when Cal and Harriet Shorts bought land to build their dream home and gardens. By 1980 , they generously donated the property to the community, transforming it into the ecological and educational treasure it is today! ๐กโ๐ ๐บ Must-See Gardens Explore these stunning themed areas: - Rock Garden (alpine plants thrive here! โฐ๏ธ) - Waterwise Garden (drought-resistant beauties! ๐ง) - Japanese-inspired Fuji Garden (fall maples = ๐ฅ) - Dahlia Garden (summer's riot of color! ๐) - Winter Garden (fragrant wintersweet blooms! โ๏ธ) ๐ธ Seasonal Highlights: - Spring: Magenta fuchsias dangle like nature's earrings! ๐ธ - Summer: Dahlias explode in carnival hues! ๐ช - Fall: Japanese maples set the garden ablaze! ๐ - Winter: Pale yellow wintersweet defies the cold! ๐ผ ๐๏ธ Award-Winning Visitor Center Designed by famed architect Jim Olson (2014), the center blends seamlessly into the landscape with: - A covered outdoor plaza ๐๏ธ - Charming gift shop ๐๏ธ - Spaces for workshops and events ๐จ โน๏ธ Practical Info - FREE admission! ๐ - Open daily , dawn to dusk (yes, even holidays! ๐) - Address: 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005 ๐ Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a coffee from downtown Bellevueโperfect for a peaceful stroll! โ๐ถโโ๏ธ #Travel #BotanicalGarden #USA #Seattle #Bellevue #NatureLovers #GardenWanderlust #PNWBeauty #FreeActivities #FamilyFriendly #HiddenGems #UrbanOasis