The Pacific Connections Garden (PCG), found at the southern end of the Arboretum, is a place that spurs the floristic imagination. Visitors traverse hemispheres and continents while moseying through gardens that showcase plant communities from specific regions in New Zealand, China, Cascadia, Chile, and Australia. In a short walk it’s possible to pass through our version of the New Zealand high country, continue on to the Cascadia garden, featuring plants native to the Siskiyou mountains, and finish with our representation of the wine palm and monkey puzzle laden temperate rainforests of Southern Chile. 

Horticulturist Joanna has an eagle eye for weeds, both at the Arboretum and at home.

Partners at UW Botanic Gardens, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Arboretum Foundation are offering you and your family ways to engage with the Arboretum safely this Mother’s Day.

Native Ground Covers in Bloom
1)  Trillium ovatum                                                                                          Pacific Trillium

The three white petals of Trillium are always a sign of spring.  As they age, the petals turn pink.
These native wildflowers are common under-story plants in our woods.
The seeds of Trillium contain a substance attractive to ants who act as seed dispersers.
Scattered populations of Trillium bloom throughout the native areas of the Arboretum. 

Forage for greens in your backyard and learn to make a delicious pesto.

1)   Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’                                                             Japanese Maple

Japanese maples have been cultivated in Japan for over 300 years. While they are most known for their stunning fall colors, I personally enjoy them as much in the spring for their new leaf color.
‘Katsura’ is a cultivar which appears to have bright orange new leaves, but on closer inspection, the leaves are bright yellow with a red margin. 

1)   Cornus mas                                                                            Cornelian Cherry

This yellow flowering tree that blooms in late winter to early spring, is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia.
The common name refers to the fruit that matures in late summer.  The fruit has many cultural uses including jams, medicine, beverages, tools, and spears.
There is a grove of this Cornus at the Center for Urban Horticulture along NE 41st Street.  

UW Botanic Gardens grounds are open to visitors.

Azara is a genus of plants native to the temperate and subtropical regions of South America. The Chilean name for these plants is Corcolén. The genus contains only ten species, four of which you can find growing here at the Washington Park Arboretum!  All species of Azara are evergreen shrubs to small trees.  Although some species of Azara are considered to be borderline hardy in our Pacific Northwest climate, we have had success growing them at the Arboretum. 

The following ex-situ conservation plants are all listed as endangered in their region of origin due to habitat loss and climate change:
1)   Araucaria araucana                                                                          Monkey Puzzle

This unique looking conifer is native to the Chilean Andes and considered a living fossil dating back over 60 million years.
The Mapuche Pehuenche people of the Andes value these trees for their edible seeds and spiritual significance.