As we bid adieu to soaking April showers, let’s also wish a fond farewell to over 300 hardy volunteers that helped keep our botanic gardens beautiful.

Many of us know of Henry Yesler, one of Seattle’s forefathers, but what is Yesler Swamp on the east side of the Center for Urban Horticulture?

These enthusiastic, thoughtful and genuine folks are our Garden Guides for the UW Botanic Gardens Summer Camp at the Arboretum. They are charged with creating fun, educational, nature-based experiences for our campers. They have our 230 acre nature oasis to work with, their own experience and excitement to bring to the table, and a host of materials and curriculum to support their endeavors. 

If you and the kids are looking for a fun way to enjoy the sights and smells of the season, stop by the Graham Visitors Center and pick up a Spring Scavenger Hunt clue sheet

Our native Big Leaf Maples, Acer macrophyllum, are currently covered with dangling flowers.  Right now is one of my favorite times to view these giant native trees because the effect of all these flowers in the trees is stunning.   The flower clusters are about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick and because the tree has not foliated yet, they pop out like bright yellow/green ornaments. 

“Now it will Spring forth!”
1)  Acer macrophyllum    (Bigleaf maple)

Taken for granted around here, this time of year our Bigleaf maple is most eye-catching in flower.
It’s the subtle texture of its expanding leaf that drew my attention.
Located throughout our native matrix as the dominant deciduous forest tree.

2)  Aesculus wangii

A horse chestnut classified as vulnerable in its native habitat of Vietnam. 

Space is limited, so click here to sign up for a shift today!

Beginning as soon as the week of April 15, WSDOT will perform geotechnical investigations in the Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA). Crews will be taking soil samples and installing monitoring well equipment in and around the parking area to study soil and groundwater conditions. The information gathered helps us better understand the composition and characteristics of the ground in this area to prepare for future wetland mitigation work. 

1) Azara dentata

Native to temperate and subtropical Chile.
Bears gold spring time flowers.
Located in the Pacific Connections Chilean Entry Garden.

2) Liriodendron chinense

A smaller Chinese version of the North American native tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera).
Known for its unique leaf shape and tulip-shaped flower.
Located in the Magnolia Collection.

3) Rehderodendron macrocarpum           

A small deciduous tree native to China. 

An unusual white-flowered form of the “Chocolate Vine” in full bloom now at the UW Botanic Gardens. Come smell!