History

The Botanic Gardens was established in 2005 to unite the gardens and programs of the Washington Park Arboretum, founded in 1934, and the Center for Urban Horticulture, opened in 1984. The Gardens are located around the shoreline of Union Bay on Lake Washington.

• • Washington Park Arboretum Historic Review: September 2003
  • The University of Washington and the College of Forest Resources’ Center for Urban Horticulture: History and Programs by Thomas Hinckley, 2002
  • Oral History of the Washington Park Arboretum and Center for Urban Horticulture Audio Clips
  • Looking Back: A history exhibit of the Washington Park Arboretum
  • The Seattle Parks & Recreation Sherwood History Files for the Arboretum(about the collection)
  • UW Libraries Archives Washington Park Arboretum Records 1924-1984

Washington Park Arboretum Management

The City of Seattle owns the land and the University owns all of the trees and plant collections at the Washington Park Arboretum. In terms of care, maintenance and management, the City takes care of the park-like functions (trails, benches, garbage) while the UW Botanic Gardens takes care of the gardens, trees, and plant collections. The Japanese Garden is managed and maintained by the City with support of the Arboretum Foundation.

The Arboretum and Botanical Garden Committee (ABGC) advises the University of Washington, City of Seattle and The Arboretum Foundation on the management and stewardship of the Washington Park Arboretum for the benefit of current and future generations.

The University of Washington, the City of Seattle and the Arboretum Foundation are working together on the implementation of the Arboretum Master Plan. Examples projects are Japanese Garden Entry Structure, the Gateway to Chile, Cascadia Forest, New Zealand Forest and the Irrigation Mainline Project.

Plans and Policies

• UW Botanic Gardens Collections Policy, 2018
• UW Botanic Gardens Conservation Policy, 2012
• Union Bay Natural Area and Shoreline Management Guidelines
• UW Botanic Gardens Emergency Evacuation Operations Plan
• School of Environmental and Forest Sciences’ Health and Safety Plan

Washington Park Arboretum

• Master Plan Implementation Adoption Letter and Introduction
• Master Plan 2001
• Master Plan Implementation Roles and Responsibilities
• Master Plan Implementation Other Considerations
• Master Plan Proposal 2000
• Interpretation & Wayfinding Plan

Center for Urban Horticulture

• Jones and Jones: Union Bay Teach and Research Arboretum, 1976
• Berger Partnership: Master Plan update, Illustrative Rendering, 2008
• Berger Partnership: Master Plan update, Thematic Diagram, 2008