Photo by Keith Brofksy, courtesy of Bloedel Reserve.
If you do a quick online search, you’ll learn that Bloedel Reserve is an award-winning public garden often listed as one of the “top things to see” on Bainbridge Island. But there’s so much more to this incredible place. It’s an artistic haven, a place to learn and heal, and a joyful community venue. The Reserve spans 140 acres and includes a Japanese garden, beautiful vistas, and forested trails. It also has an interesting history and impacts our community in many ways.
Mission & Vision
Bloedel’s vision statement is “Reciprocity with the land contributes to a healthy, sustainable, and inspired future.” Its mission is to “celebrate beauty by cultivating our environment, building community, and deepening relationships with the natural world.” Ensuring everyone has access is also a priority. Museums for All and pay-what-you-wish Welcome Wednesdays are part of the Reserve’s commitment to inclusivity.
History
Virginia and Prentice Bloedel purchased the property that would become Bloedel Reserve in 1951. They lived there for over 30 years. But the Reserve recognizes that the history of this special place began “long before the Bloedels acquired it”. Everyone who works there acknowledges “the sacred ancestral territory on which the Reserve resides flourishes because of the stewardship, since time immemorial, by the Suquamish people.”
Prentice Bloedel was an environmentalist at heart, which contrasted with the fact that he was the heir to his father’s timber business. With the help of exceptional landscape architects and designers, the Bloedels were able to reshape the land. They utilized conservation concepts and ecological principles, always mindful of the relationship between humans and nature. Later in life, the Bloedels gave the Reserve to the community and established a nonprofit to ensure it could operate effectively. In 1988, the Reserve opened to the public, and it’s been beloved by locals and tourists ever since.

Photo by Martina Machackova, courtesy of Bloedel Reserve.
Programs and Events
Throughout the year, Bloedel Reserve is home to all kinds of activities and events. Bloedel Reserve’s CEO, Evan Meyer, is proud of all that they offer: “There’s so much going on at Bloedel Reserve, whether it’s the bounty of spring blooms, the striking color of fall foliage, or opportunities to connect with a community of nature lovers to learn about gardening, botany, and how tuning into the natural world is medicine for the soul.”
Kids love the Guided Garden Walks done monthly with the Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu). For those who want to learn from an expert, the Reserve offers Garden Walks led by staff specialists and volunteers. You can learn about pruning, pollinators, and much more. For local creatives, there’s the Creative Residency program, which encourages creative thinking that’s “inspired by nature and explores the connection between humans and the environment.” Additionally, the Reserve hosts mindfulness meditations at the Japanese Guest House as well as grief support groups.
With a robust list of events, there’s always something interesting going on at the Reserve. One upcoming event you won’t want to miss is “Blooms, Bubbles & Bees”, happening this Mother’s Day, May 11th, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. There will be all kinds of beautiful blooms, bubbles, and lawn games, and a bee exhibit. Other fun activities include free face painting from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, tintype family portraits, and live music from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. You can also enjoy delicious food from One Two Kai Catering, Corrigan Sisters Crepes, ChocMo, and Pegasus Coffee. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to get yours early. If you’re a member, you get in free, but you still need to reserve tickets to ensure entry.
Community Impact
With international visitors and media attention, Bloedel Reserve is a popular place to visit. In fact, over 74,000 people visited in 2024. So many people have benefitted from their programs as well. Jen Layne, Communications Manager at Bloedel Reserve, told us that in 2024, “more than 2,000 people attended creativity and inspiration programs, 190 people participated in our strolls for well being program and 180 people joined our mindfulness meditation sessions.” That type of impact often creates a ripple effect as those empowered by their experiences share what they learned and gained with others, encouraging and inspiring them, too. Volunteerism also thrives here. In 2024, volunteers contributed 8,747 hours as docents, greeters, and garden helpers.
Visit and Get Involved
The Reserve is open Tuesdays through Sundays, year-round, with some holiday closures. Be sure to check their hours when planning your visit. Ticket prices vary and it’s best to purchase timed tickets in advance. You’ll want to pick a time slot that’s at least 90 minutes before closing so that you can fully enjoy the grounds. Please note that pets are not allowed on the property or in the parking areas. Assistance dogs are the exception. Also, professional photo shoots and picnicking on the grounds are prohibited. This is a protected natural space that everyone is welcome to visit but we want to honor and preserve it as well.
If you’d like to become a member, you can purchase an annual membership. This gives you access to members-only time slots, gift shop discounts, and early access to selected workshops and events.
To support the work done here, you can make an online donation. All donations go toward supporting their four pillars: horticulture and design, conservation and stewardship, creativity & inspiration, nature & well-being.
The Reserve depends on over 200 volunteers to help in the gardens, lead tours, greet guests as docents, and assist with annual events. If you would like to donate your time, you can learn more here.

Photo by Erin Fisher, courtesy of Bloedel Reserve.