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Spring Flowers: Where to See Seattle & Kitsap in Bloom
There are so many wonderful local places to enjoy spring flowers. From tulips to cherry blossoms (and everything in between), check out all of the fun spots where you can stroll, take photos, and relax in nature.
Bainbridge Island/Suyematsu Farms
With strong roots on Bainbridge Island dating from the 1930s, this farm operates activities year-round. They also pride themselves on being organic and implementing sustainable practices. Along with their Christmas tree farm and pumpkin patch, you’ll want to check out their beautiful flowers!
The flower fields are an excellent spot for your next event. Whether you’re looking to host a flower party, make your own wedding bouquets, or take advantage of the exquisite photo opportunities, you can reach out to the farm to schedule your next event. Additionally, they have a Dahlia tuber store and a U-Pick Dahlias farm opening on July 5, 2025.
For everlasting floral beauty, consider utilizing their expanding floral subscription service. Most subscriptions begin mid-May, so you’re not too late. They’re partnering with other local farms as well to ensure the bouquets have a beautiful variety of blooms. For more information, you can also follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Bloedel Reserve
Founded by Prentice and Virginia Bloedel and then opened to the public in 1988, this 140-acre reserve enriches people’s lives through nature. If you want to take advantage of their peaceful grounds and year-round events, consider becoming a member. View their exciting events calendar, which includes everything from mindful walks to explorations for kids and phone photography workshops. In addition, the venue is available for weddings and private events. You can’t go wrong visiting during any time of the year, but we love spending the afternoon there in spring!
Bainbridge Gardens
Bainbridge Gardens is a family-owned garden center that has been in business for over 60 years. They are a great place to go if you want to start or spruce up your own garden. The six-acre nursery sells house plants, trees and other native plants. The company also offers one-hour consultations to help get you started.
In addition, you can take advantage of their upcoming events. Whether you want to grow vegetables or bonsai, their wealth of knowledge and inventory is sure to get your personal garden blooming soon.
Blomst Flower Farm
A local micro-flower farm, Blomst Flower Farm has been operational since 2020. Blomst grows specialty cut flowers with organic methods on Bainbridge Island and in Poulsbo. You can purchase the flowers at Bainbridge Island Farmer’s Market when it opens on April 5, 2025. There is also a farm stand located on Golden Lane. For more information, check out their website, Facebook and Instagram.
Nearby Spring Strolls
Buck Lake Native Garden
Located in nearby Hansville, Buck Lake Native Garden is completely run by volunteers. With the goal of educating the public about the beauty of native plants, local foliage fills this space.
From the months of April through October, volunteers work tirelessly to keep up the lovely grounds. There are work parties the first and third Mondays of each month from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. They also have an active Facebook page so you can follow it to learn more.
Heronswood Garden
Also near Bainbridge Island, Heronswood Garden in Kingston began in 1987. It was purchased by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe in 2012 and now showcases plant species from around the world and incorporates elements of the Tribe.
With 15 acres, Heronswood Garden is divided into six different garden areas. Visitors are welcome year-round, but beginning in April the garden is open five days a week. Check out their events and their spring flower sale at the beginning of May.
Seattle
Only a short ferry ride away, the city of Seattle offers another beautiful bounty of spring flowers to enjoy. One of the best spots to check out is the University of Washington and all it has to offer.
University of Washington
The main UW quad is surrounded by cherry trees and their annual blooming attracts thousands of visitors each year. They even have a live Cherry Blossom Cam to view the trees. This year, the U District Cherry Blossom Festival will take place from March 21- April 6. Visitors will not only get to enjoy the spring flowers and blossoms, but the local restaurants and shops nearby have gotten into the spirit with cherry-blossomed-themed items and discounts. For additional details, view the map, tree information, and more.
While you’re on the UW campus, be sure to check out the UW Botanic Gardens. The Washington Park Arboretum is over 230 acres and it runs jointly with the city of Seattle. Towards the south end of the gardens is the Seattle Japanese Garden which is managed by the city and has a small entrance fee. It is now open for the 2025 season and ready for visitors!
A Day Trip for Tulips
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
A bit of a trek from Bainbridge but worth the day trip, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a popular spring experience. The events begin on April 1st this year. You can visit up to five farms and can buy tickets online for each farm. Before you commit to the drive, you can check out the bloom status to make sure it will be full of photo opportunities.
Wherever you decide to go to see the spring flowers bloom, know that there is plenty to enjoy here on Bainbridge Island, across Kitsap County, in Seattle, and beyond.
Gardening Benefits & What to Plant in Zone 8b
It’s that time of year when sunny days are becoming more frequent. Now is the time to get outdoors and start gardening! Gardening can benefit you in many ways, some of which we’ve highlighted below. Not sure what to plant here in zone 8b? Read on to learn more about that too.
Why Garden?
You might be wondering: what’s the point of gardening? Why should I invest so much time and money into a hobby that results in some fruits and vegetables? Actually, there are many health benefits associated with gardening, as well as many environmental benefits.
Health Benefits
There are mental and physical benefits to gardening. In regards to mental health, gardening can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, gardening can help reduce your stress levels. In fact, it has even been used in addiction rehabilitation programs. Studies have shown it can provoke positive feelings in patients, and it has correlated with program completion rates.
Physically, gardening is a great way to exercise and move your body. Additionally, gardeners experience the benefits of increased vitamin D. If you are part of a community garden, you can also reap the benefits associated with social gardening for overall improved health.
Environmental Benefits
Sustainable gardening is gaining traction and popularity in the gardening world. This form of gardening emphasizes organic practices and resource conservation. Gardeners can create nutrient-dense soil, use water conservation strategies, and help build a habitat that supports birds, insects, and pollinators.
By carefully selecting plants and materials to use, the home gardener can play a pivotal role in improving our climate. Check out this comprehensive list of sustainable gardening practices to get started.
What to Plant in Zone 8b
The USDA developed a Plant Hardiness Zone Map to help gardeners determine what to plant and when for the greatest chance of plant survival. Bainbridge Island, and more broadly, Kitsap County, is a part of Zone 8b. By following the suggested planting calendar, your odds of growing a successful garden increase greatly.
April, May, and June are great times to plant asparagus, bok choy, lettuce, melons, herbs, and more. You can also check out this easy-to-reference Zone 8 Planting Schedule.
Pro Gardening Tips
Proper soil conditions are essential for a garden to thrive. First, ensure the bed is clear of rocks and debris, loosen the soil, and add some compost. A soil test is a great resource for understanding the soil’s makeup and pH levels. Next, choose your seeds or plant starts, noting the time of year to plant them based on zone hardiness.
Keep the planting bed clear of debris, and ensure plants have enough sunlight and water. Finally, make sure you’re doing what you can to attract pollinators. You can download this guide to selecting plants for pollinators. Additionally, check out this article for tips on pest control in the garden specific to the Pacific Northwest.
Additional Resources
Bainbridge Island has an amazing gardening support system in person and online. Check out Bainbridge Gardens’ website, stop by their shop, or read our interview with them for some quick, easy-to-apply tips.
Whether this is your first or fiftieth time planting a garden, take the time to appreciate the many benefits. We wish you a gardening season filled with beautiful flowers and a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Gardening and Landscaping Q & A with Bainbridge Gardens
From house plants to landscaping projects, patio planters to vegetable gardens, if you are starting a plant project, having the help of an expert can be vital. We received some wonderful advice about how to create a lush greenscape in any sized space from the experts at Bainbridge Gardens. They graciously made time to answer our questions.
A local favorite, Bainbridge Gardens is celebrating its 65th year in business on Bainbridge Island. The garden center is operated by the third generation of the Harui family in the Island Center, which has been in the family for more than 100 years. Read on to gain insights and tips for your next gardening or landscaping project.
What are some of the current landscaping and garden trends you are seeing right now?
Native plants have never been more popular, and for good reason! Native plants require less maintenance. Some are deer resistant. Once established, many can survive on rainfall alone. Natives are good for the planet. They provide a sustainable habitat for native wildlife, improve air quality, and reduce soil erosion.
Indoor gardening continues to thrive. We all have our favorite houseplants, and our horticulturist, Lisa, is always on the hunt for new varieties of those favorites to thrill houseplant collectors.
What is the best way to utilize a small space?
Grow plants up as well as out. Utilize hanging baskets and window boxes. Carefully choose plants that don’t grow too large or take up too much space. But feel free to have a few larger items like a citrus in a container or a potted tomato plant on a trellis to give your space interest.
What is a small change you can make in a large space that has the most impact?
Consider creating a thriving ecosystem in your landscape with a variety of plants and flowers that attract birds, bees, and butterflies. The activity of nature is amazing to be around.
What advice do you have for someone doing a first-time DIY landscape project?
Book an appointment with our horticulturist, Jenni, to give you ideas on what grows well in the various parts of your landscape and how to handle challenging scenarios, like a landscape near a beach or a very shady part of the garden.
What can you do during summer to set your yard/garden up for success during the rest of the year?
Well, although we hope that you set up your garden in the spring so you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor during the summer, you can start planning for the fall planting season. You can continue to plant vegetable seeds in the summer for a second crop in the late summer and fall.
Hot, dry summers seem to be the new normal. A planting tip from our horticulturist, Ax: When planting in the summer, dig a hole twice as wide as your plant and fill it up with water. Let it drain and do it again. Saturating the soil prevents the water from wicking away from your new plant during the first waterings. Remember to create a healthy medium for planting by adding one part planting compost to two parts existing soil and a little fertilizer.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Bring in your gardening questions. Bainbridge Gardens has Certified Professional Horticulturists on staff to identify, diagnose, and coach you through your plant adventures. We love sharing the joy of the garden!
A big thank you to the wonderful staff at Bainbridge Gardens! If you’d like to connect with them, you can visit them here on Bainbridge Island, visit their website, follow them on Facebook, or on Instagram. For more helpful tips, check out our article on eco-friendly ideas to improve your home.
