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An Exceptional Garden: Experience Bloedel Reserve
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.
Best Summer Activities on Bainbridge Island
There’s something magical about Bainbridge Island in the summer. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular tourist destination. While it’s nice to know what tourists enjoyed about the area, it’s even better to get the inside scoop from locals. And, many of our real estate agents are 2nd and 3rd generation islanders. So we are happy to share our agents’ favorite Bainbridge Island summer activities.
If you are planning on visiting or partaking in these activities, please make sure to brush up on the most recent Bainbridge Island Covid-19 rules to make sure you are prepared. Also, look at businesses’ websites or Facebook pages before visiting in person so that you have all the latest information regarding their current operating hours and the protocol they’re following.
Enjoy the Island by Water
What better way to experience island life than by water? After all, we are surrounded by it. Many of our agents are avid kayakers and sailors.
Our very own Patti Shannon loves kayaking. Catch her if you can!
Kayaking
If you are itching for some classic summer fun, Kayaking in the Puget Sound is a wonderful activity. Our local SCUBA and kayaking center, Exotic Aquatics has kayak rentals and guided tours at their kayak dock at Waterfront park. Exotic Aquatic will also deliver kayaks to your location, and they also have kayaks for purchase at their store on Madison.
Our Managing Broker, Patti Shannon is an avid kayaker. Keep your eye on the water for a chance to say hi!
Sailing
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- Looking for a chartered sailing adventure? Check out Sail Bainbridge or Dreamboat Adventure Sailing. If you have children who want to learn how to sail,
Bainbridge has a great sailing camp. Courses are taught by certified instructors. For more information, check out the sailing section on Bainbridge Island Parks’ website.
- Looking for a chartered sailing adventure? Check out Sail Bainbridge or Dreamboat Adventure Sailing. If you have children who want to learn how to sail,
.
Low Tide Beachcombing
If you aren’t familiar with our area, we have incredible swing tides. The beaches double and triple in size, showing off all the wonders hidden by the Puget Sound. Seaglass, shells, and hidden secrets hide beneath our high tides. Don’t forget to skip a rock or two.
Fishing and Crabbing
There’s nothing like a feast of crab and freshly caught fish to show you’re savoring summer on Bainbridge Island. Whether you want to fish or crab with or without a boat is up to you, but always make sure you have a license. Check out more about the optimal times and places to go.
Explore on Your Own Two Feet
Bloedel Reserve
The Bloedel Reserve’s mission is “To enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” With 150 acres and beautiful trails that weave through forests, meadows, sculpted gardens, this will not disappoint. “Walking in Bloedel is special! It’s gorgeous and full of nature’s best and local history!” Says Broker, Diane Sugden.
Fort Ward Park
Looking to go on a nice stroll with a wide, open path free of cars? Fort Ward Park is an excellent spot. “I love the closed road at Fort Ward Park,” says Managing Broker, Susan Grosten. “No cars are allowed in and it is a level road. A lot of young kids practice their new bike riding skills there without fear of traffic. It is like ‘training wheels lane’!” Diane Sugden also recommends a visit to the park. “Walking or biking at Fort Ward is great. It’s fun because there are old wartime bunkers there and the kids love to explore. The beach there is rocky so it’s fun to turn the rocks over and find crabs.”
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial/Pritchard Park
“Our family, grandkids, and dogs especially like visiting Pritchard Park during the summer,” says Managing Brokers Maureen and Ed Buckley. “You can swim, sit on a sandy beach or a log, and have a beach fire or barbecue.”
“The Japanese Exclusion memorial at Pritchard Park is a beautiful tribute to the first Japanese American families removed from their homes and put into camps in World War II. In this time of inclusion awareness, this is a good reminder for everyone. It needs to be age-appropriate for the kids, as it is a difficult time in our history, but it is important,” says Susan Grosten.
Have Fun with the Kids
Kids Discovery Museum
There’s no better place for young children than Bainbridge Island’s museum for kids. The Kids Discovery Museum aims to spark children’s curiosity through experiential learning. Right now, they’re offering summer camps and a virtual art room to feature kids’ creations online. They also have at-home activities that promote STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math). 
Pick Fresh Berries
If you’re not from the PNW then you may be surprised to find that there are blackberries all over our island. Enjoy some free fun with the family by seeing who can pick the most and then use them to make delicious pies or jam.
There are also opportunities to pick other types of berries on the island like the strawberry patches at Suyematsu Farms. For the blueberry lovers in your family, visit Bainbridge Island Blueberry Company.
Inspire the Artist in You
BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network)
BARN’s mission is to “build and support an open, intergenerational community of artisans and makers who are dedicated to learning, teaching, sharing, and inspiring one another with creativity, craftsmanship and community service”. They are now offering a series of online classes and will be reopening when Kitsap County has entered into Phase 3 of Covid-19. Susan Grosten enjoys BARN and what it offers. “It is such a cool and creative place for artists and woodworkers. It was built with community funds. They have great classes including jewelry making, woodworking, writing, creating fabric arts, and using 3D printers.”
Eagledale Pottery Studio
Bainbridge Island is home to one of the best-kept secrets: the Eagledale Pottery Studio. A simple, WWII-era cinderblock building, this pottery studio houses a vibrant community of ceramic hobbyists of all ages and skill levels. They have classes for kids and adults, individuals, and school groups.
There are so many great summer activities here on Bainbridge Island. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to wear your mask, follow the Bainbridge Island COVID-19 rules, and take pictures of all the fun you’re sure to have. We hope you have a healthy, happy summer!
