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Botanical Gardens in Washington

15 botanical gardens in Washington with photography planning data — sunrise and sunset azimuths, golden hour by month, Milky Way windows and estimated sky darkness. King County has the most (7). The darkest skies are at Wind River Arboretum (Bortle 3).

Top botanical gardens

Bellevue Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Bellevue Botanical GardenKing County
Washington Park ArboretumBotanical Garden
Washington Park ArboretumKing County
Wind River ArboretumBotanical Garden
Wind River ArboretumSkamania County
Manito Park and Botanical GardensBotanical Garden
Manito Park and Botanical GardensSpokane County
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical GardensBotanical Garden
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical GardensKing County
Bloedel ReserveBotanical Garden
Bloedel ReserveKitsap County
Highline Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Highline Botanical GardenKing County
Hulda Klager Lilac GardensBotanical Garden
Hulda Klager Lilac GardensCowlitz County
Volunteer Park ConservatoryBotanical Garden
Volunteer Park ConservatoryKing County
Wright Park ArboretumBotanical Garden
Wright Park ArboretumPierce County
Yakima Area ArboretumBotanical Garden
Yakima Area ArboretumYakima County
Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical GardenKing County

Botanical Gardens by county

All botanical gardens (15)

NameCountyElevationNearest townSky
Bellevue Botanical GardenKing County72 mWilburton8
Washington Park ArboretumKing County27 mSeattle7
Wind River ArboretumSkamania County348 mCarson3
Manito Park and Botanical GardensSpokane County—Spokane7
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical GardensKing County—Greenwood7
Bloedel ReserveKitsap County—Suquamish6
Highline Botanical GardenKing County—Riverton8
Hulda Klager Lilac GardensCowlitz County—Woodland5
Volunteer Park ConservatoryKing County—Seattle7
Wright Park ArboretumPierce County—Tacoma7
Yakima Area ArboretumYakima County—Yakima7
Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical GardenKing County—Lakeland South8
Streissguth GardensKing County—Seattle7
John A. Finch ArboretumSpokane County632 mSpokane7
Sehome Hill ArboretumWhatcom County162 mBellingham7

Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).

Map

How to photograph botanical gardens

Gardens are best on bright overcast days or early mornings when dew is fresh and the wind is calm.

  • A macro lens or close-up filter opens a world of detail — try a shallow aperture against a soft background.
  • Many gardens restrict tripods or charge for photography; check the rules before you go.
  • Backlit petals glow; position yourself so the sun is behind the flower.
  • Seasonal exhibits (orchids, tulips, cherry blossoms) draw crowds — arrive at opening.
  • Kaleidoscopic and abstract images are great for flower close-ups — try the online kaleidoscope tool.

Season: Spring bulbs and blossoms, summer perennials and autumn color; glasshouses offer winter subjects.