Four Seasons in Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens

An experience of Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens begins by passing through the stone entry gate house. © 2008 Russell Sparkman

Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, located at the "waistline" of Whidbey Island in the community of Greenbank, is one of a number of unique gardens and nurseries located on Whidbey and Camano islands. Phone: 360.678.1912 Website

In the 1960s, Ann and Max Meerkerk transformed their 13 acres into a Pacific Northwest-style garden, with rhododendrons as the featured flora. Thankfully, the garden was surrounded by a forest reserve. In 1979, the Meerkerks bequeathed the land to the Seattle Rhododendron Society.

Today, Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens is its own entity and is open to the public. It encompasses 10 acres of gardens, 43 acres of nature preserve, and five acres of trails. But don't let the name fool you; it's a lot more than just fields of rhodies!

Oriana Simmons-Otness, a horticulturist working at Meerkerk Gardens, deadheading a rhododendron, a late spring ritual in the gardens. © 2008 Russell Sparkman

Oriana Simmons-Otness has worked at Meerkerk for nine years, starting her horticulture career as an intern at age 16. Walking through the peaceful woodland garden with Choo Choo, the resident dog, she points out the myriad of plants thriving in the temperate climate of the island.

Oriana says there are around 500 varieties of rhododendrons at Meerkerk, but she quickly adds that there are hundreds of other plants at the gardens, too. They're acquiring more and more "companion" plants - those that go well with rhododendrons.

She points out thyme, chive and lavender, and a colorful spread of Welsh poppies. A hydrangea grows up the trunk of an evergreen tree, and Ajunga ground cover is everywhere - along with a stately Cornus contraversa, the largest member of the dogwood family.

Vine maples burst with color in autumn. During summer months, a magnolia tree has the fragrance of bubblegum.

"This is a four-season garden," says Oriana, who admits to being a "rhodoholic." Her tour meanders through the gardens, passing by Ann and Max Meerkerk's bench, titled "First Love," located in the Secret Garden (the true heart of the garden).

Wildlife abounds at Meerkerk and includes deer, eagles, osprey, owls, great blue herons, woodpeckers and coyotes.

Travel writer and Whidbey resident Sue Frause, and Meerkerk horticulturist Oriana Simmons-Otness, are dwarfed by the Waloper, planted in 1962. © 2008 Russell Sparkman

The biggest rhododendron on site is the original Waloper, a hybrid rhododendron from 1962, the year of the Seattle World's Fair. A Monkey Puzzle Tree is a gift from the Seattle World's Fair and looms high above the gardens.

More than four dozen volunteers maintain the rather lovely grounds. Guests enter through the Gate House, inspired by the Secret Garden of Highgrove, England and designed by island architect Richard Rhydes.

Guests receive a map and a list of flowers currently in bloom. (Peak bloom season occurs in April and May.) Rhododendrons and companion plants are for sale throughout the year, and various events and concerts are held on the garden grounds.

Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens is much more than an inspiring collection of rhodies; it's four all-encompassing seasons of natural indulgence for plant lovers everywhere.

Garden Tours

Garden Tours are held in June and the Camano Island Backyard Wildlife Garden Tour celebrates gardens large and small. Camano Island is a certified Community Wildlife Habitat, a program of the National Wildlife Federation. Both tours are self-guided. Not to be missed on Central Whidbey is Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens in Greenbank. Its 12 acres of display gardens and 40 forested acres with walking trails are open to the public year-round. The islands are also home to numerous gardens and nurseries that specialize in everything from lavender to chocolate flowers.

2009 Garden Tours:

The 2009 Whidbey Island Tour will be held on Saturday, June 27

The date for the Fourteenth Annual Whidbey Island Garden Tour will be Saturday, June 27, 2009, from 10 am – 4 pm. We hope that you will join us for what promises to be yet another unique and intimate look into several very special Whidbey Island gardens.

Whidbey Island Garden Tour, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established to provide funding to those groups that work toward the improvement of Whidbey Island’s common habitat. The proceeds from this year’s Garden Tour will benefit our community through the support of educational projects and public space enhancement. Website

The 2009 North Whidbey Tour will be held on Sunday, June 28

North Whidbey Garden Tour is open to everyone - come and enjoy the beauty that has been created in seven exciting gardens in the Oak Harbor area. A map of the sites is included with the ticket which are $15. Tickets can be purchased at The Greater Oak Harbor Chamber, Greenhouse Nursery, Horse Tail Nursery, Hummingbird Farm and Mailliards Landing.(360) 675-6970 or (360) 588-1351

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Whidbey and Camano Islands are only 25 miles north of Seattle, and 2 hours south of Vancouver. See Directions and Maps to learn more about how to get here.