Please note that Special Event Entry Fees are different than regular admission.

Meerkerk Rhododendron Specialty Nursery
Open Daily through June  9am - 4pm

See what's new in the Gardens and shop our Specialty Rhododendron Nursery. Our Nursery Manager, Susie Reynolds, is available Thursday through Sunday to give expert advice and to help you pick just the right plant to fit your location and desires.  Monday through Wednesday, sales of pre potted plants are sold on the honor system with easy to follow directions available at the Sales Shed.  A wide selection of plants is available including hybrids from Frank Fujioka, exotic species and tried and true good bloomers! .

Proceeds go directly to caring for this 53-acre outdoor classroom, living museum and woodland preserve.

Cash, Checks or Credit Cards accepted.

Daffodil Show
March through April

Thousands of daffodils brighten the ten acre Gardens joining early blooming rhododendrons and cherry trees as they herald spring!  Daily 9-4  Admission is $5 per adult. Children admitted free of charge.

Peak Bloom Season
April through mid May
Open daily  9am - 4pm

The Gardens enter their peak blooming season in April, with the exact dates set by Mother Nature. Tens of thousands of daffodils, delicate cherry trees, magnificent magnolias and early rhododendrons provide a symphony of color throughout the ten acre gardens. The crescendo of rhododendron bloom begins in late April and continues through mid-May. Enter the Secret Garden and envelope yourself in the Bluebell Wood.  Magical!

Meerkerk Magic
Saturday, April 14th

Fairy Godmothers Arlee Anderson, Karen Eaton and Anne Horton wish to thank all the wonderful fairy prince and princesses who joined them for a day of flowers and fun.  Over 50 little ones took part in our out door tradition of creating their own personal fairy from the natural wonders found in the gardens.  We hope to see you all back for our Fairy House Festival on Saturday, July 7th

GiveBIG Fundraising Challenge: Multiply you donation to Meerkerk
Wednesday, May 2nd

The Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG is a one-day, online charitable giving event to inspire people to give generously to nonprofit organizations who make our region a healthier and more vital place to live.

Each donation made between midnight and midnight (Pacific Time) on May 2, 2012, will receive a pro-rated portion of the matching funds (or "stretch") pool. The amount of the "stretch" depends on the size of the stretch pool and how much is raised in total donations on GiveBIG day. For example, if a nonprofit organization receives 3 percent of the total donations during GiveBIG, then it will receive 3 percent of the stretch pool.

Wine & Rhodies
Saturday, May 12th

4pm: Friends gather at Meerkerk to tour the gardens while enjoying a glass of wine and nibbling savory appetizers. 

6pm: The evening continues  with an elegant dinner served at a private home.

Tickets for this fundraiser are $75.
Reservations are required: Call 360-678-1912 or 360-222-0121
Email: meerkerk@whidbey.net

Mother's Day Concert on the Lawn
Sunday, May 13th  Noon - 4pm

Treat Mom to a relaxing and inspiring afternoon at Meerkerk Gardens. Harper Tasche performs on Folk Harp weaving songs and tales throughout the afternoon. Bring a quilt and enjoy the concert on the lawn, surrounded by rhododendrons in full bloom. Stroll through the Gardens and breathe in the fragrance and beauty.

Backyard Wildlife Habitat Fair
Saturday, June 2nd  10am - 4pm

Visit our booth at Whidbey's first island-wide Backyard Wildlife Habitat Fair which will be held at Freeland Park and Hall, a selection of Rhododendrons will be available for sale.  Keynote speakers will explain why it’s important to modify backyards to help preserve the wildlife and their interesting and sometimes challenging habits.  For more information about the Fair, visit www.wildlifefair.wordpress.com

Antique Auto Display
Saturday, June 2nd

Whidbey Island's Model A Club once again will gather their collection of marvelous automobiles around the Gazebo.  Take a step back in time to view these marvelous machines, and don't forget to stroll through this unique peaceful woodland garden.  Enjoy the music and photos on the Clubs website:  http://www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

Purple Passion Sale
Saturday, June 9th  9am - 4pm

An extensive selection of purple blooming rhododendrons is offered as well as the usual inventory of species and hybridized rhodies and companion plants of all colors.  Plants from 1 gallon to 6' tall are available. 

Whidbey Island Community Orchestra
Saturday, June 30th

Fairy House Festival
Saturday, July 7th 11am - 4pm

NEWS FLASH -  Fairy sightings are up!  This indicates that the fairy population at Meerkerk is flourishing. 

We believe this wonder is a direct result of the great efforts and skills of last years fairy house construction crews. Boys & girls of all ages gather every summer to build shelters for our community of woodland fairies.

Bring your imagination, creativity and love of nature.  Freely gather natural supplies from the surrounding woods and garden areas. Assorted natural plant materials will be provided and you are welcome to bring natural materials to share with other house makers.  

If you wish to build a house and take it with you, please bring a suitable base for transport.  Otherwise, all fairy houses will become part of Meerkerk’s garden attractions and Critters and Creatures from the woods and gardens will be invited to move in.

Jazz Concert
Saturday, July 14th

Whidbey Island's 5th Annual Bluegrass in the Gardens
Saturday, August 25th

Sponsored by:

Open mic. 11:00am to 11:50am

The Cranberry Bog Bluegrass 12:00pm to 1:10pm
www.cranberrybogbluegrass.com

Bayview Sound 1:20pm to 2:30pm
www.bayviewsound.com

Pearly Blue 2:40pm to 3:50pm
www.barrybrower.org/PearlyBlue.aspx

Money Creek Mining Co. 4:00pm to 5:10pm
www.moneycreekbluegrass.com  

Event Contact :: Kevin Lee
email: orca@whidbey.net    Cell: 360-661-4978

Sound Engineer and Sound System :: Barry Rix

Labor Day Nursery Sale
Friday through Monday, August 31st-September 3rd  9am - 4pm

Meerkerk's inventory reduction sale slashing prices by 50% off potted plants as well as most of the in-ground stock.  Species and hybrid rhodies from 1 gallon pots to 6' plants.  Shop early for best selection.

Jack Nisbet,  Story Teller and Author
Saturday, September 15th

Jack Nesbit is the winner of the 2010 Pacific Northwest Book Award for hisbook, The Collector:  David Douglas and the Natural History of the Northwest. He is a teacher, naturalist, and writer who lives in Spokane, Washington with his wife and two children. Jack grew up in North Carolina, a graduate of Stanford University.   

Jack is the author of several other books that explore the human and natural history of the Intermountain West,including Purple Flat Top, Singing Grass Burning Sage, and Visible Bones as well as two books about fur agent and cartographer David Thompson:  Sources of the River and The Mapmaker’s Eye.  

The Washington State Historical Society Director, David Hicandri, calls him “one of the Northwest’s great storytellers.”   

Fall Garden Fest
Saturday-Sunday, October 6th & 7th  9am - 4pm

Garden art and plants are featured in this end of season sale offering unique adornments for your garden.  Meerkerk's nursery is joined by specialty nurseries selling exotic plants, as well as useful and decorative wire, metal, glass, and wood creations made by local artists.  

Holiday Party
Sunday, December 2nd