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Unless
otherwise noted:
General Admission
$8.00 per adult.
Children under 16
admitted free
when accompanied
by an adult.
Admission
fees for
Special Events
may vary. |
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January 2008 |
January 30 - 10:30am Garden Tour,
Washington Park Arboretum
Botany Adventure guides (former, current and prospective!) are
invited to a special tour of the Joseph A. Witt Winter Garden.
Enjoy the intoxicating scent of the witch hazels and get
inspired for spring and the upcoming field trip season.
Cost is $10.00, space is limited. For info and reservations
contact Deborah,
Deborah@prosceniumgardendesign.com or 360-222-3382. |
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February 2008 |
February 16 - 5:30-9pm Dreams of
Spring
A horticultural gala, elegant dinner and auction raising funds
vital for the care of the Gardens held at the Freeland Hall,
Freeland, WA Horticultural VIPs from the northwest and gardening
enthusiasts will join to contribute items for the auction and
attend this fun and floral fundraiser for Meerkerk Gardens.
To receive an invitation to this premier horticultural gala or
to contribute to the silent and live auctions, please contact:
Penny Harger,
penny@meerkerkgardens.org 360-320-2265 or
Kristi O'Donnell,
meerkerk@whidbey.net 360-678-1912
In one glorious evening, we
raised $26,600 to support Meerkerk Gardens. Thank you to
everyone - donors, participants and volunteers - who helped make
Dreams of Spring so successful!
(more
details) |
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March 2008
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March 5, 12, and 19 Conifers in the Garden
Learn to identify coniferous trees and shrubs at the Gardens
under the instruction of arborist Bess Bronstein. This class
includes discussion of the primary coniferous genera used in
Pacific Northwest gardens, as well as plant culture and uses in
various garden settings. This is an excellent opportunity for you
to know how to recognize, incorporate and care for conifers in the
garden.
Details and registration or contact: Deborah 360-222-3382, email
Deborah@meerkerkgardens.org.
March
15&16 - 9am-4pm Meerkerk Gardens Spring Opening Sale
This annual fund-raising event showcases the best selection of
rhodies including new hybrids from Frank Fujioka, exotic species
and tried and true good bloomers! The nursery season begins this
weekend and lasts throughout spring. Proceeds go directly to
caring for this 53 outdoor classroom, living museum and woodland
preserve.
Walk through the early blooming gardens
featuring drifts of daffodils, magnificent magnolias and cherry
trees accompanying hundreds of rhododendrons for this spring
symphony of color. Join the Friends of Meerkerk for savings on
plant purchases while becoming a steward to these gardens and
forest preserve. (There is no admission fee these two days,
however donations are gratefully accepted.) March through April
- Daffodil Show
Drifts of daffodils brighten the ten acre Gardens joining
early blooming rhododendrons and cherry trees as they herald
spring! |
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April 2008 |
April through Mid-May - Open Daily,
9am-4pm Peak Bloom Season
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
envelop yourself in the Bluebell Wood. Magical!
April 12 -
9am-4pm April Shower Bring May Flowers Rhodie Sale
Purchase early blooming rhodies to brighten your world. Donate
an umbrella (in good condition) to the Gardens for our visitors
and receive a free gift.
In honor of Arbor Day, children receive a free tree!
April 19 - Noon-4pm Meerkerk
Magic, A Festival of Flowers!
Enjoy peak blooming season and celebrate spring in the
Gardens.
Children of all ages love this tradition of making forest fairies
from woodland materials.
Special classes and activites TBA.
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May 2008 |
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Selected Weekdays in May -
10-12, 12:30-2:30 Botany Adventure
Our Botany Adventure Tours are inquiry based, guided science
programs conducted at Meerkerk Gardens and in the classroom.
Botany Adventure currently introduces students in grades 3-5
from all school backgrounds to plant growth and development
through a series of 2 hour seasonal tours in the “outdoor
classroom.” (more details)
May 11 - Noon-4pm Mother's Day Concert on the Lawn
Harper Tasche performs our traditional Mother's Day Concert
weaving songs and tales on his collection of exquisite and
exotic harps and stringed instruments. Visitors may bring a
quilt or chair and enjoy the concert on the green, surrounded by
rhododendrons in full bloom. Stroll through the Gardens and
breathe in the fragrance and beauty. Light refreshments are
available. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches.
The Meerkerk Nursery is open with a fine selection of gift
plants as well.
Admission: $12 per adult; Children over 5 years old: $3
Children under 5 years old, accompanied by an adult, admitted
free.
Tickets are available at the gate.
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June 2008 |
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TBA - 9am-4pm End of Season
Sale!
We still have great
rhododendrons and companion plants for your garden: sun loving
dwarfs that take the westerly winds, Fujioka hybrids, brilliant
azaleas...all at great prices. These beauties need to get into
the ground before summer, either your beds or ours! Save and
beautify the world!
No
admission is charged for those attending the sale, however,
donations are greatly appreciated.
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August 2008 |
Aug 2 - 5-9pm Meerkerk
Medley
The eighth annual Meerkerk Medley is
an evening of fun, friends and fantastic cuisine. Guests are
invited to dine in private homes. New in 2008: All
Meerkerk Medley guests and hosts will be invited to a Prelude to
Medley Garden Party during spring to enjoy desserts, wine,
coffee and tea among the gardens dressed in floral attire! This fund-raiser for Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, a
charitable organization, is tax deductible. For information
regarding hosting a dinner or attending, please contact Kristi
O'Donnell, 360-678-1912, or
meerkerk@whidbey.net. |
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September 2008 |
Sept 13 - All day long! Old Timey
Bluegrass Pickers Festival
Featuring: Swords into Plowshares;
Chickweed; The Rural Characters; Down the Road; Deadwood Revival
and more... |
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October 2008 |
October 4&5 - 9am-4pm
Autumn
Rhododendron Sale
"Beautify Your World"! Meerkerk Gardens
announces its Autumn Rhodie
Sale: the perfect time to plant your garden! Choose from a
fantastic selection of mature budded rhodies from our Hybrid Test
Garden and the Meerkerk Nursery. Plants range from starter sizes
to instant landscape specimens.
The sale is held in the Meerkerk Nursery. Parking is in the main
parking lot. Our 'Rhodie Valet' will escort your plants to you!
Bring your truck, your neighbors...and your checkbook. Sales are
cash and carry.
Members of the Whidbey Island Chapter of the American Rhododendron
Society and Island County Master Gardeners will be available to
answer your horticultural questions.
Friends of Meerkerk members receive a discount on plant purchases.
Admission is free this day: take time to enjoy the fantastic Fall
colors and fragrances! |
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