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Events

May
12
12:00 PM12:00

Mother's Day Concert

Join us for beautiful blooms and delightful music as we celebrate a special day for Mom during peak bloom season. Bring Mom and a picnic and also enjoy a delicious treat from Whidbey Pies (sold by slice). Buy Mom a rhody at our nursery and get a special discount.

Tap your feet to the music of performers on our gazebo stage. Performers include accordion player Lori Hansen, noon-1 p.m.; Doug Roraback and the Double Diamonds, 1:30-2:30 p.m., and Island Jazz Collective from 3-4 p.m.

Get your ticket here: https://square.link/u/mu2uAH2T

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Jun
1
to Jun 2

Purple Passion Plant Sale

June is a month of purple hues at Meerkerk Gardens. We celebrate these magnificent rhododendron varieties and other purple bloomers during the Purple Passion Plant Sale June 1-2 at our specialty nursery.

Wear something purple to the sale and get 10 percent off your plant purchase. Friends of Meerkerk receive an additional 10 percent off. Nursery hours at 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

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Aug
17
12:00 PM12:00

Bluegrass Festival

Get ready for some great music, delicious food and toe-tappin’ fun. The Bluegrass Festival at Meerkerk Gardens is August 17. T he festival is from noon till 4 p.m. Come take in the sound of bluegrass from three groups on the gazebo stage with the Salish Sea serving as a stunning backdrop.

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Oct
5
12:00 PM12:00

Octoberfest and Fall Plant Sale

Grab your Lederhosen and Dirndls! Octoberfest at Meerkerk Gardens is fast approaching.

The festival happens from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 just as the gardens start flashing fabulous fall color. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Bavaria.

Rhododendrons also will be a big part of this festive event. Check out the nursery! Choose from hundreds of plants on display just in time for the fall planting season.

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Oct
12
to Oct 13

Fall Plant Sale

Fall is a great time to plant rhododendrons! Come to our Fall Plant Sale October 12-13 and select your favorite rhododendron to get into the ground during these favorable conditions. Guest will receive a special discount on plant purchases.

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Mar
30
11:00 AM11:00

Easter Egg Hunt

Hop your way to Meerkerk Gardens for our Easter Egg Hunt and also experience the Gardens in peak bloom! This family event is Saturday, March 30 with two egg hunts: 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Egg hunts are for children 10 & under. Little ones up to age 5 will have their own hunt at our events area near the Gazebo. Children 6-10 will search for eggs in a separate spot nearby.

Mark your calendar for March 30! Meet the Meerkerk Bunny and see the Gardens during the most magical time of the year.

Purchase tickets here.

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Mar
16
to Mar 17

Spring Opening Nursery Sale

Meerkerk Gardens Spring Nursery Sale

Spring is planting season! It’s a perfect time to visit Meerkerk Gardens and shop for a new rhododendron or azalea during our Spring Opening Nursery Sale. The sale is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17. This event marks the opening of our nursery during weekends.

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Mar
15
12:00 PM12:00

Member Day

Member Day is a special day for Friends of Meerkerk members. On this day, members get an exclusive preview and first opportunity to purchase rhododendrons and other plants before our nursery opens to the greater public. Members also get 10 percent off nursery purchases among other benefits.

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Oct
14
to Oct 15

Fall Plant Sale

Fall is a great time to plant rhododendrons! Come to our Fall Plant Sale October 14-15 and select your favorite rhododendron to get into the ground during these favorable conditions. Guest will receive a special discount on plant purchases.

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Oct
7
11:00 AM11:00

Octoberfest

Octoberfest and Fall Plant Sale

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Grab your Lederhosen and Dirndls! Octoberfest at Meerkerk Gardens is fast approaching.

The festival happens from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 7 just as the gardens start flashing fabulous fall color. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Bavaria.

The Oompah-sters German Band will be performing from 1:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. and is composed of members and guests of Whidbey”s Saratoga Orchestra. The ensemble performs traditional German Beer Hall music, rollicking polkas, lively marches and more.

Accordion player Lori Hansen will be performing from 11:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. on the gazebo stage. Save your appetite to purchase a hot bratwurst from The Chef in the Black Bandana.

The Beer Garden offering beer from Whidbey Island’s own Thirsty Crab Brewery will wet your whistle.

Rhododendrons also will be a big part of this festive event. Check out the nursery! Choose from hundreds of plants on display just in time for the fall planting season.

Adult admission to Octoberfest is $10 – payable at the Meerkerk gatehouse entry by cash, check, credit card or prepay on our website. Parking is limited so please carpool, take the bus, ride a bike, or walk, if possible.

Kids under 16 are free. Dogs on a leash welcome. Wander Meerkerk Gardens and enjoy the changing fall scenery. The gardens are located at 3531 Meerkerk Lane in Greenbank. Bring a lawn chair! We look forward to seeing you at the Gardens!

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Aug
19
12:00 PM12:00

Bluegrass Festival

Get ready for some great music, delicious food and toe-tappin’ fun. The Bluegrass Festival at Meerkerk Gardens is August 19. T he festival is from noon till 4 p.m. Come take in the sound of bluegrass from three groups on the gazebo stage with the Salish Sea serving as a stunning backdrop.

Cheer on Whidbey Island’s own Cranberry Bog Bluegrass Band from noon till 1 p.m. They’ll be followed by another island favorite, the Fiddle Chix, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., and Rusty Rails, to finish the day from 3-4 p.m.

We would like to thank our event sponsors Heritage Bank and Terra Firma Wealth Management for all the support they have given to this event.

Adult admission to the Bluegrass Festival is $15 – payable at the Meerkerk gatehouse entry by cash, check, credit card or prepay on our website. Parking is limited so please carpool, take the bus, ride a bike, or walk, if possible. Kids under 16 are free.

Or you may pre-pay for admission at this link. (Please show printed receipt or show receipt on your phone). Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair. Thank you!

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Jun
24
4:00 PM16:00

Midsummer Serenade CONCERT SOLD OUT!

Join us for Midsummer Serenade, a festive evening in the gardens celebrating nature and the summer solstice. A concert performance will feature members of Saratoga Orchestra Strings .    

Stroll the gardens after hours. Enjoy interactive vignettes. Experience sunset serenaded by songs inspired by nature with members of Saratoga Orchestra Strings. Tickets must be purchased in advance and seating is limited, so please make your reservations early.

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Jun
3
to Jun 4

Purple Passion Plant Sale

June is a month of purple hues at Meerkerk Gardens. We celebrate these magnificent rhododendron varieties and other purple bloomers during the Purple Passion Plant Sale June 3-4 at our specialty nursery.

Wear something purple to the sale and get 10 percent off your plant purchase. Friends of Meerkerk receive an additional 10 percent off. Nursery hours at 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

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May
14
12:00 PM12:00

Mother's Day Concert

Join us for beautiful blooms and delightful music as we celebrate a special day for Mom during peak bloom season. Bring Mom and a picnic and also enjoy a delicious treat from Whidbey Pies (sold by slice). Buy Mom a rhody at our nursery and get a special discount.

Tap your feet to the music of performers on our gazebo stage. Performers include accordion player Lori Hansen, noon-1 p.m.; Doug Roraback and the Double Diamonds, 1:30-2:30 p.m., and Island Jazz Collective from 3-4 p.m.

Admission to the Gardens (and concert) on Mother's Day is $10. Pay in person on May 14 or pay in advance online click here to pay in advance now (show your receipt to greeters at the gatehouse).

Special thanks to Eagle Building Company, our Mother’s Day Concert event sponsor!

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Apr
8
11:00 AM11:00

Easter Egg Hunt

Hop your way to Meerkerk Gardens for our Easter Egg Hunt and also experience the Gardens in peak bloom! This family event is Saturday, April 8 with two egg hunts: 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Egg hunts are for children 10 & under. Little ones up to age 5 will have their own hunt at our events area near the Gazebo. Children 6-10 will search for eggs in a separate spot nearby.

Mark your calendar for April 8! Meet the Meerkerk Bunny and see the Gardens during the most magical time of the year.

The cost is $10 special event admission to the Gardens for adults. All children under 16 are admitted for free. Pay in person on April 8 or pay in advance online. Click here to pay in advance now (show your receipt to greeters at the gatehouse). You may also fill out a participant liability waiver now and bring to the event. Any questions? Call us at 360-678-1912 or email gardeninfo@meerkerkgardens.org. Thank you!

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Mar
18
to Mar 19

Spring Opening Nursery Sale

Meerkerk Gardens Spring Nursery Sale

Spring is planting season! It’s a perfect time to visit Meerkerk Gardens and shop for a new rhododendron or azalea during our Spring Opening Nursery Sale. The sale is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19. This event marks the opening of our nursery during weekends.

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Mar
17
11:00 AM11:00

Member Day

Member Day is a special day for Friends of Meerkerk members. On this day, members get an exclusive preview and first opportunity to purchase rhododendrons and other plants before our nursery opens to the greater public. Members also get 10 percent off nursery purchases among other benefits.

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Oct
8
11:00 AM11:00

Octoberfest and Fall Plant Sale

Octoberfest at Meerkerk Gardens

Grab your Lederhosen and Dirndls! Octoberfest at Meerkerk Gardens is fast approaching.

The festival happens from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 8 just as the gardens start flashing fabulous fall color. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Bavaria. The Shifty Sailors and accordion player Lori Hansen will be performing on the gazebo stage. Visit the fire engine food truck and purchase a bratwurst from DLUX BBQ.

Rhododendrons also will be a big part of this festive event. Meerkerk’s Fall Plant Sale coincides with Octoberfest. A massive shipment of 1-gallon rhododendrons will be on display just in time for the fall planting season.

Attending the festival is included with your $5 adult admission into the gardens. Children under 16 are free. Dogs on leash are welcome.

Wander Meerkerk Gardens and enjoy the changing fall scenery. The gardens are located at 3531 Meerkerk Lane in Greenbank. We look forward to seeing you!

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Aug
20
12:00 PM12:00

Bluegrass Festival

Cranberry Bog Bluegrass Band is on stage from 3-4 p.m.

Salt Luck plays from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

The Fiddle Chix open the festival from noon till 1 p.m.

Get ready for some great music, delicious eats and toe-tappin’ fun. Come take in the sound of bluegrass from three groups on the gazebo stage.

Cheer on Whidbey Island’s own Fiddle Chix from noon till 1 p.m. They’ll be followed by Salt Luck, out of Seattle, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., and the Whidbey-based Cranberry Bog Bluegrass Band from 3-4 p.m.

Be sure to come hungry. Back by popular demand is DLUX BBQ in Freeland along with its fire engine food truck. DLUX will be selling pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, sodas and water.

The cost for the Bluegrass Festival is $15 – payable at the Meerkerk gatehouse entry by cash, check or credit card. Parking is limited so please carpool, if possible.

Or you may pre-pay for admission at this link. (Please show printed receipt or show receipt on your phone). Thank you.

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May
8
11:00 AM11:00

Mother's Day Concert

Join us for beautiful blooms and delightful music as we celebrate a special day for Mom during peak bloom season. Bring Mom and a picnic and also enjoy a delicious treat from Whidbey Pies (sold by slice). Buy Mom a rhody at our specialty nursery and get 20 percent off!

Tap your feet to the music of three groups who will perform for your entertainment:

  • Lori Hansen, accordion player, 11 a.m.-noon

  • Doug Roraback and the Double Diamonds, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

  • Island Jazz Collective, 2-3 p.m.

Admission to the Gardens (and concert) on Mother's Day is $10. Pay in person on May 8 or click here to pay in advance now (show your receipt to greeters at the gatehouse). Thank you!

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Apr
16
11:00 AM11:00

Easter Egg Hunt

Meerkerk Easter Bunny

Hop your way to Meerkerk Gardens for our first Easter Egg Hunt and also experience the Gardens in peak bloom! This family-fun event is Saturday, April 16 during two times: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Egg hunts are for children 10 & under. Little ones up to age 5 will have their own hunt at our events area near the Gazebo. Children 6-10 will search for eggs in the nearby Secret Garden.

Mark your calendar for April 16! Meet the Meerkerk Bunny and see the Gardens during the most magical time of the year.

The event is free with adult admission of $5 to the Gardens.

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Mar
12
to Mar 13

Spring Opening Nursery Sale

Meerkerk Gardens Spring Nursery Sale

Spring is planting season! It’s a perfect time to visit Meerkerk Gardens and shop for a new rhododendron or azalea during our Spring Opening Nursery Sale. We ordered more than 900 new plants in 1-gallon pots last fall and they’re ready to find a new home! The sale is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13. This event marks the opening of our nursery during weekends through the end of June. During the sale, buy four 1-gallon rhodies and get 10 percent off.

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Octoberfest
Oct
2
11:00 AM11:00

Octoberfest

Join us at Meerkerk Gardens

for our annual Octoberfest!

Saturday, October 2nd

11:00 AM -3:00 PM

Our specialty nursery is open for fall planting season and we are having a sale!

Buy any 3 one-gallon rhododendrons and receive the 4th one-gallon rhody free on October 2nd. We have an expansive collection of your favorite rhododendrons and the knowledge to help you plant it! In addition to the unique selection of rhododendrons, we also offer some companion plants.

OCTOBERFEST HAPPENINGS

LIVE MUSIC: On the Gazebo stage from 11:30 - 2:00 — The Pickled Herrings

If you delighted to the sounds of our wonderful accordion player from last year's Octoberfest, good news – she returns to the Gazebo stage with the whole band! They are the epitome of the sound of Octoberfest!

FESTIVE FOOD: Bring an appetite for fall food offerings!

South End Kitchen will be charcoal grilling bratwurst with German potato salad, and locally-made sauerkraut! 

FOREST TOURS: Be sure to take a stroll through the gardens to see the early autumn leaves and learn from our docent about other forest delights! Forest Bathing tours happen at 11am and 2pm!

Note: All of our Octoberfest activities take place outdoors.

Come by car, bike, walk, or chicken dance your way to the Gardens!

Entrance to Octoberfest is included in your $5 paid admission.

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Meerkerk Gardens 2021 Bluegrass Festival
Aug
21
12:00 PM12:00

Meerkerk Gardens 2021 Bluegrass Festival

We welcome back our annual Bluegrass Festival to the Gazebo stage on August 21st!

Bring your family and friends to Meerkerk Gardens to enjoy the great music of our Bluegrass musicians!

New this year! The fine folks from DLUX BBQ in Freeland will be bringing their Fire Engine food truck and selling their pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, sodas and water. Who doesn’t love a BBQ and Bluegrass afternoon?

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The Musicians

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Cranberry Bog Bluegrass Band 12-1 pm

Come hear the Cranberry Bog Bluegrass Band for some toe-tappin’ fun and the plaintive sound of bluegrass and Americana music plus a few surprises that will knock your socks off in three-part harmony, duets and solos. 

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Howdy Boys 1:15 - 2:15 pm

They are the genuine article - the authentic sound of hardcore classic bluegrass from one of Seattle's best known bands. 

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The Nanas and the Papas 2:30- 3:30 pm

This group is a high energy acoustic band made up of bass, banjo, guitar and mandolin with roots in Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina — they bring in their own style of bluegrass sound.  Everyone sings along!

Cost: $15 per person — payable at the Gatehouse entry by cash, check or credit card.

Parking is limited so please carpool, ride a bike, a bus, or walk if possible!

We hope to see you all at the gardens — dancing and singing along to the great sounds of Bluegrass!





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Mother's Day at Meerkerk Gardens
May
9
11:30 AM11:30

Mother's Day at Meerkerk Gardens

We welcome the peak bloom season with our annual Mother’s Day event with music at the gardens again! This year musicians will be performing at the Gazebo and at the Nursery. Performances will be ongoing throughout the day so you can plan your visit accordingly. Enjoy the blooms and tunes, share a picnic, and purchase Mom a Rhody at the Nursery which is offering 20% off one plant (Limit 1 discount per person). Come join us in the gardens on Mother’s Day and celebrate spring with your loved ones!

The Musicians

We welcome back to the Gazebo stage Doug Roraback and the Double Diamonds. They will performing two one hour sets this year starting at 11:30 am and again at 2pm. They take their audiences to new places with old favorites. Everyone gets to enjoy the ride … while feeling right at home.

In-between stage sets head to the Nursery to shop for a Rhody for mom and put a spring in your step to the tunes of an accordion player - Lori Hansen! Her fun and lively sounds filled the air for our Octoberfest and we can’t wait to hear her light up the nursery with her happy sounds again! She will be performing from 1-2pm.

Cost

$10 per person - Payable by cash, check, or credit card at the Gatehouse.

Safety Guidelines

We ask you to follow the current Covid safety guidelines and wear a mask when you are in public spaces. Please maintain social distancing when enjoying the music or picnicking in the gardens.

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History of Meerkerk Gardens at the Island County Historical Museum
Apr
1
to Aug 31

History of Meerkerk Gardens at the Island County Historical Museum

  • Island County Historical Museum (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Meerkerk Gardens Board of Directors &
Island County Historical Museum invite you to

The History of Meerkerk Gardens and
The Story of Ann and Max Meerkerk

A retrospective exhibit at the Island County Historical Museum

April - August, 2021

Open daily from 10-4 and Sunday from 11- 4.

  • Learn about the fascinating lives of Ann and Max Meerkerk

  • Discover their ideas and dreams for a “Secret Garden”

  • Follow the early visionaries who brought the Meerkerk’s dream to life

  • Learn about future plans for Gardens and the renovation of the Meerkerk house

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Octoberfest Fall Plant Sale
Oct
4
11:00 AM11:00

Octoberfest Fall Plant Sale

The Octoberfest Fall Plant Sale is coming! Join us at Meerkerk Gardens from 11 am - 2pm on Saturday October 3rd and Sunday October 4th.

Our plant nursery will offering rhododendrons and locally grown bulbs. And as always, our staff is there to guide you on the best choices for your garden. In addition, you will receive a free bag of fertilizer with any Rhody purchase (limit one per person). There will also be new retail items for sale in the nursery.

We will be offering 3 classes per day and yes— you will need to pre-register on our website: www.meerkerkgardens.org/classes

We are also having a kids scavenger hunt! So come join us and listen to the sounds of a wandering accordion player while you sip on some cider and stroll the garden and plant nursery. 

In accordance with Social Distancing guidelines all participants will be required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. All classes will have a max of 10 people and the plant nursery will only allow small groups in at a time. But not to worry — we will have the most beautiful socially distant waiting line in our presentation grounds. Come join in the fun — wear your favorite fall themed mask and practice your chicken dance!

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Octoberfest Fall Plant Sale
Oct
3
11:00 AM11:00

Octoberfest Fall Plant Sale

The Octoberfest Fall Plant Sale is coming! Join us at Meerkerk Gardens from 11 am - 2pm on Saturday October 3rd and Sunday October 4th.

Our plant nursery will offering rhododendrons and locally grown bulbs. And as always, our staff is there to guide you on the best choices for your garden. In addition, you will receive a free bag of fertilizer with any Rhody purchase (limit one per person). There will also be new retail items for sale in the nursery.

We will be offering 3 classes per day and yes— you will need to pre-register on our website: www.meerkerkgardens.org/classes

We are also having a kids scavenger hunt! So come join us and listen to the sounds of a wandering accordion player while you sip on some cider and stroll the garden and plant nursery. 

In accordance with Social Distancing guidelines all participants will be required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. All classes will have a max of 10 people and the plant nursery will only allow small groups in at a time. But not to worry — we will have the most beautiful socially distant waiting line in our presentation grounds. Come join in the fun — wear your favorite fall themed mask and practice your chicken dance!

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American Rhododendron Society Truss Show
May
16
2:00 PM14:00

American Rhododendron Society Truss Show

UPDATE COMING SOON!

Stay tuned for some exciting news regarding an alternative plan for the Truss show.

This show features a display of rhododendron flowers gathered by ARS chapters around the region. Open to ARS members and non-members, it’s a great opportunity to see the diversity of flower types gathered and displayed in next to the gazebo.

Donations welcome.

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