Winter Walks
Winter Solstice Walk at Meerkerk Gardens
Sunday, December 21, 2025 1:00 - 2:30 (approximately)
Experience the beauty of nature at the darkest time of the year!
This led walk starts at the Welcome Center at the Gatehouse and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Dress for the weather in warm layers, water resistant shoes, hats and gloves. Walks may be cancelled due to high winds.
The cost is $15 per person. Children under 13 are free. Dog on leash are always welcome at Meerkerk Gardens.
New Year’s Day Walk at Meerkerk Gardens
Thursday, January 1, 2026 1:00 - 2:30 (approximately)
Start your year off right with exercise and fresh air! Bring joy to your new year by being in nature.
This led walk starts at the Welcome Center at the Gatehouse and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Dress for the weather in warm layers, water resistant shoes, hats and gloves. Walks may be cancelled due to high winds.
The cost is $15 per person. Children under 13 are free. Dog on leash are always welcome at Meerkerk Gardens.
Love Nature Walk at Meerkerk Gardens
Sunday, February 15, 2026 1:00 - 2:30 (approximately)
Enjoy your love of nature and the peacefulness of winter. Bring somone you love and share a special time together. You might even see a few sprouts of early spring if you look closely.
This led walk starts at the Welcome Center at the Gatehouse and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Dress for the weather in warm layers, water resistant shoes, hats and gloves. Walks may be cancelled due to high winds.
The cost is $15 per person. Children under 13 are free. Dog on leash are always welcome at Meerkerk Gardens.
Upcoming Classes
Rhodie How to… Choosing, Planting and Care
Saturday March 21, 1 p.m.
Come learn how to choose the best “rhodie” for your garden, how and where to plant it, and how to care for your plant to keep it beautiful and healthy. Our expert instructors will help guide you through all the “How-to’s” of rhododendron gardening.
This class starts at the Welcome Center at the Gatehouse and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Class fills at 20 people.
The cost is $20 per person. Children under 13 are free.
Leaves and Flowers of Rhododendrons
Saturday April 11, 1 p.m.
Have you ever looked closely at the flower of a Rhododendron? We will examine the wide variety of characteristics of rhododendron blossoms and their functions. Then we will focus on the many types of leaves and how rhododendrons have adapted leaf shapes to protect the plant in different climates and situations. You will never look at a rhododendron the same way again! The class will be primarily outdoors so we can observe and collect samples in the field. Our trained docents will lead a class in the identification of the unique leaves and flowers of Meerkerk Gardens.
This class starts at the Welcome Center at the Gatehouse and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Class fills at 20 people.
The cost is $20 per person. Children under 13 are free.
Pruning Basics
Saturday June 6, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Our focus will be the pruning of Rhododendrons, but a lot of what you will learn can apply to many other plants. This class will be primarily outdoors so you can see pruning in action.
This class starts at the Welcome Center at the Gatehouse and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Morning and afternoon classes fill at 15 people in each class.
The cost is $20 per person. Children under 13 are free.
Tours of the Gardens
One of the best ways to experience the gardens is on one of our docent-led tours offered from early spring into mid-autumn. Come learn about the plants and unique features of the garden. Tours last 1.5 - 2 hours. Tours begin at the Welcome Center at the Gatehouse. Come join multiple tours throughout the year and see how the gardens change. Every season is special at Meerkerk Gardens.
Tours are from 1 - 2:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. Children under 13 are free. Dog on leash are always welcome at Meerkerk Gardens.
Tours are scheduled for:
Feb 28
March 14
March 28
April 18
April 25
May 2
May 9
May 16
May 23
May 30
June 13
June 27
July 11
July 25
August 8
August 22
Sept 5
Sept 19
Oct 3
Oct 17
Group Tours
Adult group tours are available for garden clubs, senior centers, and other organizations all year round. Tours are led by trained docents and are tailored to the Garden’s seasonal features, the group’s special interests, and the physical requirements of the group. The length of the tour is 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost is $15 per person, with a minimum fee of $100. Comfortable covered walking shoes and sun or rain protection are advised, depending on the time of year. Please complete the attached form at least two weeks before your intended visit so we can plan and accommodate your needs. We will do our best to respond as quickly as possible with a call or an email.
If you have questions, email gardeninfo@meerkerkgardens.org