For more than 60 years, Meerkerk Gardens has been shaped by generations of care, preserving its unique woodland landscape while honoring the vision of those who came before. Tucked among the forests and coastal views of Whidbey Island, the gardens have become a refuge where visitors can simply slow down and reconnect with nature.
“I’ve heard people describe it as walking into a fairy tale,” says Garden Operations Manager Ron Newberry. “It’s very peaceful here.”
Mother Nature takes center stage at Meerkerk Gardens, inviting every visitor to experience her breathtaking beauty up close. Spanning over 50 acres, this unique property seamlessly blends lovingly tended botanical beds with wild woodlands. It’s the perfect getaway for folks to explore both ecosystems and come just a little bit closer to the great outdoors.
“Walking through here, you see these little corners of the garden where somebody had the vision to plant something decades ago, knowing what it would eventually become,” says Ron. “This place has been loved by a lot of people.”
Ann and Max Meerkerk purchased the first 13 acres of the property in 1962, building both their home and the foundation for what would eventually become Meerkerk Gardens. Inspired by Max’s years spent in Asia and a shared love for rhododendrons, the couple gradually expanded the gardens with plants sourced from growers across the U.S., China, and England. After Ann’s passing in 1979, her vision of opening the peaceful woodland garden to the public became a reality, welcoming generations of visitors to experience the absolute best of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
Today, Meerkerk Gardens operates as an independent nonprofit and a cherished part of the Whidbey Island community, offering visitors a year-round, dog-friendly retreat into nature.
“Our entire world right now is dominated by technology, and places like this offer a break from that constant noise,” says Ron. “We spend so much of our lives looking at screens. We really need places where people can unplug and find a sense of peace.”
Even in a place defined by its tranquility, maintaining the flora and fauna comes with growing challenges and lots of work. As summers become increasingly dry, staff and volunteers are busy protecting existing plants and planning for the future amidst a changing landscape. Ron and his team are prioritizing year-round accessibility and landscape preservation through ongoing projects, such as expanding automated drip irrigation and building new visitor facilities.
As the gardens evolve, their mission remains rooted in offering visitors a peaceful place for a quiet moment and a breath of fresh air. With nearly 2,000 rhododendrons exploding in color at their peak, accompanied by countless other plants and wildlife, this shaded sanctuary is truly a spectacular sight. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through October and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through February, do yourself a favor and visit the bucolic magic of Meerkerk Gardens.
3531 Meerkerk Ln., Greenbank, 360.678.1912, meerkerkgardens.org
Photograph by Cynthia Woerner Photography
