Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens was founded by Ann and Max Meerkerk in the early 1960’s. Enchanted by Whidbey Island, they began these Gardens with 13 acres.
The Meerkerks began hybridizing rhododendrons and collecting unique specimens of rhododendrons, flowering trees and conifers. They planted the first five acres, known as the “Secret Garden” as a miniature arboretum.
Before Ann passed away in 1979, she bequeathed the Gardens to the Seattle Rhododendron Society to care for as a “peaceful woodland garden with an emphasis on rhododendrons and companion plants.”
Today Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens is an independent not-for-profit organization open to the public. Fifty three acres of inspirational woodland gardens and a forest preserve offer over 5 miles of trails to breathe in the serene beauty and nature here.
We were so fortunate to be on Whidbey Island during the gardens peek blooming season. The day after the wedding we enjoyed a drive up the island to this garden and to another garden center plus some antique shops and we had some good eats, too.
Whidbey Island is a lovely getaway island in the Great Northwest. I hope you all have a chance to visit! Happy May everyone!
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
It’s a little paradise. Beyond the great beauty, I see all the work. What an incredible gift!
How lovely! There is a certain kind of peace and quiet that is unique to a Pacific Northwest rhodo garden – the soft underfoot, the large trees surrounding and the (often!) soft drip of rain all conspire to make a visit a lovely experience.
Haven’t been to Whidbey for some time! Those rhodos are huge! And so beautiful!
All I can say is WOW! So beautiful….
Oh Ellen, I love the close up pictures. Beautiful!!!!!
How beautiful! when Harv was in Virginia many, many years ago, he saw so many Rhodos growing wild in the forest there. I often wish I could see that. This seems to be a good destination to see the great variety there are.
The Meerkerk Rhododendron Garden is so lovely! I always enjoy the different colors of rhododendron and azalea blooms.
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I’m so amazed at the range of colors in these rhododendrons — yellows, pinks, corals, even reds. Some of these are surprisingly tall!
I hadn’t known rhodies come in so many different shades of colors other than pink… just gorgeous.