The Bloedel Reserve has been named the 2008 recipient of the Award for Garden Excellence from the American Public Garden Association.
The north island reserve — which consists of 150 acres of gardens, woods and ponds — was honored for its design, displays and environmentally friendly practices, according to a statement. It was also chosen for its commitment to plant collections.
“It is a place, unlike most public gardens, that minimizes its messages to its visitors,” said Richard A. Brown, the reserve’s director. “Rather, it provides a high-quality environment within which visitors are given ample opportunity to receive messages from nature.”
The former estate of a Northwest timber baron has been open to the public for 20 years.
Other gardens honored by the APGA include the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
The reserve is open for public tours by reservation. Visit www.bloedelreserve.org for more information.
