With new gathering spaces and a refreshed nursery, Whidbey Island’s woodland garden invites visitors to linger. 

 If you want to experience the beauty of nature, Meerkerk Gardens has it in spades: The largest collection of rhododendrons on Whidbey Island, a second-growth forest with two miles of trails, and stunning views of Holmes Harbor. But now there’s even more to discover. In 2026, Meerkerk is adding new gathering spaces where visitors can enjoy their surroundings a little longer. If you’ve never been to Meerkerk—or haven’t visited recently—now is the time.

Meerkerk opened its gates to the public after Ann Meerkerk donated her home and 53-acre property to the Seattle Rhododendron Society in 1979. Her vision: to create “a peaceful woodland garden.”

In the last four decades, that vision has been kept alive through the work of a committed staff and many dedicated volunteers, who contribute their time and talents to all aspects of managing and maintaining the garden—from weeding beds to leading tours and installing irrigation systems.

“See the snowdrops next to the gatehouse? Those are just a few of the 2,000 bulbs volunteers planted the year before last,” said Ron Newberry, garden operations manager. “Over there is the Secret Garden. It was the first area that Ann and Max Meerkerk planted. The Greenbank Garden Club takes care of it—100 percent.”

The garden is full of stories like these. In 2026, structures honoring two of Meerkerk’s longtime supporters are being installed, providing additional places for visitors to pause and take in the nature around them. The Don Lee Pavilion—a large, timber-frame roofed structure will offer a new spot to enjoy a picnic, or gather for a garden talk protected from the rain. The Murphy Platform, named in honor of Lyn Murphy, overlooks Holmes Harbor, making it an ideal location for watching whales and raptors.

“The benefits of spending time in nature are well documented. And at Meerkerk, connecting with nature can take many forms.”

“The benefits of spending time in nature are well documented. And at Meerkerk, connecting with nature can take many forms,” said Newberry. “Thanks to our donors, visitors will soon have even more ways to experience the beauty that surrounds them.”

This spring, Meerkerk’s nursery also unveiled a refreshed focus on specialty plants and new ways to enjoy the space. Nursery Manager Caitlin Stanton is working with small growers throughout the Northwest to bring in a carefully curated collection of specialty plants. “Because we are a small nursery and do not have to buy plants in large quantities, we can source unusual plants from smaller growers throughout the region,” Stanton said. “I’m also happy to track down special rhododendrons that customers have their hearts set on. So, if someone is looking for a particular rhododendron, we invite them to come to the Meerkerk nursery, and I will special order it for them.”

In the Meerkerk nursery, visitors will find the largest selection of rhododendrons in Island County—including rare and unusual species of rhododendrons—along with hydrangeas, woodland groundcovers, and plants that provide year-round interest. “Our stock is primarily hybrid rhodies, but we feature a selection of rare and unusual species rhododendrons and deciduous azaleas,” added Stanton.

Other additions to the nursery include a series of small conversational lectures, a gift shop featuring locally-made crafts, and an additional seating area where visitors can enjoy light snacks and iced coffees. “I hope the nursery will be an oasis within the garden, another area where people can connect and relax,” Stanton said.

For visitors to Meerkerk Gardens, it’s all about finding yourself in nature—taking a moment to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest garden and to find yourself at one with the forest. Whether it’s a chance to see the iconic rhododendrons in bloom or a peaceful moment among the natural woodland trails, the experience will transport you.

Meerkerk Gardens is open year-round and hosts several events throughout the year, including a popular Mother’s Day concert and a summer bluegrass concert. Visit meerkerkgardens.org to learn more.