Bloedel Reserve

Bloedel Reserve is a forest garden of about 150 acres on Bainbridge Island featuring wooded sections, open meadows, Japanese gardens, and reflection ponds. The plant collection combines native Pacific Northwest trees with cultivated garden spaces connected by a network of walking paths.

Prentice Bloedel, a timber industrialist, and his wife Virginia transformed their private home grounds into a public garden opening in 1988. This conversion from private estate to public access marked a shift in how the land was used and cared for.

Visitors come here to experience how nature can be artfully organized for reflection and learning about local plants. The Japanese garden and forest paths show how different cultures have shaped ideas about beauty in gardens.

The grounds stay open year-round, with each season bringing different natural sights to see. The paths are well-maintained and easy to walk on, making it a calm place to explore without needing special fitness or equipment.

A specialized moss garden section within the reserve displays an extensive collection of Pacific Northwest mosses, ferns, and shade plants often overlooked by visitors. This delicate collection showcases some of the region's most common ground flora rarely noticed on typical garden walks.