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One of the highlights of spring in Thurston County are the blooming flowers that pop up from the ground after a long winter hibernation. Their bright petals are a reminder of new life and a new season. Many of us can view these signs of spring from the comfort of our own backyard, but if you’re looking for something truly breathtaking, visit one of the many Thurston County display gardens.

Washington State Capitol Campus

The 486-acre Capitol Campus is meticulously maintained to reflect the blooms of the season. It’s the perfect place to enjoy signs of spring, summer and fall. The campus spotlights specific plants each season as well as a nature-based project. This spring, they are partnering with the Olympia Beekeepers Association to bring honey bee hives to the campus. While walking through at your own leisure can be enjoyable, daily tours are free and open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends. These tours give the history behind each display along with behind-the-scenes looks at gardens in progress.

Capitol Campus Flowers
The blooms that scatter the Capitol Campus are breathtaking all year long. Photo credit: Alyssa Ramsfield

Seven years of meticulous planning and a two-year construction time with more than 70 volunteers at the helm, the Yashiro Japanese Garden finally came to fruition almost 30 years ago. Located on the Capitol Campus, this joint project between the City of Olympia and the Olympia-Yashiro Sister City Association boasts natural displays that cross generations and build a symbolic connection between Olympia and Yoshiro, Japan. These cities are nearly 5,000 miles apart, but the garden displays a piece of Japan in our own backyard. This display is accessible all year round and is free of cost.

The Evergreen State College

While The Evergreen State College (TESC) serves its main purpose of educating students, their campus is also a nature lover’s hideaway. Along with its already well-maintained grounds with natural blooms, the college has several display gardens.

The Ethnobotanical Gifts Garden is truly a gift to the people of Thurston County. Located near the beautiful Longhouse, this garden takes its name from “Gifts of the First People” and is inspired by the late Skokomish cultural leader, Gerald “Subiyay” Miller. The garden has several different themed areas including edible plant habitats and medicinal plants. This garden really brings the forest to you for a closer look.

Thurston County Display Gardens
Get up close and personal with native plants at display gardens across Thurston County. Photo credit: Alyssa Ramsfield

Thurston County Wide

In the heart of downtown Olympia, many residents visit the Olympia Farmers Market. The fresh fruits, vegetables and hand-crafted items are enticing on a sunny day, but hidden just beyond the walls of the market is Gallacci Gardens. Created by donations from vendors of the market, this garden and is a Washington State University Demonstration Garden. The intimate space allows for visitors to grab a seat among the flowers while enjoying a coffee or pastry from the market. The short paths through make it a quick, scenic trip from your parking space to the vendor booths.

Closed Loop Garden is also a WSU Demonstration Garden. This ornamental garden is created from only 18 inches of soil on top of a protective liner that covers a former landfill. On the grounds residents will find picnic tables and a gazebo. This two-acre retreat is open when the Waste and Recovery Center is open.

As the dirt is tilled and bulbs begin to explode in color, these gardens provide unbeatable displays of seasonal wonders. So, take a walk nearby and take a moment to smell the roses.

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