Washington Park Arboretum Pacific Connections Garden

The Arboretum’s first new garden in 20 years reveals the relationships between plants from five biogeographic locations around the globe that share a similar climate with the Pacific Northwest. Visitors are introduced to iconic plants that have ecological and cultural significance from Cascadia, central Chile, eastern Asia, New Zealand and southeastern Australia. Each introductory garden, arranged around the central Pacific Rim Meadow, represents a rich diversity of plants that can be propagated and integrated into traditional northwest landscapes. These intro gardens also act as trailheads to the larger adjacent ecogeographic forests that are being constructed.

The gardens are designed for visitors to immerse themselves in the plant collections. Lots of open spaces allow visitors to step back and truly appreciate the beauty and diversity of the plantings. The goal is to inspire local horticultural professionals and home gardeners to plant non-invasive species from around the Pacific Rim, using sustainable practices.