Contact Us
HFF@RHODYGARDEN.ORG
The Hardy Fern Foundation
P.O. Box 3797
Federal Way, Washington 98036-3797
Phone: (253) 838-4646
Fax: (253) 838-4686
Our main fern display garden and office is located at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, Washington.
Rhododendron Species
Botanical Garden
Garden Hours
March through May - 10am to 4pm Open 6 days a week, closed Thursdays.
2009 Summer Special - Open every Friday!
10am to 4pm - Open 6 days week, closed Thursdays.
October through February - 11am to 4pm
Open 5 days a week, closed Thursdays and Fridays.
Admission Rates
$ 5.00 - general admission
$ 3.00 - seniors and students
Free - members, school groups, children under 12 years
Group Rates: 15-99 people $4.00/person
15-99 seniors (65+) $2.00/person
100+ people $2.00/person
Free admission to the Garden during the months of November, December, January & February.
Directions
Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
From Seattle: Drive south on Interstate 5, take exit 143, turn left onto South 320th Street.
From Tacoma: Drive north on Interstate 5, take exit 143 and turn right onto South 320th Street.
Once on South 320th Street continue to Weyerhaeuser Way South and turn right. Drive until the road becomes a round-about. Yield and proceed to the right, then take the second right out of the round-about, which is a continuation of Weyerhaeuser Way South. Drive 1/4 mile to the east entrance of the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters. Follow the signs marked "Rhododendron and Bonsai Gardens." Passengers may unload at the Visitor Dropoff which is on the left, or continue to the Garden Visitor Parking Lot (west lot) located on the right just past the pedestrian crosswalk.
From Kent-Auburn Valley / Highway 18: Driving west on Highway 18 take the Weyerhaeuser Way South exit. Go to the right and, at the stop sign, turn right. Go about a 1/4 mile to the east entrance of the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters. Turn left onto the corporate campus and follow the signs marked "Rhododendron and Bonsai Gardens." Passengers may unload at the Visitor Dropoff which is on the left, or continue to the Garden Visitor Parking Lot (west lot) located on the right just past the pedestrian crosswalk
Free Parking for all vehicles including tour buses.
Tour Groups
Tour groups must be scheduled in advance. Visitors can get a quick overview of the garden in an hour, but serious plant and garden enthusiasts will want to spend more time. Please schedule extra time for visitors in your group who may wish to browse through our Gift Shop and Plant Sales Pavilion for unique gifts, books, apparel and plants! To arrange a tour call (253) 661-9377
Guided Tours
Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents provide excellent tours at no extra charge! A wonderful way to learn about the garden and see the highlights. During peak season, we require a 2 week advance registration and a minimum of 15 participants. Call (253) 661-9377.
This magnificent bonsai collection, owned and operated by Weyerhaeuser Company, is located adjacent to our garden. Many groups arrange to visit both gardens for an hour or more each with or without a guided tour. For additional information about the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection please call (253) 924-3153.
Facilities for Disabled Visitors
Restrooms - fully accessible
Gift Shop - fully accessible
Garden - partially accessible. The main path to the gazebo is level and covered with fine, compacted gravel. Gravel paths and hilly terrain make the use of wheel chairs difficult through most of the garden.
When to Visit
Year-Round Features: Scenic beauty, Alpine Garden, Pond Garden, Woodland Garden, Hardy Fern Collection, Gazebo, Plant Sales Pavilion, Gift Shop.
Spring: Peak bloom time is mid-March through mid-May. Hundreds of Rhododendron species in bloom as well as spring bulbs, perennials and flowering trees and shrubs. This is an ideal time to view the fern collection as they are emerging from their winter dormancy.
Summer: Attractive new foliage, unusual late-blooming Rhododendrons, perennials, carnivorous plants, hydrangeas. In the summer months the ferns are in their full glory and are beginning to produce spore for late summer, fall harvest.
Fall: Spectacular fall color provided by azaleas, maples, sweet gums, fothergillas and many other ornamental trees and shrubs throughout the garden. Fern species such as Osmunda regalis, Royal Fern and Osmunda cinnamomea, Cinnamon Fern, exhibit a lovely fall coloring as they settle down for winter.
Winter: Silhouettes of deciduous trees, our extensive conifer collection, swelling buds and the beautiful flowers of early blooming rhododendrons and heather in January and February.
