Canada Goose
ParkMaryland, US
Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens offers a tranquil escape into a world of botanical beauty.
About
Brookside Gardens offers a tranquil escape into a world of botanical beauty. This award-winning, 50-acre public display garden, nestled within Wheaton Regional Park in Silver Spring, Maryland, provides a free and captivating horticultural experience for all visitors. It's celebrated as a jewel of Montgomery Parks, inviting guests to explore meticulously designed landscapes and diverse plant collections.
The gardens feature a rich tapestry of themed areas, including two conservatories housing intriguing tropical plant collections and vibrant seasonal displays, like the popular Butterfly Experience in spring and summer, and the festive Garden Railway during winter. Outside, discover the serene Japanese-inspired Gude Garden with its iconic teahouse and ponds, the fragrant Rose Garden boasting myriad varieties, the colorful Azalea Garden, and the peaceful Aquatic Garden. The Idea Garden offers practical inspiration for home gardeners, while the Woodland Walk provides a natural escape through native plant landscapes.
Visiting Brookside Gardens is a memorable journey through nature's artistry, offering a restorative retreat from daily life. Each season unveils a new spectacle, from the vibrant tulips and cherry blossoms of spring to the lush roses of summer, the rich foliage of autumn, and the enchanting lights of winter. It's a place to relax, learn, capture stunning photographs, and connect with the natural world. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.
Brookside Gardens officially opened its doors to the public on July 13, 1969, following four years of planning and construction. The land was formerly part of Stadler Nursery, making its transformation into a botanical garden a natural progression. The original design, spanning 25 acres, was conceptualized by landscape architect Hans Hanses, who drew inspiration from European gardens with the aim of showcasing plants readily available to local gardeners. Initially, the grounds included three formal gardens, a wedding gazebo, an azalea walk, and a conservatory designed by Carl Schoening. Over the years, Brookside Gardens expanded significantly, adding more distinct areas such as the Fragrance Garden, Rose Garden, Gude Garden (a Japanese-style landscape donated in honor of nurseryman Adolph Gude Sr.), and the Aquatic Garden, starting in 1972. A multi-use Visitors Center, including a gift shop, library, and classrooms, opened in June 1998, further enhancing the visitor experience. Today, the gardens cover 54 acres, with 32 acres of cultivated gardens.
What to do here
Stroll through the themed gardens, walk the one-mile "Heart Smart Trail", enjoy diverse floral displays, observe wildlife like turtles and birds in the ponds, and capture photographs of the scenic landscapes. Attend special seasonal events like the "Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar exhibit" (Butterfly Experience) or the "Garden of Lights".
Seasonal info
Spring: Witness the spectacular blooms of cherry trees, daffodils, tulips, and over 300 varieties of azaleas.
Summer: The Rose Garden is in magnificent full bloom, and the South Conservatory hosts the vibrant Butterfly Experience.
Fall: Experience the rich, warm tones of Japanese maples and other deciduous trees, and chrysanthemum displays in the conservatories.
Winter: Enjoy the warmth of the conservatories' tropical plants and seasonal shows like the Garden Railway, and experience the outdoor "Garden of Lights" display from November to January.
Accessibility
Brookside Gardens is highly accessible, offering designated accessible parking spaces at both the Visitor Center and Conservatory. The Visitor Center has three wheelchair-accessible entrances, and an accessible pathway system runs throughout the gardens, highlighted on visitor maps. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available in both the Conservatory and Visitor Center, which also features an all-gender restroom. Two wheelchairs can be borrowed at the Visitor Center Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. A new accessible viewing platform overlooks the Gude Garden. Service animals are welcome.
Don't miss
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Don't miss the two conservatories for their seasonal displays and tropical plant collections. The Japanese-inspired Gude Garden, with its teahouse, ponds, and labyrinth, is a must-see. The Aquatic Garden, Rose Garden, Azalea Garden, and Fragrance Garden also offer distinct beauty.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Go during off-peak hours
** Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons, especially on weekends, to enjoy a more peaceful experience and easier parking.
Check "What's in Bloom"
Before your visit, check the Brookside Gardens' website for their "What's in Bloom" updates to know which areas will be most vibrant.
Wear comfortable shoes
The gardens are extensive with many walking paths, so comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant exploration.
Bring your camera
With diverse landscapes and seasonal beauty, Brookside Gardens is a photographer's paradise. Consider bringing extra batteries or memory cards.
Pack water and plan for picnics
While food and picnicking are not allowed inside the gardens, you can bring water, and there are picnic facilities available nearby at the Shorefield Area of Wheaton Regional Park.
Consider seasonal events
If visiting during the holidays (November-January), plan to experience the "Garden of Lights", but be aware that tickets are required and sell out quickly.
Frequently asked questions
- Admission to the outdoor gardens at Brookside Gardens is generally free. However, some special seasonal exhibits and events, such as the "Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit" and the "Garden of Lights," may require an admission fee and advance ticket purchase.
- Yes, Brookside Gardens is committed to accessibility. It features designated accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways throughout the gardens, and accessible restrooms in both the Visitor Center and Conservatory. Wheelchairs are also available for loan at the Visitor Center, and a new accessible viewing platform overlooks the Gude Garden.
- For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect the garden's plant collections and wildlife, pets are not permitted at Brookside Gardens. Only service animals are welcome.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
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