Vista Gardens
Learn about our 15 unique garden areas using our interactive map or scroll down for an overview of with links to more information.
Vista Gardens
Learn about our 15 unique garden areas using our interactive map or scroll down for an overview of with links to more information.
Diverse and Delightful Gardens
Vista Gardens is home to 15 integrated gardens spread across over 4 acres of lush landscape.
Each garden offers a unique blend of plant species and design elements, creating a captivating experience for every visitor. From the serene meditative spaces of the Betty Albers Garden to the vibrant displays in the Primo Giardino, every corner of Vista Gardens tells a story of botanical beauty and sustainable gardening.
Explore the tranquil paths of the Stroll Gallery, marvel at the towering California Redwood in the Redwood Sanctuary, or immerse yourself in the diverse conifer collection at Sam’s Conifer Reserve. Each garden area is meticulously curated to thrive in the Pacific Northwest climate, providing year-round interest and educational opportunities for gardening enthusiasts of all ages. Discover the harmony of nature and sustainable practices in every visit to Vista Gardens.
For more information about each garden area, including lists of the key plants, explore our detailed interactive garden map or follow the links in each overview below.
Redwood Sanctuary
The Redwood Sanctuary is home to a majestic California Redwood surrounded by deer-resistant, drought-tolerant plants. This garden emphasizes the grandeur of ancient trees and highlights the importance of sustainable planting practices, creating a space that is both awe-inspiring and ecologically sound.
John Lentz Garden
The John Lentz Garden is a diverse and shaded retreat featuring an array of rhododendrons and groundcovers. Towering Dawn redwoods, alongside maples and Japanese cedars, create a dappled canopy that provides a cool and tranquil environment. This garden is a testament to the beauty and variety of woodland plantings, offering a serene escape and a lush, green backdrop for exploration.
Betty Albers Garden
A sunlit haven designed for meditation and relaxation, the Betty Albers Garden features a drought-tolerant lawn surrounded by an array of flowering trees and shrubs. This space invites visitors to pause and reflect, with strategically placed seating areas allowing for quiet contemplation amidst the vibrant blooms and verdant foliage.
Sam's Conifer Reserve
Sam's Conifer Reserve is a dedicated area within Vista Gardens that boasts an impressive collection of conifers, including many rare and dwarf species. This garden is a paradise for conifer enthusiasts, offering a year-round display of unique and resilient plants. Visitors can learn about the diversity and adaptability of conifers, making it an educational and visually striking part of the garden.
Mittsu no Shima
Mittsu no Shima, or "Three Islands," is a unique section of Vista Gardens that features an exquisite mix of heathers, bellflowers, and dwarf conifers. This garden offers a serene and visually appealing landscape, perfect for quiet contemplation and appreciation of its carefully curated plant collections. It's a must-visit for those interested in diverse and intricate garden designs.
Stroll Gallery
The Stroll Gallery at Vista Gardens is designed for leisurely walks and botanical exploration. This area features a diverse collection of pines and ferns, providing a rich tapestry of greenery that invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature. The Stroll Gallery is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the beauty of a well-planned, naturalistic garden setting.
Santica’s Perfect Solitude
With expansive views, a gazebo, and seating, Santica's Perfect Solitude offers a tranquil garden ideal for gatherings and scenic enjoyment. This space invites visitors to pause and take in the breathtaking landscape, providing a perfect setting for reflection and relaxation amid the beauty of nature.
Hilltop Vista
Nestled in a shelter belt of northwest native plants, Hilltop Vista offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. A shaded bench provides a spot for rest and contemplation, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and appreciate the natural beauty that stretches before them.
Foundation Library
Fronted by heaths, lavender, and dwarf conifers, the Foundation Library offers a unique blend of horticultural resources and serene plantings. This garden area features a rain catchment, demonstrating the sustainable practice of utilizing rain water. It serves as both a place of learning and relaxation, providing a peaceful setting for visitors to delve into the world of plants.
Residence (Private)
Although the home is not open to the public, the Residence's aesthetic landscaping blends seamlessly with the public garden areas. Featuring ornamental trees and shrubs, the private residence's landscaping complements the overall design of Vista Gardens, adding to its charm and cohesiveness.
Madrona Woods
Preserving a native woodland ecosystem, Madrona Woods is a haven of biodiversity with its canopy of madrone, bigleaf maple, and beaked hazelnut. The diverse understory of native woodland groundcovers enhances the habitat, providing a glimpse into the region's natural heritage and offering a rich experience for nature enthusiasts.
Madrona Lane West
Offering scenic views amidst a bank of diverse, drought-tolerant shrubs, Madrona Lane West serves as an effective means of erosion control while enhancing the landscape's natural beauty. This garden is a testament to the role of strategic planting in maintaining healthy ecosystems and creating visually appealing environments.
Primo Giardino
A warm and inviting garden, Primo Giardino features a delightful composition of flowering trees, Japanese maples, and other drought-tolerant plants. This area exemplifies Mediterranean influences, providing a sunny setting filled with seasonal color and lush greenery that offers both visual appeal and practical solutions for water conservation.
Biofiltration Garden
The Biofiltration Garden is a showcase of sustainable environmental practices, utilizing ornamental grasses, rosemary, and sun roses to naturally filter and purify water. This garden demonstrates the power of nature-based solutions for managing water, with plants that thrive in moist conditions and contribute to the health of the surrounding ecosystems.
Madrona Lane East
As you enter Vista Gardens, you'll be greeted by Madrona Lane East, a vibrant and sunny bank filled with manzanita and various conifers. This garden area creates a welcoming entryway, showcasing the beauty and resilience of drought-tolerant plants that thrive in sunny conditions. The rich textures and colors of the manzanita's bark and foliage blend harmoniously with the evergreens, offering an inviting introduction to the gardens.
Explore Vista Gardens In Person
Contact Us
Albers Marcovina Vista Gardens Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Federal Tax ID is 37-1546572