Every season is spectacular at Meerkerk Rhdodendron Gardens.
While many rhodies have passed their prime, the Greenbank gardens hold delights for visitors. Late blooming rhodies dazzle, yellow iris reflect in ponds as spires of foxglove and alium weave about.
To celebrate the last of spring, Meerkerk will host a late flower show and picnic Saturday, June 15.
And one of Meerkerk’s unique gems might still be blooming Saturday.
The hybrid rhododendron ‘Walloper’ debuted at Seattle’s World’s Fair in 1962. Ann and Max Meerkerk persuaded the hybridizer to part with it. Since then, the original ‘Walloper’ has grown at Meerkerk. Last week, enormous frothy pink clusters of blooms — called trusses — coated the now huge shrub.
“It’s breathtaking,” Betty Mattson, a visitor from Mill Creek, said as she surveyed the spectacle.
At 9 a.m. Saturday, a work party will get started in the gardens. The Grateful Deadheaders, a group of volunteers who meet weekly to spruce up the gardens, “deadhead” or remove spent blooms from rhododendrons. Deadheading keeps the shrubs from setting seeds which can stress the plant.
At noon, everyone gathers for a hamburger and hot dog cookout. Potluck salads and desserts will round out the menu.
As for the late flower show, “It’s informal and fun,” garden volunteer Marilyn Wright said.
People may bring their favorite rhodie trusses for judging. Wright said the trusses will be grouped by color and people vote for best in the color. Bring trusses by 10 a.m., judging starts at 11:30 a.m.
Another potluck will follow the flower show. This one will be a potluck plant auction.
Meerkerk supplies some plants, volunteers bring extras from their gardens. It’s a chance for people to bid on a variety of plants from rhodies to tree seedlings to herbs.
Bill Stipe will be the auctioneer. “Bill’s great,” Marilyn Wright said. “He’ entertaining and really knows what he’s doing.”
“And if he doesn’t think a bid is enough, he tells people to keep trying,” Mel Wright added.
All the money will go to Meerkerk which has become a 501 (c) non-profit organization. The gardens have come a long way since Anne and Max Meerkerk moved to Greenbank and carved a world-renowned garden from the woods.
See the show
Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens is on Meerkerk Lane. Turn off Highway 525 onto Resort Road, south of Greenbank. Call 678-1912. Go to www.meerkerk.org
Meerkerk Medley
The third annual Meerkerk Medley July 26, from 5-9 p.m., is an evening of fun, friends and fantastic cuisine. Invited guests dine in private homes, then join in the candlelit gardens to enjoy gourmet desserts and fine wines. This fund-raiser is tax deductible. Tickets are $40.00 per person. Call Pat Sasson, 360-331-5816 by July 10.
