Meerkerk Gardens

I have been planning to go through the Meerkerk Gardens for years, and have never made it down there. It is only about 17 miles from the house, but I just never think to go. Today I remedied that.

It is a display garden set on private property on 8 acres, of well-tended woodland park-like setting. All surrounded by 40 acres of old forest, set aside as a preserve, so that development can not infringe.

These gardens are all RHODODENDRONS. Of all species, and varieties. They hybridize the new plants there, and display them to see how they will fair in the wild and tended until they feel that they are ready to name, and copyright, and sell.



April and May are the peak months for these gardens although they are open 365 days a year. There is a 5.00 fee to enter, and you are given a map of the trails that wander through these gorgeous gardens.



There are not paved paths but rather woodland trails, just like you would be walking through the woods if it was not a garden. What is amazing about all of these plants, is the differing types of them. There are some from Asia, Some from North America, Azaleas from all over, and trees from all over. I have never seen a big leave rhodie until today and the leaves on these plants are as long as your arm. The blossoms are HUGE, and so beautiful!



The trees that grow there have been there for at least 75 years, and the trunks are well established. There are even Nurse logs that are of trees that have fallen or been cut down, and other trees have taken root and grown on the nourishment that the decaying log has provided. Nature at it's best.



I wandered in and out along the paths for over an hour, and sat on the many benches that were interspersed among the growth. It was so relaxing and peaceful. I took over 57 gorgeous pictures, so it was really hard to decide which ones to show on here.

I thought how wonderful it would be to sit there among the tall trees and the bushes while the snow was falling. I asked if they stayed open during snowtimes, and they said "yes, Photographers love to come here in the snow." Guess where I will be next winter?



Right as we were leaving Thunderclouds boomed overhead and the skies opened up and it POURED! Big huge warm wet raindrops, soaking into the ground, and setting off aromas that you just could not believe. The scent was so wonderful you did not want to leave. Earthy, and green and full of renewing life. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH