We first visited Brookside Gardens Mothers Day weekend, a few years ago. Construction was just beginning on the series of reflection ponds, but there was much to see and enjoy.
This year, we visited on Father’s Day morning. We went early, hoping to beat any crowds and wishing to go while it would still be uncrowded, as we prefered to avoid other people during the time of pandemic.
Like most botanical gardens, Brookside Gardens is a photographer’s paradise. In fact, I saw several camera set ups to envy.
Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s award-winning 50-acre public display garden
located within Wheaton Regional Park.
Because it’s June, the rose garden was magnificient. Roses of all colors, and all the colors enhanced and vibrant after a night of rain storms.
Hydrangeas were also peaking, and gorgeous in pinks and blues and purples.
Mostly, we stood mezmerized by a great blue heron fishing for their breakfast in one of the reflecting ponds.
In addition to herons and other birds, be on the lookout forother critters, including turtles, chipmonks, of course rabbits, and black squirrels.
Brookside Gardens, unlike some of the other gardens attractions, didn’t start out as the estate grounds to some millionaire. Instead, it was a project of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, opening on 13 July, 1969.
Did I mention that admission is free? It’s a low-risk venture with high rewards for a summer afternoon!
Know before you go: To maintain proper COVID-19 social distancing practices, while Brookside Gardens is open we will be limiting the numbers allowed into our parking lot. We appreciate your understanding during this time. Due to COVID-19, the visitor center building is closed. There are no restroom facilities, we ask that you plan your visit accordingly.
Getting there: 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD
Hours: Dawn through dusk
Website: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/
I'm fortunate to live a 10 min drive from Brookside Gardens. I walk there frequently, taking in the week-by-week changes in seasons. It's a treasure! For we who are no longer scampering, there are benches along the paths about 200 ft apart. Weekdays it's not crowded. Even on weekends it's tolerable, except Mothers Day filled with family photographers. As of July 2021, the visitor center and bathrooms are open, great gift shop.