We recently catered a wonderful 50th Anniversary Celebration at Lakewold Gardens, I absolutely have to say that the Wagner House has never looked better or more inviting. Having been a preferred caterer at Lakewold for more than thirty years, and having worked under the supervision of many, many Venue Directors, I am thrilled to see all the additions that Venue Director, Ms. Jordan Moll has brought to the venue. The warmth of the soft seating, the greenery, the artwork, the furniture pieces as well as the abundant smiles and expertise of Ms. Moll and Ms. Kathryn Castleberry have added the sorely needed welcoming elements to the Wagner House, which, in recent history, have been missing. There is a palpable difference to the venue that is hard not to notice! It feels "alive"! I am quite sure that Corydon and Eulalie Wagner's souls, as well as Judy and Corydon Jr.'s, are also thrilled that Corydon Jr.'s childhood home and Eulalie's gorgeous gardens, have newfound personality and appreciation from all the many guests that grace the venues halls and enjoy the spectacular grounds. I commend, enthusiastically, your choice of Ms. Jordan Moll, as the Venue Director and steward of Lakewold Gardens. She and Ms. Castleberry's respect for Lakewold Gardens is abundantly obvious. As a caterer I am honored every time one of my clients selects the Gardens for their very special celebration knowing that Ms. Moll's and Ms.Castleberry's influences are reflected in memories that will last a lifetime. Gayle Orth Gayle Orth Catering read more

Beautiful trail. Quiet and serene. See squirrels and other wildlife etc. Not too far from where I live. Has also lots of beautiful roses and other flowers to look at and enjoy. read more

Lakewold Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

I was there in the mid 2010-s- I was a college student and did a work day. It was very beautiful! I took pictures, made videos and I remember how relaxing it was with sensory. read more

Everything. Great staff. Winter garden and elegant hardscape. Whimsical and sophisticated holiday decorations. Great spot for family photo's. read more

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Wonderful place to sit, think, smell the rises and get a good walk. Events include volunteer work, poetry in the garden, fairy contests, art exhibits and more. $20 for two seniors. Bathrooms, gift shop and plant sales available. read more

Lakewold Gardens - View of seating area, picnics allowed, Lakewold Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

This was a secret delight on my trip from Oregon to Canada. A modest sized, friendly botanical garden with lovely fairy garden secrets.

I decided to check out this garden and utilize a free pass from my local library so I didn't pay an admission fee on this particular visit. Easy to find and a lot of parking spaces. The lady working was really nice and gave me a brief run down of what to expect. Me and my 4 year old enjoyed our stroll through the garden and checking out everything there. It was very quiet and peaceful even though others were there as well. It's truly beautiful here. read more

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We came here for the All Hallows' Eve festivities and it's a really fun way to get into the Halloween spirit. There were activities catered to kids and families. The staff did a great job with providing popcorn and hot chocolate. Everyone was decked out in costumes which added to the ambiance. The whole place was decorated and in full Halloween spirit! This was a great way to support local gardens too. read more

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Young man working their was very rude, with hostile energy. Also spot him angrily talking to other employees which is very sad to see. He needs to work on his communication skills, the other employee handled him well and she was very appropriate and professional despite him berating her for telling us about community events and opportunities. If there is an issue at work you can talk about it without anger, especially something so small. Don't want to share what they were talking about exactly but he was very loud. The adult men and the women were respectful. Just the young man was very uncomfortable to be around and disrespectful to women, both employees and visitors. read more

As Covid standards steadily ease up I would think I would be like a fish taking to water by going to places and doing things. Turns out a lot of us aren't ready for that yet. I'm one of them. It feels weird and off putting and makes me want to go straight home seeing a small crowd of people without masks. So I thought to ease us back as things loosen up a trip to Lakewold Gardens would be appropriate. There will be other people there out and about but not that many to make it feel intimidating. The calming gardens were an unexpected bonus too. The fee is $10 to get in and tour the gardens and there is a gift shop nearby admissions with plants, t shirts, chocolates and books for sale which is lovely to browse through. The gardens are fantastic! Going in spring when there are lots of blooming trees here is a great opportunity to admire the grounds and a time I very much recommend to visit but I'm sure it's great later in the summer too but with less flowers perhaps. There is a quaint tea house, decorative pool and an area with a definite Japanese garden feel with the trickling streams and bubbly waterfalls. You are given a map and there are two trails you can walk the grounds so you get all the highlights... all of which is wonderful. I definitely recommend Lakewold Gardens! read more

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Nice place to enjoy a nice weather and be out in nature. Really peaceful experience walking around the garden; they also host live music and art events on Sundays. read more

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Beautiful setting on Gravelly Lake, traditional gardens, lovely estate house, quiet and serene atmosphere friendly staff....

Lovely venue. Nightmare for a wedding. I wish we'd known how excruciating our experience was going to be. To be bound to a person on staff who speaks and acts as though she holds everyone in unveiled contempt. If I find that she has moved from that role sometime in the future, I'll edit this warning. Until then - I am sharing what I wish I had known. If there was one or two - or even half a dozen things, we could blame it on stress or Covid, or bad days but there were too many to count. Here are a few: During the first meeting, it was expressed that the biggest single expense would be the flowers. We were assured that the earliest possible access would be provided to the florist. "Not before 8:30am" and "Maybe 10am, earlier than other vendors" As the date got closer the direction changed drastically and at one point was 2.5 hours prior to guests arrival. This was a huge stress and every alternate plan we tried to suggest (including having the florist working out of her van in a parking lot) was denied. Eventually, after a lot of drama, she was allowed to arrive at noon. We know many, many professionals in the area. This was apparently a big red flag in the eyes of the venue. The caterer owns a restaurant in town but does not advertise catering as a service. He was recommended by word of mouth. Every time that vendor came up, she referred to them as "your food truck people". We gave the name of the photographer and she said "Is this an ACTUAL business, or just another person that you know?" It was a relative who has owned a photography business and has done well over 100 weddings. The bride and groom were warned that if any guests tried to buy tickets to gain access to the grounds prior to the event, that would be a breach of contract and they would be fined ($100 per violation was mentioned). There was also talk of them being fined if someone went into the house without a mask. It is impossible to convey the tone of these conversations in a review. Very condescending and described by various people as "scolding, angry, scary, bizarre". If we'd have been able to move the event we would have. Too much at stake. My advice: find a venue where you can expect them to be kind to you. read more

I love these gardens. I've been a member for a few years now and even with closures for construction and Covid it's still my favorite membership. Open all year you can visit and see something beautiful every season. I particularly love early Spring and late Summer. The variety of flowers and botanicals is wonderful. For those new to the gardens pick up a map when you enter. The main trails are wonderful but be sure and wander. Benches are scattered throughout. I spend 30 minutes to an hour when I visit. Then take a look at the gift shop. Worth a visit. Recommend checking the website for closure or events (weddings are not uncommon here). Also some events are open to the public and those I have attended have been quite good. The Fairies visit once a year and you can see their houses throughout the gardens. Great time to bring those who are younger. Note: the original house is on property and has a library and area for events. When open (go away Covid) their are restrooms here and in the back of the Coppola at the end of the promenade. Restrooms: currently a port o potty. Sorry Food and Beverages: None Terrain: Plenty of flat for Wheelchairs and those less abled. Areas where trails and inclines are for more abled people. Gift Shop: Yes - assorted books, plants and other garden related items Event Venue: Yes read more

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We went on a Sunday and were the only people there besides the staff. What a peaceful experience. Spring is a wonderful time to visit. The groundcover is thick and the rhododendrons are a little early with their blooms this year. Staff is very nice and helpful. Right now there are Winter Garden poems that you can access with the CR codes around the grounds. It really enhanced our time. Thank you, Write 253. If you have a motorized wheelchair, most access will be do-able. If you have a manual wheelchair, it will be hard to push through the gravel paths, but there is a gift shop and a small area with pavement one could enjoy the trees. There are parts of the trails not accessible by wheelchair at all. I give it a reserved 3 stars for access. I don't know what the restroom situation is for access to everyone. read more

Was and absolutely perfect day! Whole family loved it here! Lots of shade and lots to look at! Very beautiful and fresh! Perfect for everyone! So peaceful! read more

It was only $9 for admission for adults (they offer different prices for military, students, and seniors) and kids under 12 are free. Lakewold gardens is a nice place to get out and take a walk. I would say just wear comfortable shoes with slip resistant soles as the trails are very uneven and tend to be wet. The trails are small in width and there is a lot of low hanging tree limbs so mind your head. Once you make it to the back of the gardens, there is a pretty nice view of the calm lake. The color of the lake is beautiful too, with it's hues of green and blue. On the trails you run into little trickling water falls and Asian sculptures and fountains of various sizes and styles. The also allow you to view the first floor of the manor house that I believe the owners of Lakewold gardens used to live in. The grounds are pretty well kept but not super well kept as to ruin the experience of being in nature. Don't forget to stop by the garden shop before you leave and pick up a few of the many plants they have for sale. Overall, it's a cute and peaceful time out, where you can sit and relax among nature. Read a book, bring the kids, take a few pictures, and take it all in. The staff is nice and are very inviting. I only gave three stars because I found it kind of small for $9. There are other botanical gardens or natural places that are much bigger for the price. Also, if I were handicapped this may not be a place for me. The trails are really narrow, and although I saw mainly older folks out there, part of me was a little scared that someone might slip and fall due to the wet rock/stone in places and the uneven ground may injure a kid jumping around or running. Just be careful. I was also hoping by the word "garden" there would be more floral but the flowers are kind of limited to a small space behind the main house and a few wild flowers popping out once in a while on the trails. read more

This garden is truly beautiful. The property is a house with very extensive grounds. At each turn was another lovely garden "room", which is an interesting description. I love the gazebo and statues on one side of the property, there's a view of the water, and down by the picnic table it appeared to me to be a a spot where fairies could reside. The house was closed when I went, but it would be a lovely wedding venue. The gardens themselves would be a great place for engagement or formal photos. Admission was $10. I found it a very peaceful place. read more

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Great garden. Relaxing. Artistic audio tour. Loved it. Definitely worth checking it out.

Such a cute garden, I always passed it while visiting to go to a tea house down the street and always wanted to stop by. This trip we made some time to stop by and visit and we were very happy we did. It was a rainy day and not much was blooming it being January and all but it was still beautiful. It was peaceful and well kept, I would love to come back in the spring and summer. read more

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Such a peaceful, relaxing place to be with nature any time of year. Enjoying the Spring buds & blossoms read more

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Beautiful park I did my nightly 4.5 miles. Loved walking around the lake. Aside from some younger morons wearing masks as they walked outside on a beautiful evening. read more

Beautiful place. You do have to pay to enter. Also, if you're taking pictures like a photoshoot they make u pay a fee of 150$

Have visited this garden many times. One of my favorites to refer people to visit. You know that saying "You don't know what you've been missing". True for those who have not taken the time to get lost in a plant wonderland. Wear a nice blouse and comb your hair, you will definitely want a photo. read more

The Halloween events were very poorly organized. It was portrayed as "interactive ". There was a card with 8 skeletons to mark off as you found them on the grounds. The "drum circle" was described as a storyteller events. After we waited for it to begin we approached an employee and was told it was canceled. A conflict. So basically we walked around the gardens in poor weather. Highly overrated! Skip this one! read more

Beautiful place to walk around and enjoy some nature, the gift shop was very cute as well. Loved this little spot in Lakewood!

I was recently part of a wedding held at Lakewold, and the entire experience was sublime. The grounds are stunning. The trees, the bushes, the flowers... Just beautiful. Of course, that can be said of many places in the PNW, but- in October? Wow. The indoor grounds are just as beautiful. Well maintained, a full kitchen, beautiful library, a curving staircase like something out of an old movie, and upstairs- plenty of room for groomsmen and bridesmaids to get ready in separate areas. Definitely not the place for a huge wedding; this was just right for the 50 or so people in and at the wedding. Options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies were given (again, October in the PNW, must have a second plan!). I was most impressed by the events coordinator. She made herself available to not only the bride and groom, but all of us who were helping to organize the event. She was never without a smile on her face, and always just had a positive, upbeat, and helpful attitude no matter what issues were thrown her way at any time- before, during, or after the wedding. I cannot say enough about how much she helped make a stressful weekend an amazing experience for everyone involved! I can't wait to visit the grounds again, without the pressure of a wedding; it's an afternoon I look forward to planning a trip around. read more

My husband, 5-year-old daughter and I went here on a whim on the 8th of August. We had to pay $5 per person (regular Admission was $7 but since we were military...) and it was well worth it! We were there from about 1:30 pm til just after they closed, which was at 4:00 pm! The staff was really nice to us & gave us every bit of information that they could. They didn't rush us out even after they closed either. We were actually still looking in the gardens when they closed and were still able to look through the gift shop afterwards. The lady working there even gave me a bouquet of Dahlias for free just as we were leaving. Love, love, love this place! read more

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I live just a few minutes from here. It is SO beautiful!! My goal is to pack a pic nic with the boyfriend and spend a day here. I could day dream all day in this place. There is ample space for parking and if you're a nature lover, the $5-$7 rate is more than worth it. There is a gorgeous main house that you can walk through, several types of gardens and plenty of sitting areas. It's amazing. You are even given a map to navigate through the property, which is huge. They do host weddings and private parties. Since our last visit, I've dreamt about this place several times. It's so lovely and a great way to spend some time on one of our very limited sunny days. read more

I came here for a friend's wedding one summer and it was beautiful. The grounds aren't as huge as I would have thought but what's there is quaint and peaceful. There was a large path through the garden that reaches a fountain. Inside a classic wooden house, there's a living room-sized space where receptions are held. There's a small lake in the backdrop. Imagine kids running in the background. If this is the wedding you had in mind, this might be the place for you. Definitely worth checking out. Although I wish Seattle had more locations like this. read more

its such a beautiful and relaxing place to be. we paid about $8 per adult and children under 12 were free to enter. i had a great time with my in-laws and children and plan on coming back very soon with my parents and grand-parents. p.s. wear comfy shoes :) read more

Lakewold Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

Gorgeous!!! Perfect place to explore. Great for kids that are well behaved. My daughter really enjoyed her self. Not a place for strollers. They have restrooms for handicap and non handicap people. Its extreamly breezy because of the fact that there are trees and shade everywhere. So many flowers. The smell is incredible. Workers keep to their selves. You can definitely take amazing photos and there are lots of places to sit if you get tired. Really easy to enter. It is only FREE for KIDS under 12. Military have discounts so that's a plus. It really does feel like your in a movie and traveled back in time. I highly recommend it. Will be going back with the whole family. read more

Lakewold Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

Is a good garden near my home however as a photographer those guys don't allow a tripod to be use and that's not fun how I soppose to take a shot for 69 second handheld. Those guys are not artist and not photographers friendly either. I hope they understand and fix their problem in the future. read more

I worked there while in high school back in the late 70's and early 80s. During the summers it was nice to have lunch out on the dock and walk back through the garden areas. The wisteria out on the patio drove me crazy - had to sweep up the leaves around the patio furniture on a regular basis: not fun. Lots of lawn to mow - Mrs. Wagner always wanted the lawn green: ALWAYS! And the number of large rhododendrons was quite amazing. They kept us busy all year - after the blossoms wilted we had to pick them off. The house was elegant and classy. I haven't been back since 1981. So, I'm hoping it's as nice as it was when I left. read more

The cost is reasonable The grounds are pretty but as mentioned underwelming ( however this time of year the flowers were probably not at their height...we will go again int the spring summer to give it another shot for sure The gift shop is darling along with the girl who runs it It was lovely for a well behaved five year old...but NOT for his toddler sister...not with out a stroller or harness..so be aware...and they do alert you when you sign in..there are water spots that could be dangerous to a wild near two..we spent most of the time keeping the child from a plummet over the edge of each lovely water surprise! My disapointment after literally 25 years of living here saying " I have to go!" The house for sure...the entry way is a stunning false hope you actually may get to see more art ...more house! But all you get is in the door past one large pretty but empy room that leaves you wondering about beautiful gatherings...and right out the door again...what a tease! The smell of mold in this home is daunting...and I know it is possible but a lot of work to remove this smell or at least tone it down. The bathrooms clean and easy to get to ..the walk is easy and has a few pretty surprises It is a beautiful place..I want to give it four stars for they folks who run it and how much " lovely" is in a smaller than imagined place We were in and out gift shop included in less than an hour..the disapointment of the house..the size and the time of year had all gone against us and the garden..but maybe next year.. Yes go ...call to find out the most beautiful time of year...support local treasures just do not expect more than there actually is and enjoy what there is...photo ops not great in Sept but maybe earlier? It is completely worth the entry fee..but do not plan a day around it or you will be disapointed I will go back as I said but with a harness for the toddler! And more just to sit than explore The house...total bummer for us all ever the five year old who has toured old homes with us all over and loves them! read more

My husband and I went here for part of our wedding anniversary celebration. I had a Living Social deal that I used, and I'm glad we got a deal, bc I don't think it's worth the regular $9 admission. Nice, but not great, not very big. Nothing too impressive. The formal gardens were a bit "informal" as in pretty unruly. Like I said, it wasn't a horrible time, but I don't think I would spend money to come here again! read more

Don't go if it's cold! We had our office party there last night. In all fairness, it was unseasonably cold- 16 degrees. They had one space heater- very little output- in the dining room. If they put in another, it blew the fuses. There was a fireplace but they said they never use it. I froze to death. If the ambient temperature had been 58, I'm sure it would be acceptable. As it was, it made for a miserable experience. read more

Loved this understated, yet extremely well groomed garden designed with the concept of "rooms." The designer made a good use of these grounds. Ask about the history of this garden compared to that of Bloedel Reserve (Bainbridge Island). You can notice the difference of personality of the original owners. Relaxing. read more

As far as historical homes and estates go, this place was underwhelming but the price paid to see it was reasonable. The house itself does not have anything exciting about it, but the area behind the house with the four-leaf clover pool and the sculptures and hedges was nice. The whole place is pretty small and doesn't take that long to walk around. read more

My husband was at Lakewood Gardens and he received the best possible care. The caregivers were very attentive to him and to me. Whenever he needed anything done for him, it was taken care of very fast. I would recommend Lakewood Gardens to anyone who needs good care for a family member. I have told many of my friends about how pleased I am with Lakewood Gardens. read more