Azalea Way Garden Stewards

Azalea in bloom on the north end of Azalea Way.

In July 2012, the Arboretum Foundation, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and UW Botanic Gardens launched a new volunteer initiative to help maintain Azalea Way, a historic component of the Arboretum’s original Olmstead design. Flanked by a spectacular array of azaleas, rhododendrons, and other flowering shrubs and trees, Azalea Way runs for about two thirds of a mile from the Graham Visitors Center to the Japanese Garden and is arguably the Arboretum’s most popular attraction.

The new Azalea Way Garden (AWG) Stewards program is modeled on the Pacific Connections Garden (PCG) Stewards program, which has, since its inception in fall 2011, resulted in the recruitment of close to 30 volunteer gardeners to help maintain the new eco-geographic displays at the south end of the Arboretum. Like the PCG Stewards, the AWG Stewards will provide volunteer support to salaried Arboretum staff in caring for Azalea Way. The work will consist primarily of weeding, mulching, edging with hand tools, and some planting of native groundcovers.

Commitment: We are looking for volunteers who are willing to commit to a minimum of 24 hours of work on Azalea Way over the period of March to November. Some previous horticultural experience is required.

Benefits of volunteering: Our new recruits will receive maintenance training from the Arboretum staff and will get to share in the camaraderie of caring for an historic horticultural display. Stewards also benefit from other enrichment activities—in the form of lectures and instructional talks from the many plant experts in the Arboretum’s extended family.

Signing up: To learn more about the Azalea Way stewards initiative or to sign up, please email Rhonda Bush or call her at 206-941-2550.