Since it’s May and time to garden we decided a visit to the fantastic Bainbridge Gardens on Bainbridge Island was the thing to do on a rainy May day (yes we live in the Northwest and May days are so often rainy). Another great thing about days like this is that they are the best for planting starts and help keep planting shock to a minimum.

No way to resist this entrance!!

The entrance into the gift shop is such a tempting display of garden pots, plants, and art that it is difficult to resist, but I had my purchases in mind and was off for a latte at the Rose Cafe.

More delightful displays abound at every corner.

The memorial garden dedicated to the founders and owners of Bainbridge Gardens is filled with original plants placed here years and years ago.

A place to walk, sit and enjoy in the beautiful memorial garden.

I enjoyed walking the entire grounds, yes the entire grounds, while enjoying my latte. I managed to keep my focus and pick up the plants I needed for my garden and yard but the temptations for a plant collector are literally endless.

This water feature is located at the entrance by the gift shop and is but one of countless displays that will make you want to run home and get out your work gloves to transform your garden and yard. There are numerous green houses, covered tenting containing outdoor furniture, endless groupings of trees, bushes, shrubs, vegetable and flower starts plus ornamental and unusual plants. I found a large grouping of numerous (more than I have found anywhere else) blueberry bushes so some of those now live with me!

Grab your family or friends or venture on your own on the next rainy or cloudy day and take home some new additions for your yard, or even bird friendly bushes. Just make sure to enjoy this bountiful nursery right here in our own Kitsap County.