Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Admission to the gardens is free.
Brookside Gardens’ vehicle entrances feature deer exclusion grates, which also preclude pedestrians from crossing. All pedestrians should enter the Gardens through the pedestrian entrances on Glenallan Avenue, on the left of the vehicle entrance, or the conservatory pedestrian entrance, to the right of the vehicle entrance. Crossing the deer exclusion grates on foot could result in injury.
The Gardens are open for your enjoyment, relaxation, and exercise from sunrise to sunset.
Visit the website: Brookside Gardens
The Orange Dead Leaf butterfly (Kallima inachus) is native to broad swaths of dense forests throughout Asia. Though often hunted by birds, this species is very rarely found, thanks to an evolutionary defensive tactic that employs camouflage. When its wings are closed, this butterfly has mottled brown tones and dark lines that bear a striking resemblance to the veins of a decaying leaf. Yet when it spreads its wings, a dazzling display of vibrant shades of orange, black, and blue help this species attract a suitable mate. Could you tell from the image that it was a butterfly?
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December at Brookside Gardens
Garden of Lights
Through January 4, 2026
Reserve your spot now as tickets sell out quickly for weekends and the early time slots! Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the Gardens illuminated with more 1.5 million lights, including a flock of colorful flamingos and interactive tap lights that change colors when stepped on. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Click here to reserve tickets online.
Learn more on our website.
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GreenScapes Symposium - February 13, 2026 |
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Don't Miss Out On The Early Bird Fee!
Take advantage of the Early Bird fee of $50 that ends on Friday, January 9. This engaging virtual symposium brings together leading experts in horticulture, ecology, and design to share proven solutions for creating sustainable, beautiful gardens that support biodiversity. Learn how native keystone plants and layered "soft landings" support pollinators, explore climate-resilient plant selections, and discover naturalistic design strategies through real-world case studies. Whether you're a home gardener or landscape professional, you'll gain practical advice for choosing species with real ecological benefits and creating gardens that sustain pollinators and wildlife in a changing climate—from small gardens to large public spaces. Check out the GreenScapes website for more information and to register online.
*This will be offered as a series of live online lectures using Zoom with audience Q&A incorporated into the program. Each session will be recorded and a link to watch the symposium will be emailed to all participants. Professional development credit hours will be available for each session.
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The Garden Railway is Rolling Again!
Saturday, November 29, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Closed December 24 & 25 and January 1.
Daily from 10:00 am - 3:45 pm
FREE
Location: South Conservatory
The Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society (WVMGRS) and Conservatory staff present the 2025 Garden Railway Display featuring G-scale model trains, the largest commercial model train size, is designed for garden settings. The main display includes trains running through scenery with live plants, water features, and models of Montgomery County landsmark buildings, including our own Conservatory! A second display offers a historical representation of the Cabin John Trolley Line and its main attraction, Glen Echo Park. Join us to experience this wonderful seasonal tradition! 
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Plants of interest at Brookside Gardens in December
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- American Holly (Ilex opaca)
- Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
- Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
- Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica)
- Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
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