Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens

March 5, 2025

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 Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens returns starting April 10, 2025! 

A dazzling display of live butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia await visitors at Brookside Gardens. Discover the fascinating biology of butterflies, the vital role they play in healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens. 

The Experience will be open:

  • April-June: September: Daily, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (last ticket sold at 3:20 pm)
  • July-August: Monday-Friday, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (last ticket sold at 12:20 pm); Weekends, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (last ticket sold at 3:20 pm)

Tickets are timed entry and must be purchased online. Click here to learn more and to purchase your tickets online. As tickets are limited, advanced purchase is recommended to ensure availability. 

Spring Strolls for Well-Being
Saturdays | April 19, May 10, June 7 / 10:00 – 11:30 am OR
Tuesdays, April 22, May 20, June 17 / 11:00 am – 12:30pm OR
Wednesdays, April 23, May 21, June 18 / 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Fee: $75 / No FOBG Discount
Location: Adult Classroom

Stroll with us in this 8-week evidence-based walking program.

Meet with your cohort to gain insights and share your experience of solo walks guided by our beautiful journal that encourages presence and reflection through readings and writing prompts. Those struggling with difficulty, stress, or transition may particularly benefit.

Flowers in bloom in March/April at Brookside Gardens

  • Arrowwood (Viburnum x bodnantense)
  • Chinese Witch Hazel (Corylopsis sinensis)
  • Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)
  • Daffodil (Narcissus sp.)
  • Flowering Cherry (Prunus spp.)
  • Fragrant wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)
  • Grape hyacinth (Muscari spp)
  • Hyacinth (Hyacinth orientalis) 
  • Hybrid hellebore (Helleborus orientalis / hybridus)
  • Hybrid Witch Hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia)
  • Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
  • Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
  • Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
  • Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum)
  • Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)

 

JCS