The Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is a tribute to the devotion of our first horticulturist, Carl S. English, Jr. During the 43 years working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Carl transformed the barren lawn, left after the construction of the locks, into a garden worthy of serious study. These lovely grounds are a masterpiece of horticultural splendor, combining the elegant lines and vistas of the romantic English landscape style with the original character of more than 570 species and 1,500 varieties from around the world. One of Seattle's best kept secrets is yours to enjoy. The garden offers color, fragrance, and open spaces to awaken your senses all year long.

Maps of the garden are available in the Visitor Center.

Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden
Plants of Interest

Vitus coignetiae or Crimson Glory Vine is turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.  This grape vine is located in the nursery on the arbor.  This is a native to Japan and Korea.

Aesculus hippocastanum commonly called Horse Chestnut has large spiny green fruit that will pop open and reveal a brown nut.  This nut is poisonous.   The tree is a native to Greece and Albania and is located in planting bed 212 across from the Visitor Center entrance.

Cornus kousa the Oriental Dogwood located in planting bed 215 by the paver patio has ripening fruit that starts out green then turns bright red.  This small tree is a native to Japan, China, and Korea.
 
Cyclamen hederifolium or Hardy Cyclamen is a small flower located in bed 305 on the east side of the promenade just past the Idesia polycarpa tree. 

Fuchsia species - The fuchsias in planting bed 315 are in full bloom now, making them one of the showiest plants in the garden along the main walkway.   These plants have been donated and cared for by the Greater Seattle Fuchsia Society. 

Echinacea purpurea  and varieties are know as Coneflowers.   The word Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog.  At this time of the year you can see the prominent cones in the center of the flowers, if you touch them they are prickly.  There are many varieties on the market today find them in planting bed 313 along the edges.
 

Aster species -  These herbaceous species are a favorite in the late summer and early fall.  The composite flower heads resemble a star many of ours are purple, white or mauve.  The plant can be 12 inches to 3 feet tall.  There are many in the garden in planting beds 313, 325.

Aralia californica commonly called Elk Clover is a native of California and southern Oregon.  The flowers of this herbaceous perennial mature into a dark purple black fruit.  Right now you can see shades of white, red and black against the green leaves.  This plant is found in bed 1 west of the Administration Building.

Anemone x hybrid or Japanese Anemone is found just up the sidewalk behind the restrooms in planting bed 1.  The solid white flowers stand out on top of three foot stalks in late summer.    This perennial will die down to the ground in winter.  Native to China and naturalized in Japan. 

Rudbeckia hirta  is the Black Eyed Susan  - you can find it in planting bed 321 and 326.  The bright yellow flowers with black centers stand out against the green of the surrounding foliage in the garden.  Black Eyed Susan is native to North America.