The half-mile trail that rings the Botanical Garden winds past several other gardens, including the Yao Japanese Garden, the entrance to which is framed by a traditional covered wooden gate. Inside the gate is a well-executed garden incorporating modern and traditional Japanese features. The garden has special events throughout the year - a Mothers' Day Open House, plant sales, and its largest event, Garden d'Lights. A holiday light festival that extends from late November through early January from 4 to 10pm nightly, Garden d'Lights often includes music or other happenings. No pets, bicycles, or skateboards are allowed in the garden.
Admission is free.
Since the late 1980s, this 150-acre Bainbridge Island estate has been open to the public on a limited basis. The manse, which overlooks Puget Sound, is now a visitors center where interpretive material is available to guide one's walk through the property. The parklike grounds contain a number of theme gardens, including a Japanese garden with cloud pruned pines, a Zen sand garden, and a moss garden full of intriguing native plants. Nature trails lead through native woods and wetlands. A small pond attracts birds in increasing numbers as its plantings mature.