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Nestled in North Kitsap, Heronswood is a botanical paradise just a few miles from downtown Kingston. Originally brought to life in 1987 by Horticulturist Dan Hinkley and his husband, architect Robert L. Jones, the garden has expanded to more than 15 acres of diverse flora from around the world. Heronswood is an internationally recognized treasure in the Pacific Northwest, even garnering the attention of Martha Stewart.
Hinkley’s dream of starting a small nursery, where he could introduce rare and hardy plants to the community, has become a de facto landmark in Kitsap County. He spent the next 20 years developing the estate and traveling worldwide on plant-hunting trips to expand the garden. In 2000, Hinkley and Jones sold the business to W. Atlee Burpee Company. But in 2006, the company filed for bankruptcy. The estate lay dormant until 2012, when the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe purchased it.
Together with Hinkley, the S’Klallam Tribe has breathed new life into the garden through a series of tremendous restoration efforts. Heronswood has become a venue for special events, plant sales, and educational programs that reflect the heritage of the garden and the S’Klallam Tribe.
S’Klallam History
For centuries, the S’Klallam Tribe lived on the shores of Strait Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet, and Puget Sound. S’Klallam means “strong people”. Although their culture was almost lost after European contact, the S’Klallam have maintained their heritage and traditions.
Over the past few decades, tribal leaders have made significant efforts to strengthen their community through economic development, establishing an Economic Development Authority to support local businesses by administering federal grants.
The acquisition of Heronswood Garden has provided an opportunity for community members to work together to maintain this local treasure. Since 2012, members of Heronswood staff, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, the Heronswood Garden Steering Committee, and dozens of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers have teamed up to shape the future of Heronswood.
Mission, Classes & Events
Heronswood’s mission is to “inspire our community with its plant collections and charismatic landscapes, to educate them on the connections between plants and people, to encourage them to protect plants and their natural habitats, and to appreciate the great diversity of plants and the people who care for them.”
Heronswood offers a variety of classes throughout the year. There’s often a registration fee, but supplies are included, and you can learn about a wide range of topics, from art inspired by nature to horticultural subjects. One of their upcoming classes is “Grow Your Own Mushrooms” with Clallam County Master Gardener Bob Blackett. This class is on Oct. 25th. Blackett will teach attendees how to cultivate their own shiitake mushrooms on logs. In November, there are two Winter Wreath Making classes with supplies included. Those classes will be held on Nov. 22nd and 23rd. Classes like the aforementioned are outdoors at Heronswood, so dress warmly.
Fun annual and recurring events at Heronswood include Haunted Heronswood in mid-October, as well as their spring and fall plant sales, their Hellebore sale, and their Hydrangea Festival.
Visit and Get Involved
Visiting Heronswood at any time of year is a memorable experience. Our video below, filmed a few years ago, offers a glimpse into what it’s like to spend time in these lush, captivating gardens. Heronswood is open throughout the year. However, hours vary by season. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth (7 to 17), and free for children ages 6 and younger. If you’re a member, it’s free to visit. It’s also free for Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal community members. If you’d like a guided tour, you can book an appointment for that. If you’re a dog owner, please note that dogs are always welcome in the garden as long as they’re leashed.
Memberships can be purchased online (and make great gifts). Additionally, you can make a donation to Heronswood online. Donations are tax-deductible and support plant collection and recovery, garden supplies, and other vital garden needs.
If you’d like to get involved, Heronswood has various volunteer opportunities. For example, each month, there are two group work parties that the staff calls “Weed, Walk and Talk”. During those work parties, volunteers weed, prune, mulch, and plant from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You should be in good physical health, and it’s best to bring your own gloves, hand tools, and a bag lunch. Alternatively, you can volunteer in the ticket office, the gift shop, or during annual events. Learn more on their Volunteer page.
We’re grateful to have this gem in Kitsap County, and we hope you’ll consider visiting soon!
