The delightful Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens (360/678-1912, www.meerkerkgardens.org [1], 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, adults $8, children under 16 free) boast more than 1,500 varieties of rhododendron species and hybrids on a 53-acre site just south of Greenbank [2] off Resort Road.
Begun by Max and Anne Meerkerk in the 1960s, the gardens are now maintained by the Seattle Rhododendron Society and are a major tourist attraction. Peak season for “rhodies” is in late April and early May.
Links:
[1] http://www.meerkerkgardens.org
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/north-puget-sound/whidbey-island/freeland-and-greenbank