Carl S English Jr Botanical Garden

Beautiful botanical gardens! Another of Ballards secrets I'm learning as explore more of the Seattle area. I believe it was part of the estate at one time, conveniently located next to the locks, it made for a great exploration of the gardens and locks. Weather was perfect. The next few weeks are a great time to see rhododendrons in full blossom ( Washington state flower) plenty of open lawn areas to enjoy a picnic or nap, great views of the locks and waterways. Some new species of plants to learn I haven't encountered yet. Beautiful gardens and next to the water, great combination. Happy Yelps, God bless and Cheers!

Somehow I never posted the first review? Yeah, I can be that way... too often sometimes. Lol Well, this second stroll through was amazing as well, located right next to Ballard locks, it's hard to miss, always something blooming, looking forward to more fall colors soon. Cheers!

This is a lovely little botanical garden to help complete your trip to the locks. The grounds are very well maintained and they have a surprising variety of plants to view. As with basically all botanical gardens, the best time to come it when the flowers are out.

I definitely like the fact that most people are here for the locks and don't come over to the gardens. Gritting your teeth from getting stuck behind all the giant strollers at the locks? Come here and find your happy place! There are also a lot of concerts in the Summer which are all free of charge. Great chance to try something new!

I went to this place when I was in Seattle WA, it is a good place to have a picnic for those warm sunny days when its so beautiful.

A public park that presents a trail looping around a grassy field surrounded by trees. While the name suggests a botanical garden, there didn't seem to be a large floral variety. An entranceway by by 30th Ave NW leads into a compact garden, although a number of the plant beds were empty.

It is worth checking out briefly if visiting the Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks as the stroll only takes a few minutes. Parking and restrooms are available nearby.

This is an unheralded gem. Might take my vote for favorite Seattle park. Crowds are small, the locks are close, and there's even great visitors center options nearby that were previously closed for COVID when we've visited.

Coming from a place that you have to pay for everything (Miami), a free botanical garden is a dream. Yes it's smaller than a formal garden but theres plenty of private enclaves for an intimate picnic, spend a lazy afternoon with your significant other or kid(s), or hang out with your dog (it's Seattle- I know you have a dog).

So many beautiful flowers. It's just a beautiful place to wander around.

Great escape from the city of Seattle. The surrounding park and gardens are absolutely beautiful. A great place to relax, have a picnic and recharge before your next adventure. Right next to the garden are Hiram M Chittenden Locks and fish ladder.

While we were visiting, the Saturday afternoon band was playing and there were a number of dog walkers. Be careful of the goose piles in the grass if you want to play or sit on the hill facing the canal.

This park is so charming. Lovely plant species incorporated with classic landscaping and gardens. Paved walking path guides through park and leads to the locks and water.

Historical buildings and architecture make this park good for a rustic and sentimental outing.

There is live music in the central region of the park almost every weekend. Nice free entertainment. Not the Rolling Stones or Beatles... But hey, why not?

It's a popular attraction for people to watch the boats and water vessels use the dam from this side of the water way. You can get very close to watch. (I don't have the patience myself!)

Right next to the locks, another wonderful ~free~ activity. The draw bridge is fascinating.

There are a ton of herring birds that crap all over... Watch out!

Took my mom here for mother's day for a nice walk around the garden and to go see the Ballard locks. There were definitely a ton of differing gorgeous flower, shrub, and tree types, however, we wished they were marked a bit better with signage. There also wasn't one obvious path along the garden, just one very large path to the locks and some very tiny trails in to some smaller garden areas. We visited the visitor center and it had some fun information and displays about the locks! Recommend for those looking for about a 30 minute easy walk.

This botanical garden kind of seems like an afterthought compared to the main attraction here which is the Ballard Locks. I have visited the Locks many times. But have skipped checking out the botanical garden until my most recent visit.

When I think of botanical garden, I think about flowers and plants with accompanying display descriptions telling you what each flora is. For the most part, the botanical garden does not have any signage. Hence, just enjoy the botanical garden for what it is which is a pleasant area to enjoy a stroll through the park.

The park side of the botanical garden is a nice place to view the Ballard Locks as it is elevated. And if you are looking for beautiful flowers to look at, there is a nice flower garden next to the main building in the facility.

While the Ballard Locks is the main attraction here, this botanical garden makes for a nice side attraction for those who are interested in flora.