Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre public garden located in Wheaton, Maryland. It is operated by the Montgomery County Department of Parks, and it is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The gardens feature a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as walking trails, water features, and a visitors center. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Brookside Gardens, the different areas within the gardens, and the operating hours of this beautiful public space.
The history of Brookside Gardens dates back to the early 20th century, when the land was used as a dairy farm. In the 1950s, the land was acquired by Montgomery County and was used as a landfill. In the 1970s, the county began to develop the land into a public garden. The gardens officially opened to the public in 1980, and since then, it has become a popular destination for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts.
One of the most notable features of Brookside Gardens is the number of different areas within the gardens. The gardens are divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique character and charm. These areas include: the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Japanese Style Garden, the Children’s Garden, the Garden of Lights, and the Trial Garden.
The Rose Garden is a beautiful area featuring a wide variety of roses in a variety of colors and styles. The Butterfly Garden is a lush area where visitors can see a wide variety of butterflies and other pollinators. The Japanese Style Garden is a peaceful area featuring a pond and a traditional Japanese teahouse. The Children’s Garden is a fun area for kids to explore and learn about plants and nature. The Garden of Lights is a stunning display of lights and colors during the holiday season. The Trial Garden is an area where visitors can see new plants and flowers that have been introduced to the gardens.
Brookside Gardens is open to visitors year-round, and the operating hours vary depending on the season. During the summer months, the gardens are open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. In the fall and spring, the gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm. During the winter, the gardens are open from 9 am to 4 pm. The Garden of Lights is open from 5 pm to 9 pm during the holiday season.
