Visting Lakewold Gardens

Q: What is garden etiquette? 

• Appropriate behavior in a garden is to stay on paths and lawns.  
• Do not pick flowers, branches, leaves or other plant material from living plants.  
• You’re welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks or have a picnic, but please pick up any garbage and dispose of it in the appropriate receptacle.  
• Please do not play loud music, and be courteous when using a cell phone.  
• We do not allow smoking or vaping on any part of Lakewold Gardens. 

Q: When is the best time to visit? 

A: Lakewold is beautiful year-round! We plan programming all year as well, so there is always something interesting and new to see & do here. Visit our Programs tab and check out the events calendar (link) for more information. 

Q: How big is the garden? 

A: Ten acres! Plan to spend about an hour outside to explore all of the areas. 

Q: Do you sell plants? 

A: Yes! We keep an interesting selection of rare plants and those featured in our garden available for sale year round. 

Q: Can I navigate the garden in a wheelchair, walker, or stroller, or with limited mobility? 

A: Many areas are accessible to people in wheelchairs or walkers or using strollers. The pathway to the current admissions office is made of ground rock which is much easier to roll wheels on. The brick pathway to the Tea House is also navigable, as is the Veranda and interior of the house. However, most of Circle Drive is pea gravel, and most of the woodland includes slopes and graded pathways that are more difficult to navigate. That being said, we do have one wheelchair available for guest use on the property and we are working on funding for a change to fully-accessible path surfaces in the near future. 

Our staff is happy to offer additional guidance and support based on your unique circumstances. Contact ehappenny@lakewoldgardens.org or call 253-584-4106 during open hours to request accommodations or with questions regarding accessibility.

Q: I am planning to bring a young child with me. Is there anything I should know? 

A: Yes, please keep children under supervision. We have several water features including water features on site. 

Q: How do I become a member of the garden? And why should I? 

A: Membership to Lakewold Gardens provides a number of perks, not least of all free admission on all days we are open to the public. Membership also provides a 10%-15% discount on plant purchases (depending on what membership tier you choose) and a 10% discount on tickets to our signature events May Fest, Fairy Fest, All Hallows, and Solstice Lights. Since Lakewold is a member of the American Horticultural Society, our membership also grants you admission and special privileges at many other gardens across the state & country. We count on our member support and consider members to be a crucial part of fulfilling our mission and vision. Join us today (link to membership page). 

Q: Do you hold special events like weddings, banquets, showers, etc? 

A: We certainly do! Please visit our weddings page (link to wedding page) or contact our Event and Rental coordinator Patty Rusnak at prusnak@lakewoldgardens.org for more details. 

Q: Can I take pictures at the garden? 

A: Yes! We welcome photography outside in the gardens year round. Depending on the purpose of your photography, please note you may be required to make a booking in advance. Visit our photography page (link to photography page) to determine if your needs necessitate a booking, or contact Visitor Services Supervisor Erin Happenny at ehappenny@lakewoldgardens.org if you need help or want to make a reservation. 

Q: Can I visit the garden for free? 

A: There are a number of ways you can enter for free or reduced admission. We offer library passes via Pierce County and Tacoma Public Library systems. We also are part of the Blue Star Memorial Museums, offering free admission to active-duty military members and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Third Thursday of every month from April-September is a free admission day for all members of the general public. We also provide free admission on several holidays. Lastly, becoming a member of Lakewold Gardens allows you free admission every day we are open to the public! 

Q: Do you allow dogs? 

A: Service animals are always welcome, but unfortunately we do not allow pet dogs (or other pets) at this time. This policy is primarily due to the number of plants that we grow that are toxic to dogs. Also, our local coyote population is always a concern when adding domestic animals to the mix. 

Q: Can I have a picnic at Lakewold? 

A: Yes! We just ask that you do not bring alcohol on site, and please pick up after yourselves. Enjoy a picnic anywhere so long as you’re not blocking a path or access to any buildings or restrooms. 

Q: Do you offer tours? 

A: Yes! We currently provide a number of types of tours that may be perfect for your group including options for visitors who may have low mobility. Please visit our Group Tours page to explore the variety of options that are available. 

Q: Can I access Gravelly Lake? 

A: Unfortunately we do not allow access to the lake for safety and erosion control. We are working on restoring our lakefront pathway which will provide the closest views of the lake and anticipate opening it between 2024-2025. 

 

For additional information, contact Erin Happenny, Visitor Services Supervisor, at  Ehappenny@lakewoldgardens.org or 253-584-4106.