The garden contains a collection of dawn redwoods, a species once thought to be extinct until rediscovered in China in the 1940s.
Carl S. English Jr. personally curated the garden's collection between 1931 and 1974, frequently trading seeds and cuttings with other botanical gardens globally.
The landscape design uses the 'English style' which blends naturalistic and formal planting beds to contrast with the concrete lock structures.
The garden serves as a microclimate zone due to its location near the maritime activity of the locks, allowing certain non-native species to thrive.
Several trees in the garden are labeled with their scientific and common names, reflecting its history as a living classroom.
The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden is a seven-acre site located on the grounds of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle. It features over 500 species of plants, including rare specimens from around the world collected by Carl S. English Jr. during his 43-year tenure as horticulturist. The garden is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and serves as an arboretum showcasing temperate and exotic vegetation. Its design integrates formal garden pathways with the industrial landscape of the Ballard Locks. Visitors can observe both the botanical collection and the engineering operations of the waterway connecting Puget Sound to Lake Union. The garden remains a site for ongoing horticultural research and public education.
The elevated vantage points overlooking the locks, with the garden's exotic trees framing the water and maritime traffic.
Combine your visit with a walk across the Ballard Locks to watch boats navigate the water level changes.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the varied terrain of the garden paths.
Check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for notices regarding garden maintenance or path closures before arriving.
Assuming the garden is solely a park; it is a specialized botanical collection, so refrain from athletic games or setting up picnic gear in planting beds.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive plant specimens; do not pick flowers or disturb wildlife.
