As befits a specialty garden, our gift shop is a delight.
The Garden Gift Shop is a destination in itself. A wide range of selections awaits even the most discriminating gift seeker and includes a fabulous selection of nature books on topics which include gardening, plants, design, and bonsai. The Plant Pavilion at the Gift Shop is stocked year-round with our signature rhododendrons and woodland companion plants.
If you have questions, or are looking for a specific book, please call the Gift Shop at 253-661-9377, Saturday - Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, or write to the RSBG at P.O. Box 3798, Federal Way, WA 98063-3798, ATTN: GIFT SHOP.
Focus Books:
$79.95 USD
Below is a short selection of rhododendron books. These are available through the RSBG Gift Shop. Click here for a PDF version of the order form.
RECOMMENDED RHODODENDRON BOOKS
$165.00 USD
Encyclopedia of Rhododendron Species, The Revised Edition
Peter and Kenneth Cox. 1997 - This book includes botanical descriptions of all the species of rhododendrons (excluding Vireyas) in cultivation; notes on how to recognize and identify each species; brief cultural information; over 1,500 superb photographs, showing the species close up and in the wild; and new information on classification and current taxonomic thought.
Greer’s Guidebook to Available Rhododendrons, Harold E. Greer, 1988.
This revised edition features more than 2,000 rhododendrons, hybrids, and species are detailed including plant parentage, hardiness, and size. Advice on planting, care, disease, pests, and propagation is also covered. Marvelous, new, color photographs of 450 rhododendrons. Great for beginners!
American Azaleas, L. Clarence Towe, 2004.
This book features the beautiful native azaleas of the United States and Canada. Bursting with blossoms of red, orange, pink, yellow, or white and often with a wonderful fragrance these beauties are quite suitable for a wide variety of garden environments. Packed with horticultural information.
Rhododendron Garden Weddings
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is open and available to the public for small, intimate weddings.
The Garden is a 22 acre woodland setting and home to one of the largest rhododendron collections in the world. Thousands of blooming rhododendrons make the Garden a spectacular sight in March, April, and May. Fancy perennials and shrubs bloom throughout the garden during the summer while autumn brings glorious color in rich gold, red, and orange. Each season brings its own special beauty and ambiance for a wedding.
You are invited to stroll through this wonderful garden and visualize your wedding. Allow us to offer a beautiful setting for your special day.
RENTAL TERMS FOR WEDDING CEREMONIES
Thank you for your interest in renting the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden for your wedding. The Garden is owned and operated by the Rhododendron Species Foundation, a non-profit organization. Rental fees support the Rhododendron collection and Garden. If you have any questions or would like to receive a reservation form, please call The Wedding Coordinator, at 253-661-9377.
GUESTS
The number of guests is limited to 50 at the Gazebo or 100 or more on the lawn area.
RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE
$250 Fee for up to 50 guests for 2 hours.
$400 Fee for 50 to 100 guests for 2 hours.
Additional time is $50 per 1/2 hour or $100 per hour. Please consult with the Wedding Coordinator on costs for additional guests above 100.
RENTAL FEE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH RESERVATION FORM.
DAMAGE/CLEANING DEPOSIT
A Damage/Cleaning deposit of $200 must be submitted 30 days before event or the event will be canceled.
The Garden must be cleaned (returned to the condition the facility was in before renter arrived) by the renter and approved by the Garden Manager.
Tossing of rice, birdseed, or any other material is not allowed.
If the RSF has to clean following your event, you agree to be liable for $25/quarter hour or
$100/hour. Funds will be deducted from the Damage/Cleaning deposit. The RSF will refund Damage/Cleaning deposit within 2 to 3 working days following the event if all conditions are met or a partial refund returned if terms were not met. If the $200 Damage/Cleaning deposit is not sufficient, renter will be liable for additional charges at the rates listed previously.
CONFIRMATION
Submitting an event reservation does not guarantee confirmation of time, the reservation must be approved by the Garden Manager. Requests will be approved on a first come, first serve basis. Confirmation will be sent when the rental fee has been paid and the Garden Manager has approved. If the request is denied, the RSF will return the rental fee.
CANCELLATION
THE RENTAL FEE WILL BE FORFEITED IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE EVENT IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS.
The RSF must retain the rental fee to offset revenue from lost bookings. If the event is canceled prior to 30 days before the event, the $200 Damage/Cleaning deposit will be refunded. Again, if the Damage/Cleaning deposit is not received by 30 days before the event, the event will be removed from the schedule and will NOT be held. The renter agrees to hold the RSF harmless should the facility become unrentable due to natural causes such as earthquake, lightening storms, high winds above 35 mph, or should Weyerhaeuser company close the corporate campus.
HOURS
The Garden is open to the public:
March-October, 10am to 4pm, closed Thursdays.
November-February, 11am to 4pm, closed Thursdays and Fridays.
The Garden is available for rent during public hours or Wedding Coordinator will advise on non-public hours.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcohol is not allowed.
NO SMOKING
The garden is a No Smoking area.
DECORATIONS
The Garden does not allow you to alter, attach, affix, or float anything to any part of the property. However, there are existing hooks available for hanging baskets or decorations in the Gazebo.
CHAIRS
The Wedding Coordinator will advise on the types of chairs allowed.
MUSIC
Amplified music must be reasonable when the Garden is open to the public. Musicians must set up in designated area and will be responsible for leaving the Garden in the same condition upon arrival.
CHILDREN
It is the responsibility of the renter to see that children are supervised at all times.
GREETERS
One or more designated individuals must greet guests at the Garden Entrance to sign in and to direct guests to the wedding location.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
The Gazebo is the only covered facility available on site. A tent from a professional party rental company will be allowed on the lawn area.
RENTAL FEE WILL NOT BE RETURNED IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER.
TIME OF ACCESS
Your confirmation will state the time agreed upon for access to the Garden. Any deviation will result in additional charges of $25 per 1/4 hour.
Rental professionals may be admitted prior to your arrival time with advance notice and approval of the Wedding Coordinator.
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS
Please confirm the final arrangements with the Wedding Coordinator at least one week prior to the event.
Phone 253-661-9377
SUBMITTING YOUR RESERVATION
After thoroughly reading these rental terms and visiting the Garden, ask for the Wedding Reservation Request form. SIGN, DATE, and return form with RENTAL FEE (check payable to RSF) to:
RSF Wedding Coordinator / P. O. Box 3798 / Federal Way, WA 98063
Best Wishes for a Wonderful Wedding!
