Scenes from the Botanical Gardens at the Locks and Golden Gardens

Artists and others looking to escape the traffic, noise, and construction of downtown Ballard need not travel far for inspiration and sanctuary. The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden (named after its first horticulturist) at the Ballard Locks features more than 570 species and 1,500 varieties of plants from around the world.  Not far down the road, Golden Gardens provides unparalleled views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, beaches, wetlands, a barbecue area, boat launch, and fishing from a pier. While you're there, you'll likely catch views of regattas during the racing season.

Video music: Rapture (instrumental) / Peter Mulvey