A History of Brookside Gardens
Current Director: Stephanie Oberle (2008 - to date)
Former Directors:
- David Vismara (1994)
- Els Benjamin (1979)
- Bob Haehle (1976)
- Carl Hahn (1969)
1965-1969
Opening day of Brookside Gardens, July 13, 1969, marked the culmination of four years of planning and construction by the Maryland‑ National Capital Park and Planning Commission. In 1965, the Commission began development of a display garden in Wheaton Regional Park on a site formerly owned by Stadler Nursery.
Commission landscape architect Hans Hanses developed the original design, using many European concepts he gleaned while training in Germany and Switzerland. More concerned with aesthetics than formula, his goal was to inspire visitors to garden by displaying plants that were readily attainable and suitable for the region. Both formal and informal areas were divided into smaller, intimate "rooms" defined by walls, shrubs, or trees. Contrasts of color were used in building materials as well as plants for dramatic effects.
1969-1971
The original grounds of Brookside Gardens were comprised of three formal gardens leading to a Wedding Gazebo, an Azalea Walk on the brow of the hill, plantings around the entrance and the Conservatory. The Conservatory complex housed office space, a horticultural library, a sub-tropical display house, and a smaller propagation glasshouse (now called the south house) that produced plants for indoor and outdoor displays. At that time, Brookside Gardens occupied about 25 acres, an area roughly one-half its current size (54 acres), and employed a staff of ten. Popular from the beginning, visitation was 35,000 the first year.
1972-1997
A new phase of development began in 1972; new gardens were installed over several years, including the Fragrance Garden, the Gude Garden (dedicated by Congressman Gilbert Gude to his father and nurseryman, Adolph Gude) with its popular Japanese Tea House, and the Rose Garden. The Trial Garden (for testing new annuals) and the Aquatic Garden were later additions.
The Azalea Walk was expanded allowing space for new shade garden plants while providing vistas over the Aquatic Garden ponds. A Viburnum Collection was developed to feature superior selections of this diverse species, and the Winter Garden was created to display plants with cold-season interest. An early Camellia Garden, decimated by severe winters in the ‘70s, has been undergoing restoration with the hardier camellias developed by the U.S. National Arboretum. McCrillis Gardens was donated to The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in 1978 by its owners, William and Virginia McCrillis. The Conservatory displayed its’ first annual Chrysanthemum Show in October 1978. Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit and the Garden of Lights both opened in 1997.
1998-2008
A generous donation from Elizabeth Turner made possible the construction of the Visitors Center, which was dedicated in October, 1997 and opened in June 1998. Nestled in the woods, this multiuse building contains a gift shop, information desk, horticultural library, adult and children's classrooms, auditorium, and offices. Plantings around the Center feature specimens first introduced into the U.S. by Brookside Gardens, plus a charming children’s garden with changing displays designed to encourage children to learn about plants and gardening. Outside the adult classroom is a small garden of species native to the eastern U.S..
In 2004, an existing stone terrace overlooking the Gude Garden ponds was modified to create a memorial to the victims of the 2002 sniper shootings in Montgomery County. Renamed Reflection Terrace, it was dedicated on October 1, 2004. In 2006, a labyrinth for meditation and enjoyment was installed in the Gude Garden by staff and volunteers. Most recently, in 2007, the Rock Garden near the Conservatory entrance was replaced by a Rain Garden to correct localized drainage issues and as an environmental demonstration for the public. Brookside Gardens is constantly changing: featuring new displays and exploring new themes.
2009 and Beyond: Brookside Gardens Master Plan
The Montgomery County Planning Board has approved a Master Plan for Brookside Gardens, paving the way for garden-wide renovations and improvements. This 15-phase plan was developed by Gardens staff in cooperation with landscape architecture firm, EDAW, Inc, as well as volunteers and visitors; it will be implemented over the next 20-25 years. Comprehensive details are on view in the Gardens’ library. Brookside Gardens is committed to help fund the Master Plan through private donations, ensuring that the future holds the promise of improved facilities, enhanced garden areas, and innovative new displays.
The first phase of the plan is the renewal of the Gardens’ main entrance to reinforce the Visitors Center as the heart of the gardens, thus creating a welcoming arrival with site-specific artwork and solving current safety issues. The second phase includes parking lot expansion and improved storm water management. Phase three will accomplish the task of stabilizing the banks of the two streams that act as boundaries for the Gardens, and allow for new ornamental plantings to take advantage of the charming stretches of water that affirm the name “Brookside Gardens.”
Today Brookside Gardens encompasses 54 acres with 32 acres of cultivated gardens. We have 29 career staff, 50 part-time staff, and over 1000 volunteers. Working together we welcomed 414,150 visitors last year. As we celebrate 40 years, our Ruby Anniversary, Brookside Gardens thanks our staff, volunteers, visitors, and the surrounding community for contributing to our rich history.
Montgomery County Department of Parks