Brookside Gardens

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Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also feature two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Admission to the gardens is free.

The outdoor Gardens are open for your enjoyment, relaxation and exercise from sunrise to sunset.

The Visitor Center is open from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Monday-Friday and from 10:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The Gift Shop is open Monday and Wednesday-Friday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm (closed Tuesday) with extended hours from 10:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

There is very limited capacity inside the building.

Please be considerate of other visitors and observe the Garden etiquette rules.

Infographic of Brookside Gardens rules: Be Smart. Do Your Part. Face Coverings Required Inside Building and when near other people. Stay 6 feet Apart. Clean Your Hands Before and After Use. Gathering in large Groups Prohibited.

• Face coverings are required indoors and outdoors when near other people

• Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others

• Gathering in large groups is prohibited

• Follow CDC Guidelines for health and safety:

– If you are sick, or have symptoms, please stay home

– Wash your hands and use sanitizer frequently

For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors please comply with Brookside Gardens rules:

  • Food, drink, and picnicking is not allowed in the Gardens.
    • NOTE: Picnic facilities are available nearby at the Shorefield Area of Wheaton Regional Park.
  • Pets are not allowed with the exception of service animals.
  • Frisbees, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, balls, skates, skis, sleds, and recreational and athletic equipment are not allowed in the Gardens.
  • Shoes are required in the Gardens.
  • Please do not fish or swim in the water and please do not walk in flower beds.
  • Audio devices are not allowed (headphones are allowed)
  • Please do not feed or disturb geese, fish, or wildlife.
  • Please do not remove any plant material or wildlife

Limousine Policy: Limousines must obtain a permit in advance of entering Brookside Gardens.
Photography Policy: All groups of two or more must obtain a photography permit in advance.

Please note: Brookside Gardens’ vehicle entrances feature deer exclusion grates, which also preclude pedestrians from crossing. All pedestrians should enter the Gardens through either the pedestrian entrances on Glenallan Avenue to the left of the vehicle entrance, or the conservatory pedestrian entrance to the right of the vehicle entrance. Crossing the deer exclusion grates on foot could result in injury.

 

Weddings and Other Venue Rentals at Brookside Gardens

Award-winning Brookside Gardens is a picture-perfect location for garden weddings. From April through October, groups as large as 110 enjoy the Gardens’ shimmering ponds, romantic gazebos, colorful gardens, and green lawn expanses for celebrations of all kinds. The contemporary Reception Hall and Conservatory are available year-round and are ideal locations for large and small indoor gatherings.

Brookside Gardens offers a choice of meeting venues. The Hall, with its panoramic view of the regularly changing, spectacular garden displays, can seat 175 lecture room-style. Brookside’s classrooms are also available for small meetings or training sessions for groups up to 50.

For more information, visit the Venue Rentals and Photo Permits webpage.  To schedule a private event consultation or tour, click here.

Registration Online

Sign up for activities, classes, and events at Brookside Gardens 24 hours a day, seven days a week through ActiveMONTGOMERY.

eNewsletter

Find out the latest news including upcoming programs and activities by signing up for Brookside Gardens’ monthly eNewsletter by clicking on this link.

Donations

Contributions to the Montgomery County Parks Foundation on behalf of Brookside Gardens keep the Gardens moving forward to become an even stronger community resource. They also ensure hours of enjoyment for future Brookside Gardens visitors. Please donate to the Montgomery County Parks Foundation today.

Sponsorships

All inquiries regarding sponsorships may be directed to Ellen Bennett, 301-962-1402 or Ellen.Bennett@montgomeryparks.org

Last Updated: November 23, 2020