The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society cultivates the bond between plants and people, raising funds to support the Garden’s physical growth and development, and providing educational programs and community events
Society Role
The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society works in partnership with the City of Bellevue to achieve the Garden’s mission. Our role is to raise funds, support the Garden’s physical growth and development, and provide a broad range of programs and events designed to engage, inspire and inform Garden visitors. We rely on donations, memberships, special events and sponsorships to support the free and low-cost educational programs for children and adults that enrich our community.
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society Mission
Perpetuate and further enhance the Bellevue Botanical Garden as a learning resource in partnership with the City of Bellevue.
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society Vision
Through education and community involvement, we inspire all generations to advance Northwest horticultural knowledge, and preserve natural beauty and our local ecology.
Bellevue Botanical Garden Mission
Bellevue Botanical Garden displays the best plants and gardening practices for healthy, beautiful Northwest gardens. Visitors are encouraged to participate in Garden volunteerism, events and programs that are engaging, educational and inspiring.
Governance & Staffing
The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society, governed by an all-volunteer board of directors, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Washington. Various Society committees are headed by board members. Some of the major committees include Education, Finance, and Events. To assist the Society to further its mission, paid Society staff work on-site at the Garden. The Society also has a large cadre of dedicated volunteers who help us fulfill our mission. Operating funds are raised through membership dues, events, donations, and sponsorships. Some of the special events the BBGS hosts include the fun summer Arts in the Garden, and the delightful winter Garden d’Lights.
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society Board of Directors 2023-2024
Officers:
Tracy Botsford, President
To Be Announced, Vice President
Sara Hutton, Treasurer
Genevieve Macdonald, Secretary
Directors:
Kathryn Carlson
Charles Freedenberg
Robin Root James
Yasmin Karimli
Tere Kaulfus
Sielen Namdar
Jane Ramsay
Kathleen Searcy
Elaine Woo
Carolyn Yuen
History
The Bellevue Botanical Garden Society was founded in 1984 by Iris and Bob Jewett, with the idea to build and support a free public botanical garden for their local community. It came to fruition when Harriet and Cal Shorts generously donated their home and 7.5 acres to develop the Bellevue Botanical Garden. The Society was then incorporated in January 1986 as a non-profit organization. Since 1992, in partnership with the City of Bellevue, more than 45 acres have been added to the Garden. Today, the 53-acre Bellevue Botanical Garden is a world-renowned community treasure for everyone to enjoy.
For more information about the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society, please email us, or call the Garden at (425) 452-2750.
