brookside gardens

NanWisch

This is a great spot to enjoy the garden setting at any time of the year since the flowers and foliage are always changing.Great place to go to relax and read a book or take a lunch box.

HelenaGuerra

Since we were in Wheaton for the first time we decided to check the gardens. It was a pleasant surprise, I didn't expect anything so nice and natural. The gardens are really nice and it's a great place to take a walk and relax. we also could check the first fall colors this season.

jeffl499

A wonderful place to relax as your stroll through trees, flowers and bushes that will embrace you fully in this natural retreat. Brookside is glorious with its variety of colors and shapes while it is gracious in its winding paths that guide you through a full array of gardens. While the spring is the most obvious season to visit, the fall still has a bouquet of colors as well as considerable wildlife on display.The Conservatory with its tropical garden is a year-round treat. Construction has shut down the butterfly area until the spring. The parking lot overflows on weekends so you have to park on the road and walk to the entrance.

TrueFeedback1

This is the hidden gem in Wheaton. I visited in the spring, and it was absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, you cannot bring your dogs (my children) to this section of the park, but it's still a great place.

MagicalTravels

I have visited Brookside Gardens many times. I find it especially lovely in the spring when everything is blooming and in the fall when the leaves are turning colors. I also enjoy seeing the geese, ducks, squirrels, chipmunks, and turtles. Did I mention that it's free?

mothergirl

One of our favorite places to visit as a family. We have been going back again and again. The tropical garden in the conservatory is beautiful all year long and a perfect place to see plants and flowers from different parts of the world. They keep the place very well. Everything is well labelled so you get to know the names of the plants. The out door flower garden is filled with blooming flowers from Spring through Fall. The Japanese Gazebo is a nice place to take a rest and watch the turtles in the big pond. The children play and learn area near the auditorium building is fantastic.They do put on the Wings Of Fantasy Butterfly Show although they did not have it this summer. This garden is also a good place to take a good walk while enjoying plants and flowers.

sle79

Lots of room to relax on blankets. Well maintained colorful place that wows me every year. The butterfly exhibit should not be missed. Live butterfly's lilt around you indoors during the summer months. Great place for all ages.

mjpileggi

Bookside Gardens is a lovely place to visit. My favorite is the butterfly garden, which is a small enclosed area. There's quite a variety. Be sure to bring bottled water if you visit on a hot day. It's humid inside. Got some great photos of the butterflies. The grounds are beautiful and it's nice to walk around. Planning to return here soon.

Just_Me_Bernie

Lots of walking trails, lots to see, do and hear. Visit the nature center and all of the different flower gardens. The rose and tulip gardens are my favorites; lots of aromatics and colors. There is a bit of construction currently going on, so parking was a bit hectic...long wait to get into the parking lot because one of the lots is closed temporarily. Park on the side streets and save yourself the trouble of waiting in line. The scenery is beautiful. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring water! Plenty for the kids to do, see and learn.

RowenaH120

It was so wonderful to see the greenery, cherry trees, and colorful tulips. Every few years it gets renovated to add more gardens or pathways or upgrade the visitor center. It's a great place to stroll and relax. The conservatory, filled with tropical plants and flowers, is also fun to see. We took loads of photos.

annecolorgreen

I've heard so much about this place and decided to stop in during a trip to DC. It was a delight! I only had time to go through the conservancy area but could imagine how wonderful it must be--the grounds are much larger than I expected. The only downside: parking is limited.

2507traveler

We have visited this local treasure in the spring, when all the flowers put on a most beautiful show. We have also visited in JUly, when despite the heat, the gardens were still most impressive. This is a large botanic garden, with an impressive collection of plants, artfully arranged, and complete with plant "nametags" for curious amateur gardeners like myself. Paths are wide, with gentle inclines, and well-maintained. Garden structures, such as the Asian pagoda, add additional interest.I also visited with my family during the December holiday season to see the Garden of LightsWinter Garden Walk WOW!! This is by far the best winter light-scape of ANY I've ever seen!! Walking through at your own pace, every turn in the path reveals another breath-taking scene. Hot chocolate, and hot cider are available. This was beyond my expectations, and well-worth the $25/car entry fee.

wannatravelalways

The brookside gardens are beautiful year round. We especially love them in spring. In winter, the holiday light exhibit and train demo are great for the kids. We usually bring our toddler with a tricycle, but watch out for downward slopes.

debbyt383

It was a $25 per car entry and from the outset, was a wonderful experience. Parking was easy, the lights were beautiful, so detailed and well thought out. Loved the Loch Ness Monster! Sounds could be heard coming from the animal. The model railway was also wonderful. The gift shop had beautiful crafts from USA artisans, so even an opportunity to Christmas shop. We were lucky enough to be there when the carolers sang. With hot chocolate and homemade cake, we were soon in the holiday spirit and left feeling very festive. This was a very enjoyable experience and thoroughly recommended.

rosemay57

A lovely 50 acre garden, you can enjoy any time of the year. There are two conservatories (greenhouses) to enjoy during the winter and beautiful light displays during the holidays. The gardens and conservatories may be rented for weddings and other private events. Within walking distance is the Brookside Nature Center. It is geared toward children and very hands on. There is no admission fee to the Garden. However; yearly special events, such as the live Butterfly and Caterpillar exhibits and holiday light display do have fees.