PUBLIC GARDENS

South Seattle Arboretum

Established in 1978 through collaboration between South Seattle College and the South Seattle College Foundation, the 5-acre South Seattle College Arboretum was created in response to a petition by Landscape Horticulture Program students for a dedicated arboretum. Situated at the north end of the campus on a bluff overlooking downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the West Duwamish Greenbelt, the Arboretum shares a border with the Seattle Chinese Garden.

Designed and constructed by students as part of their studies, the Arboretum serves as a vital component of the Landscape Horticulture Program. It functions as a living laboratory for courses covering plant identification, arboriculture, pruning, irrigation, garden renovation, plant problem diagnostics, landscape management, and landscape construction. Additionally, the Arboretum serves as an outdoor classroom for professional horticulturists, hobby gardeners, and other college programs, offering a hands-on experience with a diverse range of plants, including those featured on the Washington Certified Professional Horticulturist exam.

Featuring themed gardens like the Northwest Native Plant Garden, the Urban Hedgerow Garden, and the Ornamental Grass Garden, the Arboretum showcases sustainable landscaping practices and plant diversity. Visitors can explore these gardens and demonstration areas, which offer insights into pruning, propagation, and plant selection. The Arboretum at South Seattle College is not just a beautiful public space; it's also a symbol of the college's dedication to horticultural excellence and environmental stewardship.