We can't think of a better way to welcome spring than with a walk through a brilliantly green moss garden. Outside Japan, the best place to get an up-close look is in the lush Northwest, where several beloved public gardens have moss collections. Head out now, after rain has left the gardens fresh-scrubbed and ready for guests.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA
Bloedel Reserve.
10-4 Wed-Sun (call for reservations); $10;
Bloedel Reserve
(206/842-7631)
SEATTLE, WA
Seattle Japanese Garden in Washington Park Arboretum.
10-6 Tue-Sun; $5;
Seattle Parks and
Recreation (206/684-4725)
VANCOUVER, B.C.
Nitobe Memorial Garden at the University of British
Columbia.
10-2:30 Mon-Fri through Mar 15, then 10-6 daily; $4;
Nitobe Memorial Garden
(604/822-9666)
