Upcoming Events
Check the calendar for all of our upcoming events!
Pavilion By The Pond Programs are typically on the third Wednesday of the month, 12:30pm to 2pm. Refer to the calendar for exact dates. No charge, but donations gladly accepted.
The Pavilion provides covered outdoor seating and is located next to the Schaffer Pond.
The Garden closes for the season from late October to early March.
Plan your event at the Garden.
THE AVIAN EINSTEINS
Constance Sidles, Master Birder, Author, UW Continuing Ed Faculty presents: The Avian Einsteins.
Crows are among the smartest of all birds. They can recognize human faces, pass knowledge along to new generations, work together to protect each other, set up sentries to watch for danger, even use tools. Indeed, all members of the crow family (“corvids”) are intelligent. To learn more about these geniuses, join Connie as she takes us into the secret world of crows.
HERITAGE NW ROSE SOCIETY DISPLAY
June is rose month in the Garden. Join Rosarians showcasing some of their loveliest and most fragrant heritage roses. See some very rare roses. Get your rose questions answered by rose experts. Self-tour the Garden’s Rosarian Walk to view heritage roses.
A ROSE TEA IN THE GARDEN
Rose Tea in the Garden Q & A
This is the inaugural Rose Tea in the Garden! We are looking forward to you joining us to celebrate roses!
Where is the Tea? Soos Creek Botanical Garden is located at 29308 132nd Ave SE, Auburn, WA 98092. The Tea will be held in the Pavilion by the Pond, which is covered and open-sided.
When is the Tea? We will celebrate ROSES Wednesday, June 19th, 12:30 – 3 pm!
What time can/should hosts arrive to set their table and food? We recommend 11:30 am, however the Garden opens at 10 am.
How do I get tickets to attend? You can request tickets at info@sooscreekgarden.com. Tickets are limited to the first 80 sold. Capacity is ten tables of eight guests. We encourage a table host to get eight tickets and invite family, friends, fellow gardeners, etc. There will be a couple of tables for those with individual tickets. Those individuals will need to bring food items to share at the table.
What do you get for the price of admission? For $10 per person, the Garden provides a beautiful venue, with tables & chairs, white tablecloths, little white lights and beverages. For beverages, hot water with a variety of tea will be provided, as well as a rose-flavored pink lemonade and water.
What does each table provide? Each table provides its own table decoration, tableware and tea menu. The menu can be traditional tea sandwiches, salads, scones or whatever you prefer! It can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. We hope that each table is a unique experience based on the host and guest creativity!
Should we bring our BEST china and tableware? That’s up to you, however, in case you haven’t been to the Garden before, parking is about a block from the pavilion. There is packed gravel in the parking lot followed by an asphalt drive, then a brick sidewalk, a section of grass, a small bridge and more brick sidewalk to get to the pavilion. We will have a few light-weight wagons available to help you transport – but it could be a bumpy ride! The table setting is up to the table host. You are welcome to use disposable (preferably biodegradable) dishes with your teacups. Reusable plastic is also lightweight to transport. Colorful placemats would be bright and cheerful!
Will there be a competition for the best table theme and setting? No. We will NOT be judging tables though we encourage creativity in tablescapes to add to the fun! A door prize will be provided to each table instead.
Will there be any entertainment during the tea? Yes! There will be a MUSICIAN playing during tea service, then a Garden docent will share some FUN FACTS about roses with a prize for the best listener, followed by an extended game of FLOWER BINGO!
What is Flower Bingo? Flower Bingo is the same as normal bingo except the numbers are flowers! The cards will be $1/card; people can have up to 3 cards. We will plan for run-on games to use the same card(s) for multiple winners. Winners can choose between a variety of rose-themed gifts.
Is this a fundraiser for the Garden? Yes! There will be SCBG donation envelopes on tables to provide additional donations as desired.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19th, 12:30 – 3:00PM!
JAZZ IN THE GARDEN
SEATTLE JAZZ NETWORK is back by popular demand with their 10 piece jazz band for this 21 and over event. Tickets $20 at the gate. Wine & Chocolate for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs or use ours. Gates open 1 hour prior to show
THE STYLES & STORIES OF OUR FAMOUS FIRST LADIES
Alice Miller, Historian presents: The Styles and Stories of our Famous First Ladies.
Hear the stories and see the fashions of some of our famous first ladies. Learn about the colors and fashions they loved to wear and even the fashions they weren’t allowed to wear! Their tales might amuse and surprise you. Funny family stories? Favorite flowers? Historical clothing collector, Alice Miller, will share these delightful stories with us. Alice has been a guest speaker at the Museum of Flight and Washington State Museum.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN
Emerald Theatre presents: Shakespeare in the Garden.
Enjoy this Family Friendly Shakespearean Comedy. Bring your lawn chairs or use ours. Tickets $10/$15, at the gate. Children 5 and under free. Gates open 1 hour prior to shows. No alcohol.
INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE
Ryan & Mary Steuber from 13 Hens Farm present: Introduction to Permaculture.
The Steubers are Enumclaw farmers who practice Permaculture methods growing organic fruits and veggies, and raising chickens, ducks, sheep, and rescue goats for their family and community. Join them as they share the principals, ethics and importance of Permaculture as a sustainable agriculture system. Learn how you can apply Permaculture principles to your life.
AUBURN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: STRINGS IN THE GARDEN
Join the Auburn Symphony String Quartet for a lovely afternoon in the Garden for fun, family-friendly favorites! Pack a picnic and enjoy some beautiful music with the best view in town. Bring your own lawn chairs or use ours. No alcohol. Gates open at 1pm to stroll the Garden.
Adults: $20
Students: $10
Children 12 and under free
THE ZEN OF JAPANESE GARDENS
Molly van der Burch, Master Gardener presents: The Zen of Japanese Gardens.
Explore the three types of Japanese gardens: dry landscaped, courtyard and stroll gardens. Learn the histories and stories behind each of these unique styles. Beautiful photos taken in Japan may inspire you to re-create elements of these peaceful gardens here in the Pacific Northwest. SCBG has some elements of Japanese gardens: a pond, a flowing stream, graceful bridges, stones and green plants surrounding the pond.
ENDLESS VARIETY
Patrick & Margaret Spence from Cascadia Iris Gardens in Lake Stevens present: Endless Variety.
Iris can create year ‘round bloom, and enhance any spot in your garden. Peonies provide a wide variety of flower size, shape, color and fragrance. Join us to hear Patrick share his passion for Iris and Peonies and see these flowers in his beautiful powerpoint. Take time to visit the Rosarian Walk to see specialty Iris donated in the Spring of 2023 by Patrick.
Garden opens for the Season
Welcome back! The late winter and early spring blooms await you - forsythia, flowering cherry, camellia, rhododendrons, hellebores and charming bulbs abound. The new foliage of perennials is beginning to peak out of the cold ground. What will you discover on your visit?
Backyard Chickens: 101
Mary Stueber is co-owner and head chicken-keeper at “13 Hens Farm” in Maple Valley. Her current flock includes over 70 chickens, 15 ducks, and 2 turkeys. Mary will discuss chicken and duck keeping topics. Mary and her family sell organic vegetables, flowers and eggs at the MV Farmers Market, May to September. Come and hear some of her happy stories about raising poultry.
“Strings in the Garden”
The Auburn Symphony Chamber Orchestra returns to the Garden on August 27th for “Strings in the Garden.”
Join the Auburn Symphony String Quartet for a lovely afternoon in the Garden for fun, family-friendly favorites!
Some chairs will be available, or you may bring your own. Pack a picnic and enjoy some beautiful music with the best view in town. The ticket prices are:
Adults $18
Students: $8
12 and under: Free
Click here to purchase tickets: https://www.auburnsymphony.org/202324-season/garden2023
Tickets may be ordered by phone at 253-887-7777
Carpooling is encouraged.
Summer Sizzlers: The Clematis of July, August and Beyond
Master Gardener, Laura Watson, will share her love of Clematis, especially the late summer bloomers: Profuse Clematis, Trumpets, Urns, the late Large- Flowered and Non-Climbing Clematis varieties. Using great photos, Laura will share care and pruning tips about Clematis: the “Queen of Climbers!” So, as Laura says, “Grow the Heck up! Embellish your Garden with Clematis Vines!”
Emerald Theatre presents “Twelfth Night”
Emerald Theater’s 2022 production of Shakespeare’s “MidSummer Night’s Dream”
Join us for a fun performance of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” set in the 1920s. Seating is provided in the Pavilion, but you are welcome to bring a blanket and sit on the grass.
Two performances: Saturday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Sunday performance at 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets begin selling at emeraldtheatre.org on July 5th.
Prices: General admission $15; Seniors & Military & Youth (17 & under) $10; FREE for Children 5 and under.
Tickets also available at the door, 1 hour before the performances.
Emerald Theatre presents “Twelfth Night”
Emerald Theater’s 2022 production of Shakespeare’s “MidSummer Night’s Dream”
Join us for a fun performance of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” set in the 1920s. Seating is provided in the Pavilion, but you are welcome to bring a blanket and sit on the grass.
Two performances: Saturday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Sunday performance at 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets begin selling at emeraldtheatre.org on July 5th.
Prices: General admission $15; Seniors & Military & Youth (17 & under) $10; FREE for Children 5 and under.
Tickets also available at the door, 1 hour before the performances.
Beauty and Duty: 100 Years of Women in Our Armed Forces
Join historian Alice Miller as she displays authentic and some rare women’s military uniforms and shares personal stories of the women who wore them. Learn how women advancing in the military ranks have helped women in civilian life as well. Learn why and how the uniforms were made and how they relate to fashions of the time periods. We will begin with a uniform from 1898!
"Jazz Network”
Get ready to groove with “Seattle Jazz Network,” a 10-piece swinging jazz band plus their own jazzy singer! This group has wowed us over the last couple of years and we look forward to their return. Invite your friends to join you for a fun summer evening in the Garden.
Wine and chocolate available for purchase.
Grab one of our chairs or bring your own.
This is an over 21 event.
Please consider carpooling.
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-network-tickets-642606482287
Grand Opening of the Rosarian Walk Garden
Grand Opening of the Rosarian Walk Garden
Explore over 100 “Old Garden Roses” all planted within the new Rosarian Walk Garden. Meet at the totem pole and picnic table area for a tour of the new Rosarian Walk with the Garden docents.
Local rose societies will be on hand to answer questions about heritage roses and memberships in their societies.
Light refreshments to follow.
A Rose Journey
With Rose Lee
Help to celebrate the Grand Opening of the newest part of SCBG, “The Rosarian Walk.” Rose will share her life-long personal journey of how she came to collect one of the most romantic of flowers, including the challenges and successes. Following her program, which focuses on the Heritage and other roses planted in early Spring 2022, the SCBG docents will lead us through the new Garden.
Rainier Youth Choir
Featuring Disney music: "We are One" performed by youth from 13 to 18 years old.
This is a FREE event, No ticket needed.
We hope you’ll come and enjoy this good family event!
Heritage Roses Northwest Annual Old Garden Rose Display
The Pavilion will be awash with fragrant roses as Heritage Roses Northwest puts on their annual rose display. This is not a judged competition but an educational display of the wide variety of members’ antique Old Garden Roses.
Please come to this FREE event and see these locally grown, lovely, fragrant and historic roses, and learn about which of these heirloom roses you, too, might like to grow.
The heritage roses in the Garden’s new Rosarian Walk will be blooming, be sure to enjoy a stroll. Docents will be on hand at 10:30am to share interesting rose information.
During your visit to our amazingly beautiful Garden this Saturday, June 3rd, stop by our first ever pop-up plant sale, located at the kiosk area near the Heritage Center. We will have a large selection of flowering and other desirable plants for your yards, all reasonably priced.
We can accept checks or cash only during this special sale (exact change please, or feel free to make a donation to our non-profit Garden), so be sure to come prepared to purchase some lovely items this Saturday!
The Great Blue Heron
With Connie Sidles
Come along with Master Birder and author, Connie Sidles, as she introduces you to herons that have shaped our culture and continue to fill our lives with beauty. Majestic and mysterious, the elegant plumes of herons enticed hunters to kill them. Their near extinction inspired people to start Audubon Societies across the world, one of the earliest and most successful conservation efforts.
Saturday Plant Sale
We’re adding new, colorful blooming plants to our plant sale area for your shopping pleasure, Saturday, April 29th!
Remember Mothers Day is just around the corner, so pick up a plant or two to celebrate your mom. We'll also have some beautiful hand-painted porcelain items for sale.
Hope to see you at the Garden!
Garden Closed for “Arbor Day Prune”
There will be heavy pruning being done on this day garden-wide, so for safety reasons, we will be closed.
The Garden was selected by Plant Amnesty to be the recipient of their “Arbor Day Prune.”
Every year, ISA Certified Arborists from the Plant Amnesty Tree Committee and Referral Service celebrate Arbor Day by volunteering their time, equipment, and expertise at a local park or non-profit property. Last year thirteen companies represented by 26 arborists donated their time to the Cass Turnbull Garden. Over the course of seven hours, approximately $30,000 worth of work was performed.
SCBG is very excited to welcome Plant Amnesty to the Garden and receive their expert services to help us improve the health and safety of our grounds.
Spring Plant Sale
Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22.
Spring is slowly peeking around the corner here at SCBG, welcoming the earliest of buds and bulbs. We welcome you to come to our annual Spring plant sale to enjoy these early delights and browse through the offerings in our nursery.
We've been busy since January preparing for your visit, and our nursery is full of plants suitable for your Pacific Northwest garden. We'll have some of your often-requested plants from our Garden as well as a colorful selection of blooming perennials.
The Master Gardeners will be on site to answer your plant and pest questions. The Auburn Rainier Audubon Society will be here to talk all things birds. Ask about our collaboration with them to install 12 new nesting boxes throughout our Garden. They've installed three so far...can you find them?
Rose Lee, an expert in all things roses, will be here to talk about the new Rosarian Walk and will have a variety of plants available for sale, including her wonderful sweet peas!
Remember Mothers Day is only 3 weeks after our sale, so pick up a plant or two to celebrate your mom. We'll also have some beautiful hand-painted porcelain items for sale.
Take some time to stroll through the Garden to see the ducks on the pond, rhododendrons bursting with color and hellebores in full spring glory. Listen to our cheerful songbirds and check out the Pavilion by the Pond for your next event.
Remember that you, too, can become a volunteer at Soos Creek Botanical Garden. It will become your happy place!
Container Gardening
With Lauren Linscott the Bonney Lake Plant Lady.
Maximize your small spaces or add a focal point to your larger areas with a head-turning, gorgeous container garden. Watch Lauren a landscape and container designer, as she creates a stunning container sure to bring joy in each season. Lauren will show how a container garden can reflect the seasons with just a few changes. Pick up pro tips from Lauren on her FB page and Instagram.
