Lush moss gardens

We can’t think of a better way to welcome spring than with awalk through a brilliantly green moss garden. Outside Japan, thebest place to get an up-close look is in the lush Northwest, whereseveral beloved public gardens have moss collections. Head out now,after rain has left the gardens fresh-scrubbed and ready forguests.

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 andRecreation (206/684-4725)

VANCOUVER, B.C.
Nitobe Memorial Garden at the University of BritishColumbia. 10-2:30 Mon-Fri through Mar 15, then 10-6 daily; $4; Nitobe Memorial Garden(604/822-9666)