"As we become more and more city creatures, living in man-made surroundings, perhaps gardens will become even more precious to us, letting us remember that we began in a garden."

--Eulalie Wagner 1904-1991

In keeping with Eulalie's wishes, Lakewold Gardens is fulfilling an important civic role by offering a haven of horticultural beauty and repose within our urban area. As a service to the community, Lakewold is open to the public for self-guided or docent tours and to private groups for special occasions such as weddings. As part of our Outreach Program to support nonprofit organizations, Lakewold is available as a venue to the performing arts community, regional schools, and garden clubs at a nominal fee, or free of charge.

Working with Thomas Church, one of America's most noted landscape architects, Eulalie shaped the gardens into an elegant balance between formal and informal design. As a testimony to Eulalie's accomplishments, the American Horticultural Society awarded her the Catherine H. Sweeney Award in 1990, recognizing her extraordinary and dedicated efforts in the field of horticulture. Furthermore, the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation declared Lakewold an historic site in 1999. Lakewold was one of the first properties added to the Register of Historic places of the City of Lakewood, Washington. Today, Lakewold stands as one of the few estate properties in the Tacoma area that has not been subdivided, due primarily to the vision of its principal creator, Eulalie Wagner. She has left the community a piece of our history that must be preserved for future generations.

Visitors to this historic ten-acre estate will find something around every corner. The gardens are a series of formal and informal outdoor "rooms". Unusual to the Pacific Northwest, the formal gardens are a reflection of European landscape architecture that feature formal parterres accented by topiaries. The signature focal point of the formal gardens is the rose-covered belvedere, which overlooks the distinctive quatrefoil pool. Classic statuary as well as a medieval-inspired knot garden further highlight the formal gardens. Eulalie's influence can be seen in the garden's many naturalistic displays, along with her passion for Rhododendrons.

The beauty of the gardens is complemented by a Georgian-style manor featuring a spiral staircase, a marble foyer, and a Wisteria-covered verandah that overlooks Gravelly Lake with vistas of Mount Rainier in the distance. The plant collection includes over 250 species of Rhododendrons, a hallmark of Lakewold, more than 30 varieties of Japanese Maple, and many unique trees, shrubs and ground covers from around the world.

Lakewold Gardens is one of the treasures of the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to the foresight of Eulalie Wagner, her family, and friends, we are able to offer this formerly private estate for our community to enjoy. We thank them and hope you will also by giving us your support.

The Friends of Lakewold was formed in 1986 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission, "To preserve Lakewold Gardens as an inspirational experience offering continued growth and learning for the public in a unique, historic estate setting."

12317 Gravelly Lake Drive S.W.  Lakewood WA 98499 ● Mailing Address: P.O. Box 39780 Lakewood WA 98496-3780
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Home | History | Volunteers | Education | Meeting Rooms | Weddings | Garden Shop
Employment | Visiting | Gardens | Membership | Events | Other Links | Directions | Contact Us