Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

For those who appreciate desert-style plantings, the gardens at PDZA are without parallel here in the Pacific Northwest. I think this may be the largest collection of in-ground agaves you’ll find anywhere in Washington!

Sumptuous and dazzling, the daringly designed and meticulously maintained gardens of Tacoma’s PDZA should be a destination in themselves, as they comprise a veritable gem of horticultural accomplishment hidden in plain sight. Upon visiting I was thunderstruck by the quality and quantity of well-grown rare plants from all corners of the globe. To highlight just one aspect, nowhere else in the Pacific Northwest can the public encounter such a vast array of beautifully grown xeriscape plants in a naturalistic setting.

A plant and garden enthusiast’s treasure! The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium gardens feature lush plantings from unusual to native flora. Not only visual but educational, the gardens invite visitors to connect with plants, animals, and their environment. The unique, xeric Desert Garden, the bamboo collection in the Asian Forest Sanctuary, the natural textures and color of Red Wolf Woods – I could go on and on; these gardens are worth visiting anytime!

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a botanical paradise made up of an incredible variety of gardens. From tropical rain forests to arid deserts, each landscape reflects the habitat of the animals in the zoological collections. The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a “hort-nerd” nirvana. As you wander the gardens full of gazillions of rare and unusual plants, it’s hard to believe you are in the Pacific Northwest. Sign up for a free public botanical garden tour and get expert tips from the incredibly knowledgeable horticulturalist Bryon Jones.

A visit to this zoo/garden is one-of-a-kind.  There is an opportunity to see and learn about animals from around the world as well as see them in an environment similar to where they may actually live.  The grounds contains a plethora of rare plants not often seen. One can explore the grounds on your own, guided by many educational signs; or you can take part in one of the tours where guides explain all the details. Education for all ages is a major goal. Bryon Jones, continually teases you with new plants, new ideas, and excitement.

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Gardens provide a rare opportunity to experience exotic animals among the plant communities associated with their native habitats. Each time I visit I marvel at the lush, tropical feel and the many different species of bamboo in the Asian Forest Sanctuary. This is in direct contrast with the spiny, succulent plants of the Desert Garden. The diversity of gardens in the zoo is amazing. With each visit I discover new and interesting plants. Horticulturalist Bryon Jones’ Garden Tours offer unique opportunities to learn more about the zoo’s plants including how to grow your favorites and where to find these rare beauties. The zoo’s gardens add excitement and interest to the animals but to this gardener, the plants alone are well worth a visit.