Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
A Hidden Gem of Nature, History, and Community in Shoreline
Nestled quietly in Shoreline’s Richmond Beach neighborhood, the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is one of the area’s most treasured green spaces, a place where nature, education, and history intertwine. Spanning four lush acres, the Garden was lovingly cultivated by Dr. Art and Mareen Kruckeberg beginning in 1958, evolving over the decades into a public sanctuary for learning, reflection, and inspiration. Today, the nonprofit Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation continues their legacy, protecting the land, nurturing native plants, and welcoming visitors of all ages to explore, learn, and reconnect with the natural world.
Q & A with Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
How long have you been in business?
67 years
What inspired you to start?
The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden (pronounced KROO-kuh-berg) was founded in 1958 when Dr. Art Kruckeberg and his wife Mareen moved to a 4-acre farmhouse in Shoreline. In 1998, friends and neighbors formed the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Garden and providing assistance with maintenance and events.
On October 14, 2003, Art Kruckeberg signed a Grant Deed of Conservation Easement that protects the property in perpetuity from development.
What service do you provide for our community?
An open green space hidden in the Richmond Beach neighborhood, the 4-acre garden and nursery are a “secret garden” open to the public.
What do you love the most about Shoreline?
The community has always supported us.
Why are you located in Shoreline?
The space belonged to a Shoreline family.
What inspires you each day?
Seeing generations of families return to the garden. Our trees and landscape have matured and changed just like their family.
What has been your proudest moment so far?
The completion of the 650-foot raised ADA-accessible walkway (boardwalk). This achievement makes the garden accessible to everyone.
How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?
We are your local nursery. We know what grows in your yard because we are in your community.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Shoreline?
Plant strong roots and connect to others.
How does Kruckeberg support or give back to the local community?
We offer a place of tranquility and calmness.
What future plans or goals do you have?
Now open on Thursdays, we hope to become even more accessible with our operating hours.
What’s your next upcoming event?
We have workshops and classes every month. In December, celebrate the return of the light at our Solstice Event on Saturday, December 20.
Connect with Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
📍 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177
📞 206-541-1281
🌐 kruckeberg.org
📧 programming@kruckeberg.org
📱 Instagram: @kruckeberg_botanic | Facebook: Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
