About the NPA Border

This amazing garden, maintained by volunteers, is NPA's gift to the community. The Border has been a featured attraction at Bellevue Botanical Garden (BBG) since 1991. It is a source of education, inspiration and hands-on learning opportunities for NPA members, horticulture students and gardeners throughout the Puget Sound area. BBG is free and open to the public daily, dawn to dusk. Driving directions.

In 2008, the NPA, in partnership with BBG and the city of Bellevue, began a dramatic renovation, based on a new plan by two of the Border's original designers, Glenn Withey and Charles Price. Volunteers dug and saved hundreds of plants from the original garden. Heavy equipment was brought in to re-contour the steep slope and create new beds filled with lavish soil amendments. Comfortable strolling paths, two main staircases and beautiful teak benches were installed. Finally, thousands of new perennials, evergreens, bulbs, shrubs and trees were added for year-round color, interest and beauty. See the exciting new Border design.

Thank you, Border donors!

The two-year renovation of the Border was the largest undertaking in NPA history, and was made possible with the donation of plants, money and support from our members, local nurseries, the BBG Society and the city of Bellevue. Our heartfelt thanks to all the generous friends who helped. See our donor list. If you would like to contribute to the Border, please make a donation.

George Lasch, NPA Border Supervisor

George is the NPA Border Supervisor at BBG, where he welcomes volunteers, students and community service volunteers, all working to keep the new Border looking its best. Click here to find out more about George. Want to work with George? Email him.

Volunteers make the difference.

Volunteering a few hours in the Border is the ideal way to update your skills and expand your knowledge of Northwest perennials. You’ll be amazed how much you will learn, while enjoying the company of other passionate gardeners.

Being part of a crew doesn’t mean a monthly obligation. Just pick the day that works best for you and come when you can. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. We welcome all skill levels. To volunteer click here.