Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Admission to the gardens is free.
Brookside Gardens’ vehicle entrances feature deer exclusion grates, which also preclude pedestrians from crossing. All pedestrians should enter the Gardens through the pedestrian entrances on Glenallan Avenue, on the left of the vehicle entrance, or the conservatory pedestrian entrance, to the right of the vehicle entrance. Crossing the deer exclusion grates on foot could result in injury.
The Gardens are open for your enjoyment, relaxation, and exercise from sunrise to sunset.
For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, please comply with Brookside Gardens rules:
- Balloons, confetti and glitter are not allowed in the Gardens.
- Food, drink, and picnicking are not allowed in the Gardens.
- Picnic facilities are available nearby at the Shorefield Area of Wheaton Regional Park.
- Pets are not allowed with the exception of service animals.
- A dog park is available nearby at the Orebaugh Rd. area of Wheaton Regional Park.
- Pets are allowed in all other areas of Wheaton Regional Park.
- Frisbees, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, balls, skates, skis, sleds, and recreational and athletic equipment are not allowed in the Gardens.
- Sporting Equipment is allowed nearby at Wheaton Regional Park.
- Shoes are required in the Gardens.
- Please do not fish or swim in the water and please do not walk in flower beds.
- Audio devices are not allowed (headphones are allowed).
- Please do not feed or disturb geese, fish, or wildlife.
- Please do not remove any plant material or wildlife.
- Limousines must obtain a permit in advance of entering Brookside Gardens.
- All groups of two or more must obtain a photography permit in advance.
Weddings and Event Rentals at Brookside Gardens
Award-winning Brookside Gardens is a picture-perfect location for garden weddings. From April through October, groups as large as 110 enjoy the Gardens’ shimmering ponds, romantic gazebos, colorful gardens, and green lawn expanses for celebrations of all kinds. The contemporary Reception Hall and Conservatory are available year-round and are ideal locations for large and small indoor gatherings.
Brookside Gardens offers a choice of meeting venues. The Hall, with its panoramic view of the regularly changing, spectacular garden displays, can seat 175 lecture room-style. Brookside’s classrooms are also available for small meetings or training sessions for groups up to 50.
- For more information, visit the Venue Rentals and Photo Permits Webpage.
- Email to schedule a private event consultation or tour.
Spring & Summer Cultivate Program Guide
- Sign up for activities, classes, and events at ActiveMONTGOMERY.
- Access the Spring and Summer 2025 Cultivate Program Guide.
eNewsletter
Get the latest news, including programs and activities, by signing up for Brookside Gardens’ monthly eNewsletter.
Donations
Contributions to the Montgomery County Parks Foundation on behalf of Brookside Gardens keep the Gardens moving forward to become an even more vital community resource. They also ensure hours of enjoyment for future Brookside Gardens visitors. Please donate to the Montgomery County Parks Foundation today.
Sponsorships
All inquiries regarding sponsorships may be directed to Stephanie Oberle, 301-962-1411, or Email Stephanie.Oberle@montgomeryparks.org.
Parking
Visitors may park for free at the 1800 Glenallan Ave or 1500 Glenallan Ave entrances. Electric vehicle charging stations are available near the Visitor Center.
Oversized vehicles such as buses or motor coaches should call 301-962-1404 in advance to check on parking availability. Please refrain from parking oversized vehicles in the parking lots.
Bicyclists may utilize the bike racks at the Ferngate pedestrian entrance at 1800 Glenallan Ave or, once inside the gardens grounds, they may walk their bike to the Visitor Center bike rack located near the overlook. Additionally, bike racks are available at the Pine Lake/Shorefield Gate in Wheaton Regional Park.