The UW’s Medical Herb Garden is in Full Bloom
The strolling's good (but touching is bad!) at this century-old garden.
By Carolyn Yuen June 10, 2011
This article originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Seattle magazine.
Originally planted by the University of Washington School of Pharmacy in 1911, the Medicinal Herb Garden has survived budget cuts and campus expansion, as well as a post–World War II shift in national preference from herbal to synthetic medicines. Now maintained by the UW Department of Biology, under the care of curator and gardener Keith Possee, the century-old garden spans 2.5 acres and boasts more than 1,000 species of medicinal herbs and plants (none of which are ever harvested; the garden is for educational and display purposes only). Paths meander through seven sections of species, such as the spotted touch-me-not (a contact-shy plant that actually relieves rashes), the boxthorn species that produces goji berries (all the rage in smoothies) and Sweet Annie (critical in the treatment of malaria). This month is the perfect time to look—but don’t touch; picking is strictly prohibited. Open daily. Free. Guided tours available with arrangements made two weeks prior. Located on the UW campus on Stevens Way (southwest of the Chemistry Building); 206.543.0436; www.biology.washington.edu/mhg.
Follow Us
82 Million Tons of E-Waste by 2030. Now What?
Smart ways to handle old electronics after a holiday upgrade.
Every holiday season, our houses fill with upgraded gadgets and the promise that we’ll deal with the old stuff later. Meanwhile, the drawer of mystery cords multiplies, and some items just get tossed out. Most of us mean well, but those castoff electronics often end up somewhere they really shouldn’t. And with about 59% of…
Going to the Mountains This Winter? Read This.
A new online tool breaks down avalanche basics for anyone planning snowy fun off the beaten path.
I’m a rule follower when it comes to the outdoors. This summer, my family did some backcountry hiking in Whistler and made sure to do everything by the book—texting friends our plan and location, and wearing a bear bell even though it felt a little dorky. It’s reassuring to know you’ve covered the basics before…
Historic Flooding Prompts WA Governor to Declare Emergency
Rivers are surging around the state amid days of heavy rainfall.
As floodwaters swelled around Washington, threatening low-lying communities along rivers, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a statewide emergency declaration on Wednesday. Ferguson says he’ll also seek an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government in response to the flooding, which is the result of an atmospheric river that has dumped multiple inches of rain in parts…
Barnes & Noble Is Coming Back to Downtown Seattle
The bookseller will open a new flagship at 520 Pike, marking the largest retail lease in downtown Seattle since 2020.
Barnes & Noble is returning to downtown Seattle for the first time since early 2020. The national bookseller has signed a 10-year lease for a new flagship at 520 Pike Street, a 29-story tower, taking over 17,538 square feet on the corner of Pike and 6th Avenue. The store is expected to open in the…