bulbs, grasses, trees, and shrubs along the stairs and paths of the garden. Yao Garden The Yao Garden is a Japanese themed garden that hosts plants from the Pacific Northwest, Japan, and around the Pacific Rim. Although formerly a detention for water, the space now consists of a small river stream surrounded by maples, azaleas, rhododendrons, and viburnums. Originally part of Kelsey Creek Park in 1971, the Yao Garden relocated as the botanical garden project began in 1990. Part of the Bellevue Sister Cities Association (BSCA) along with four other cities including Yao Japan; the organization works to cultivate relationships on an international level. Since 1977 BSCA has sponsored an exchange program between students from Bellevue and students from Japan. Urban Meadows Opened in March 2017, the Urban Meadow features various grasses, perennials, a wetland, and a mason bee box. Both native and exotic plant species are included in this cultivated meadow for a natural look and year-round highlights. Being a garden that was added to the Bellevue Botanical Garden collection, later on, designer Jil Stenn found a way to blend the new Urban Meadow with the surrounding gardens including the Waterwise Garden, Iris Rain Garden, and Rock Garden. Although the project had a rough start due to rainfall, it was completed before the Bellevue Botanical Garden's 25th-anniversary celebration. Contributors take pride in the colors displayed throughout the year, the animal sightings, no chemical uses in the garden, and the dedication of benches and trees to honor loved ones. Bellevue Botanical Garden Society Started by the same individuals that initiated the Bellevue Botanical Garden project—Bob and Iris Jewett—the garden is run on an all-volunteer basis and collaborates with various organizations to maintain each garden. The society aims to inspire their guests in the community share about ecology and horticulture through education programs in Bellevue. Various classes and events are organized regularly including the holiday lights festival as a tangible way to teach and inspire community members. See also List of botanical gardens in the United States References External links www.bellevuebotanical.org Official Website Botanical gardens in Washington (state) Parks in Bellevue, Washington Japanese gardens in the United States