The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is now offering a free Third Thursday Garden Mingle.

In the spirit of Tacoma’s 3rd Thursday Art Mingle, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden will host free evenings every third Thursday.

The Third Thursday Garden Mingle is the perfect time to relax with friends, family or just you and nature. Take a sunset stroll among thousands of rhododendrons and their companion plants, indulge your sense of photography or kick up your heels on a shaded bench. If it gets chilly, you can always find serenity among the rushing waters and towering boulders of the tropical Rutherford Conservatory.

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden offers much to explore, including their big leaf rhododendron forest, alpine and pond gardens, and Himalayan Blue Poppy meadow. The garden has well over 120 species of rhododendrons in flower.

For more botanical artistry, walk through the world’s largest public fern stumpery, a sculptural environment of tree roots and ferns. The Garden Gift Shop and nursery are fully stocked and will also be open if you want to take home an evening treasure from the Garden.

Third Thursday Garden Mingle runs from 4-7 p.m. April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 17. Admission is free.

Visit RhodyGarden.org for more information and a schedule of spring events. The garden is located at 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way.