It's almost time for shorts and sandals again. Nature is shrugging off its slumber and flourishing with colors and fragrances, blooming flowers and leafy, green trees. The vibrancy and renewal of spring is here.

It has arrived at Lakewold Gardens as well.

Located on Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood and just minutes from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the 10-acre garden features rare and native plants, such as state champion trees, along with more than 900 rhododendrons, 30 Japanese maples, sprawling gardens and multiple picnic and bench areas to relax and just get away from it all.

The garden is a local and inexpensive way for family to connect in a space of beauty. Imagine this: a leisurely lunch off Gravelly Lake as hummingbirds flirt about Chilean flame trees and dragonflies dart about the sweet fragrance of Rhodie loderi and Magnolia Sieboldii. Bumblebees and butterflies sprint across hyacinths, Himalayan blue poppies, and geraniums, and a cool breeze drifts off the lake's surface.

"I sat in my office for hours watching this family curled up on a blanket under the trees," said Stephanie Walsh, Lakewolds's executive director. "It was so quiet and peaceful, and they were so relaxed. That's the type of experience you'll have here."

Opened in 1989, the garden is rich in history as it was formerly an estate garden summer home. Lakewold highlights fern gardens, a shade garden, rock garden and a pond, fountain, and picnic area. The lattice-structured teahouse has trails of roses climbing toward the sky near dogwood and flower-filled boxwood parterre beds. The Lookout Garden of Peace sits beneath a Wolf Tree Douglas Fir, and the nearby trail bursts with blues, whites and yellow burgundies.

At the height of spring when the garden is in full blossom, Lakewold plays host to May Fest, which will be held this year from May 5 to 13. Visitors will enjoy a historical display and history tour of the gardens. The Arts Commission Exhibit will be in the European-style Wagner House and will consist of a compilation of pieces from local artists. The Memorie Singers will perform on May 11, and Spring Tabletops settings and presentations will preview designer samplings to inspire.

For avid gardeners, the garden shop will be open. There will also be a stonework display with demonstrations of old-world stone carving techniques.

The Mother's Day Brunch fundraiser on May 13 will be held among colorful sprinkles of red and pink rhododendrons and cherry blossoms. Attendees will enjoy a buffet-style brunch in the sunrooms and tree-lined veranda, followed by a stroll along the red brick walkway and through the gardens.

Lakewold Gardens in the spring and summer is a great place to host birthday parties and weddings. Interested parties can reserve the entire 10-acre estate to hold receptions, celebrate anniversaries and other special events, for more than 1,200 people. If you're planning a wedding, don't miss the bridal tasting and catering ideas in April.

Self-guided and docent tours are available, and military discounts are offered. 

For more information and hours of operation, visit www.lakewoldgardens.org or call (253) 584-4106.