Enumclaw’s Anderson Garden was host to 15 Green River Community College Prime Time students last week.

Owners John and Doreen Anderson shared with the group stories about the history and points-of-interest of the colorful garden. They took the group on a tour of the four acres of rhododendrons, azaleas and pocket gardens scattered around the property as well as many unique garden benches John Anderson makes from fallen trees, stumps and other materials.

The history began in 1961, when Bob and Betty Anderson moved to Enumclaw and bought land filled with rich, black volcanic soil deposited by Mount Rainier thousands of years ago. They transformed it from a hayfield into a lush garden with a collection of 100-plus species and 400 hybrids of rhododendrons. Complementing the hybrids are hundreds of companion plants (trees, shrubs and flowers) carefully chosen for form, leaf texture, color and compatibility with nearby plants. The garden has since been passed down to the next generation (John and Doreen Anderson), who have continued to develop and nurture the garden.

Prime Time is a Green River Community College membership program for active adult learners ages 55 and older. Members enjoy intellectual learning through short, noncredit courses, discussion groups, social activities and educational tours.