Situated in a cozy swale amidst quiet residential neighborhoods you will find Pullman’s premier formal garden complex. Gerald Lawson, local farmer, donated 13 acres of land and development funds for this beautiful garden to the City of Pullman in 1985. The garden was dedicated in the memory of Mr. Lawson’s first wife, Alice. Oriented around a large reflecting pool and gazebo, seasonal plantings of colorful annuals accent the walkways and terraced lawns. In 1990 the Pullman Rotary Club donated funds for development of a circular rose garden, which was planted with 600 assorted rose bushes in 1991-92. The extensive perennial garden along the east side of the complex was designed and constructed in a collaborative effort between horticulturist Varnel Williams and volunteers Irene Spencer and Dennis Simpson in 1991. The perennials provide unique and colorful displays year round. In the spring of 1998 high school students from Pullman’s sister city, Kasai City, Japan helped plant eight beautiful flowering cherry trees in Lawson Gardens. Plans for future development of the gardens include a conservatory for tropical and indoor plants as well as theme gardens, such as woodland, Japanese, lilac and native plant gardens. On the hillside north of the rose garden the city has planted a xeriscape demonstration garden where you can learn about drought tolerant plantings that thrive in the local soil and climate. A popular location for summer and fall weddings. The reflecting pool and gazebo provide a lovely setting for wedding ceremonies and photographs. Color scheme and setup information can be obtained from the Parks Department. For Rental information, please call Parks and Recreation office at 338-3228. You may pay the rental fee of $200.00 with check, cash or credit card. We take Visa or MasterCard. | 
