Brighton Dam Azalea Garden

2022 Watershed Season

The watershed is now open for boating and fishing on the reservoirs. Gates open 1/2 hour before sunrise. If you arrive and a gate is not open, please call our Police at 301-206-8888.

• As of August 22, 2022 - Browns Bridge boat ramp is closed to all boats until further notice due low water levels
• Due to the receding water level at Triadelphia Reservoir, Pig Tail boat ramp is open for carry-in boats. No boat trailer access.
• If using a boat trailer, please consider using alternative boat ramps on Triadelphia Reservoir or T. Howard Duckett Reservoir.
• Greenbridge, Triadelphia, and Big Branch boat ramps are fully accessible.

A sediment removal project on Triadelphia Reservoir is scheduled for later this fall. During that time, all boat ramps will be closed and no boating will be allowed. Additionally, the Greenbridge and Pig Tail recreational areas will be closed to ensure public safety due to the construction activity.

Permits can be purchased online or in person at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center or WSSC Water's headquarters. All boat mooring permits must be purchased in person at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center

If you have any questions please contact Watershedrec@WSSCWater.com.

Visiting

Address: Brighton Dam Visitor Center, 2 Brighton Dam Rd, Brookeville, MD 20833
Open: 7 days a week, March 15 through November 30, 7:00 AM until sunset.

Trail is gravel and natural surfaces. Area may be slippery when wet or closed due to heavy rain. 

Visitors who need ADA accommodations or prefer less crowded trails are encouraged to plan a visit for the weekday, between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Those needing accommodations should contact the Visitor Center Guide upon arrival to discuss needs. 

Peak bloom generally occurs in early May. Call the Brighton Dam Visitor Center for information on blooming schedule - 301-206-7485.

History

Established in 1959, Brighton Dam’s Azalea Garden is home to over 22,000 azalea bushes over 5 acres in a hardwood forest. Kousa dogwood trees were added in the 1990’s and the garden is also home to Montgomery County’s champion fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus).

The idea for the garden was from WSSC Water Commissioner Raymond Bellamy. WSSC Water Watershed Manager Paul Hancock led the work as the garden was planted in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. An updated gazebo was installed by WSSC Water watershed staff in 2012. The Glenn Dale azaleas in the garden were named in honor of Glenn Dale, MD, the location of the US Department of Agriculture’s Plant Introduction Section.

Azalea Garden Photo Gallery  | Azalea Garden Map

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Specific Varieties of Azaleas in the Garden

GLENN DALE AZALEAS

1. Glacier - Very large, leafy green plant, white bloom - midseason.

KURUME AZALEAS

1. Coral Bells - Shell pink, shaded darker, early.
2. Hino Crimson - Single, brilliant red, non-fading, early.
3. Hinodegiri - Single, brilliant scarlet, heavy bloomer, early.
4. Hinomayo - Single, soft pink, foliage small, plant tall, early.
5. Pink Pearl - Salmon rose, with light centers, early.
6. Salmon Beauty - Salmon pink, light green foliage, early.
7. Salmon Queen - Large plant, salmon colored blossoms - very late.
8. Snow - Snow white, very compact growth, early.

JOSEPH GABLE AZALEAS

1. Herbert - Semi double, large frilled and ruffled, dark crimson, purple, midseason.
2. Royalty - Double, bright purple, midseason.

MOLLIS AZALEA HYBRIDS

We have a few deciduous varieties planted near the main entrance to the gardens. These plants are upright and tall, with very large flowers and a very striking range of colors from yellow orange to orange red. They are midseason bloomers.

AZALEAS - MISCELLANEOUS, HYBRIDS AND OTHERS

1. Indica Rosea - Large flowers, flushed pinkish white, midseason.
2. Indica Alba - single, pure white, broad grower, late.
3. Indica magnifica - Single, large flowers, spotted and flushed with pink, late.
4. Macrantha - Single, salmon red, very late. 

Where can I find more information about azaleas?

Check out the Azalea Society of America web page at www.azaleas.org. Another good source for information about azaleas can be found at www.theazaleaworks.com. A broader source of information that includes rhododendrons as well as azaleas can be found at the American Rhododendron Society web site at www.rhododendron.org or at the Rhododendron Species Foundation web site at www.rhodygarden.org/index.html.

If you are looking for a particular azalea variety, check the Plant Sources Page for tips on locating a source.