What does Washington state have in common with Nepal, West Virginia, the Jiangxi province in China, and the Indian state of Sikkim? All these places have chosen rhododendrons as their region's symbol.

There will be a whole lot of color packed into the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden this fall, and you’ll get a chance to see it for free Oct. 26 and 27. The 22-acre garden next to the former ...