The Japanese Garden is really neat. Anyone in driving distance of this place that hasn't gone, definitely should! The artistic horticulture here is just amazing.

Probably what they said was "ammonium sulphate". Local garden soils are often only deficient in nitrogen. But the Zoo Doo might have some fair quantities of other minerals in it, depending on how old and leached it is when they spread it. Here is a link that might be useful: Horticultural techniques for successful plant establishment

I grew up in that area, studied botany there, but haven't lived there in over 20 years. I would recommend (based on memories) visiting the University of Washington arboretum - it has? (had) Japanese gardens. I would also hike in the Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics. Although flowers probably wouldn't be blooming, it provides many great landscape designs! I'd also be tempted to visit Heronswood Nursery - although I don't believe it has alpines, it has lots of exotic species and from what I hear is quite impressive. Here is a link that might be useful: arboretum

I worked there 1 yearas a volunteer, and they had quite a bit of interesting stuff. They had an auction for a rare Clivia and used me as a ringer so that if they did not get a high enough bid for the plant it would not be sold. I suspect I may have been at least 1 of 2 that were asked to do this so be aware if you decide to do any auction they might have