The Urban Arboretum
The Urban Arboretum, maintained by Amazon Horticulture, provides Amazonians and community members a connection to nature in the center of Seattle's urban core. As you walk through Amazon's Puget Sound headquarters, we invite you to experience this urban botanical garden, which reflects the diverse plant palette represented within The Spheres.
Nitro Plaza
As you stand on the Nitro Plaza, the Prairie Roof is directly above you. Though you can't see it from where you stand now, the Prairie Roof is a 12,000 square-foot native prairie landscape that sits atop of Nitro's South Tower.
Urban landscapes can make meaningful contributions to wildlife habitat. Native prairies are an excellent model for roof plantings with shallow soil, while the diversity of prairie species support abundant native pollinators—even in the middle of downtown. Less than 3% of Puget Sound native prairie remains intact.
A look at Nitro Plaza
Amazon Horticulture and its partner scientists make a visit to the Prairie Roof.
A look at the Prairie Roof in the spring.
The Prairie Roof in the summer. Look at how things have grown!
As you stand on the Nitro Plaza, look up to find the Pink Elephant Car Wash Sign. Originally created in the 1950's, when neon began its heyday, the Pink Elephant is a relic of the city. Although the car was has since closed its doors, the two iconic signs found new homes as city landmarks. The one pictured here was installed in December 2022.
Ready for more? Round the corner and turn left on Blanchard Street to find the bio-retention planters. Use the map to collect your bearings and navigate to the next stop.
Up Next: Bio-retention Zone
Continue your tour of the Urban Arboretum
