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Spring has finally arrived in Seattle, bringing cherry blossoms, allergy season, and a surprising surge in exposed gardeners. 

World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) is coming up on May 3, and the city where it all began is proving it’s not afraid to let it all hang out.

Seattle ranks No. 2 in Best Cities for Naked Gardening, but don’t be fooled by the silver medal. This city is the birthplace of WNGD, thanks to Bellevue College professor and trailblazing naturist Mark Storey, who decided back in 2005 that nature feels better without pants.

“It started with the idea that connecting with the earth means stripping away more than just weeds,” Storey said in an interview. “Sometimes, it means stripping away society’s expectations, too.”

Seattle has a surprisingly cooperative forecast this year, ranking 50th in weather out of 500 cities, according to LawnStarter.

Where to drop your drawers and pick your petunias

Seattle’s naturist community is thriving. Residents can celebrate World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) at spots like , where gardening is done clothing-free and without restrictions. For a full-on naturist festival, locals are preparing for Nudestock—Seattle’s one-of-a-kind blend of Woodstock vibes, gardening, and nudity.

Want to take the fun beyond the flower beds? In June, the Fremont Solstice Parade offers the chance to bike through the city wearing nothing but body paint.

Safety tips for barefoot botanists

Seattle’s gardening culture is strong, and its naked gardening culture is stronger—but even seasoned nudists need a few reminders:

• Watch out for slugs. They’re slow, sneaky, and they will find a way into places you didn’t know existed.
• Use eco-friendly products. Naked bodies and pesticides do not mix.
• No power tools in the nude. You don’t want your neighbors seeing you on the evening news for all the wrong reasons.