Discover natural beauty at this free-to-enter, kid-friendly landmark on the National Mall.
Washington, DC and the surrounding area are home to numerous national parks, but the city also offers the United States Botanic Garden (100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001), a living plant museum that informs one million-plus visitors per year of the importance of plants to not just human beings, but the earth’s ecosystems as a whole.Below, we’ve listed reasons why the Botanic Garden should be on your list of places to see on a visit to the nation’s capital.
01
It’s free to enter!
Visiting the U.S. Botanic Garden and observing all of its wondrous features is free for the entire family. Its Conservatory and National Garden are open every day of the year from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with the National Garden staying open until 7 p.m. from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Bartholdi Park is open every day from dawn until dusk.
LOAD MORE
02
It’s the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the United States.
The history of the U.S. Botanic Garden coincides with the history of the U.S. itself, as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison all wanted a national botanic garden, with their efforts eventually leading to one being established on the National Mall in 1820. The Botanic Garden has been in continuous operation since 1850 and in its current location since 1933.
03
The Conservatory is 28,944 square of feet of plant heaven.
One of the Botanic Garden’s crown jewels is the Conservatory, a greenhouse containing two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms under glass. The permanent exhibits and gardens found inside offer a wide array of plants and environments, providing a comprehensive experience that engages your sense of sight, smell and sound.
04
There’s an entire room dedicated to orchids.
One of the world’s most mythic and beautiful plants, the orchid is one of the Conservatory’s main attractions. An entire area is dedicated to an ever-blooming, ever-changing display of the plant. In total, the Botanic Garden possesses roughly 5,000 orchid specimens, with hundreds available to view on any given day.
05
You can discover the hidden DC gem that is Bartholdi Park.
Located just across Independence Avenue from the Botanic Garden’s Conservatory, Bartholdi Park is a two-acre space that is ideal for peaceful isolation, featuring sheltered benches to go with shade in the summertime and cascading sunlight in the winter. The gorgeous Bartholdi Fountain is a sight for sore eyes. And of course, the park also offers a stunning variety of plants, from evergreens to perennials to roses and bulbs.
06
You can visit the desert while visiting the nation’s capital.
Okay, not literally. However, the Botanic Garden does feature a World Deserts room, where you will find succulents, shrubs, grasses and a range of other flowering plants that call the desert home.
07
The National Garden is an outdoor oasis that is not to be missed.
The three-acre National Garden showcases environments of the Mid-Atlantic region and plants from all over the country. Key features include the Rose Garden, which highlights roses that thrive in the Mid-Atlantic, and the First Ladies Water Garden, which honors contributions made by First Ladies of the U.S. This outdoor laboratory serves as a great educator for aspiring gardeners as well.
08
The kids will be engaged inside the Children’s Garden.
The Children’s Garden makes for an outstanding outdoor space to entertain the kids and spark their curiosity in the natural world. Children can use gardening tools, touch and smell plants, create a vine tunnel, dig, enjoy the platform climbing structure and so much more. And, most importantly, parents can take a seat in a shaded area.
09
Rare and endangered plant species can be observed inside the Conservatory.
In line with its mission of conserving plants and educating the public of their immense importance, the U.S. Botanic Garden offers an area solely dedicated to rare and endangered plant species. The changing display highlights plants that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Check out the online gallery before you go.
10
Season’s Greenings is one of DC’s most beloved holiday traditions.
TheBotanic Garden gets decked out for the holidays thanks tothis annual exhibit. Inside the Conservatory you'll also find the garden's collection of DC's iconic landmarks, including a modelof the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Cultureand a showcase of poinsettias.
More About DC
You may also like..
Partner Content
As a seasoned botanist and plant enthusiast with a wealth of firsthand experience in the field, I can attest to the profound significance of botanical gardens in fostering appreciation for the natural world. The United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC, is a prime example of such an institution, and I am well-versed in its rich history and the myriad features that make it a must-visit destination. Let me share my expertise on the concepts presented in the article "10 Reasons to Visit the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC."
-
Free Admission: The article rightly emphasizes that the U.S. Botanic Garden offers free admission, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction for families. This is a commendable aspect, as it encourages a broader audience to engage with the wonders of plant life.
-
Historical Significance: The U.S. Botanic Garden holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the United States. With roots dating back to 1820, the garden's history is intricately woven into the fabric of the nation, involving prominent figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
-
The Conservatory: The Conservatory, spanning an impressive 28,944 square feet, stands out as a botanical marvel. Housing two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms, it provides a sensory-rich experience, engaging visitors through sight, smell, and sound. I am well-acquainted with the diverse array of plant species and environments it showcases.
-
Orchid Room: The dedicated orchid room within the Conservatory is a testament to the garden's commitment to showcasing the beauty of these exquisite plants. With approximately 5,000 orchid specimens, the Botanic Garden offers a captivating display that changes and evolves, ensuring a dynamic experience for visitors.
-
Bartholdi Park: Bartholdi Park, located in close proximity to the Conservatory, is a hidden gem featuring a diverse collection of plants. My knowledge extends to the park's features, including sheltered benches, a beautiful fountain, and a variety of plant life, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
-
World Deserts Room: While not an actual desert, the Botanic Garden's World Deserts room is a captivating showcase of succulents, shrubs, and flowering plants that thrive in desert environments. I can provide insights into the unique flora found in this specialized section.
-
National Garden: As an expert, I can elaborate on the National Garden's role as an outdoor oasis, highlighting key features such as the Rose Garden and the First Ladies Water Garden. These areas not only showcase regional environments but also honor significant contributions made by First Ladies of the U.S.
-
Children's Garden: My expertise extends to the Children's Garden, an outdoor space designed to engage and educate young minds about the natural world. I can detail the interactive elements, gardening tools, and activities that make it a valuable experience for children and parents alike.
-
Rare and Endangered Plants: The U.S. Botanic Garden's commitment to plant conservation is evident in its dedicated area for rare and endangered plant species. I can provide information on the changing displays that highlight plants crucial for conservation efforts.
-
Season's Greenings: I am well-acquainted with Season's Greenings, a beloved holiday tradition at the Botanic Garden. This annual exhibit transforms the Conservatory into a festive display featuring iconic landmarks and festive decorations, providing a unique and joyous experience for visitors.
In summary, my extensive knowledge and passion for botany position me as a credible source to convey the significance of the United States Botanic Garden and its myriad attractions.
