United States Botanic Garden: Historic and Grand
When someone mentions Washington, D.C., iconic images of the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the National Monument immediately come to mind. However, amid the historic buildings and concrete cityscape lies the oldest continuously operating garden in North America: The United States Botanic Garden.
During my recent autumn visit, I was able to explore the incredible Conservatory and surrounding gardens outside while enjoying cooler fall temperatures and golden foliage. Go Beyond My Garden Gate with me and discover the United States Botanic Garden!
As always, read to the end for my suggestions for dining and accommodations for garden lovers!
About the United States Botanic Garden:
According to the visitor center guides, the U.S. Botanic Garden (established in 1820) currently receives over a million guests per year and tends to approximately 65,000 plants, several that were actually collected during the U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-1842).
- Located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington D.C.
- Conservatory Hours: 10:00am to 5:00pm daily
- Gated Gardens Hours: April 1-September 15- 7:30am to 7:00pm daily
- Bartholdi Fountain/Gardens Hours: dawn to dusk
Note: there is not public parking at the gardens. Utilize public transportation such as the bus system (32 or 36 to Independence Ave SW & Washington Ave SW) or the Metrorail (Orange, Blue or Silver to Capitol South Station).
Still trying to figure out where the U.S. Botanic Garden is? It’s at the end of the National Mall near the Capitol Building. If you’re next to the National Monument, you’re at the wrong end!
I took the Metro to Capitol South Station and used my phone GPS to walk toward the garden. While the entrance to the garden is on Maryland Avenue SW, I arrived from Independence Ave SW and used the back entrance.
First stop? The Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens
I had a fabulous conversation with the gardener tending to the Kitchen Garden about harvesting birdhouse gourds.
Follow the crosswalk across Independence Ave SW and continue your journey into the U.S. Botanic Garden. You can either meander through the outdoor gardens now or after the conservatory. I did both because well…you know.
The Rose Garden
Even though my trip was taken during the fall, I still managed to see some roses blooming.
The Amphitheater and Regional Garden
I enjoyed following this path featuring Mid-Atlantic native plants.
The First Ladies Water Garden
The Outdoor Gardens opened in 2006 with support of the former first ladies. This fountain and surrounding garden area was created in their honor.
The Pollinator Garden
I’m not sure who loves the Pollinator Garden more, us or the pollinators! The arch tunnel is a delightful experience and a welcome shady spot in the hot summer months.
The Conservatory
This is the first conservatory I ever visited and will always be one of my favorites. It’s just as fascinating now as it was in high school. Explore some of the garden rooms with me!
The Garden Court area is the entryway through the conservatory connecting the various garden rooms, gift shop and galleries of the United States Botanic Garden.
The central room of the conservatory at the United States Botanic Garden is dedicated to the Tropics. It’s warm and humid in here. My joints loved it; my hair not so much!
The United States Botanic Garden is very family friendly. The Children’s Garden is one of two outdoor garden areas within the conservatory. We will get to the second one in a moment. Children love the hands-on experiences and room to roam amidst the kid friendly plants. Grab a plastic watering can and dig in!
Another favorite spot for children is the Primeval Garden. Let their imaginations soar as they picture dinosaurs hiding in the dense foliage and massive leaves.
The Desert Garden is fascinating and extensive. I have to admit I still have a fear of cacti from watching too many Bugs Bunny cartoons, but these were incredible to see in person!
The Orchids section is absolutely beautiful. My apologies to fellow visitors for standing here too long! If you love orchids, be sure to see the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
The Mediterranean room might be my favorite. It’s light and airy and features a small fountain and bench seating.
The second outdoor area within the conservatory is the Southern Exposure Garden. I can’t wait to return during the summer and see this spot in full bloom.
The United States Botanic Garden will delight visitors of all ages and is a perfect destination when you need a break from the concrete jungle of our nation’s capitol.
Where to Stay:
If you love gardens, consider staying at The Poppy in Georgetown and enjoy their personal secret garden available to guests.
Where to Dine:
My husband and I loved having breakfast at Maman at 750 9th Street NW. The decor is filled with flowers and greenery and the food is incredible!
Did you find the United States Botanic Garden as grand and historical as I did? Drop a comment below!
Looking for more gardens in Washington, D.C.? Head over to the Smithsonian Gardens with me!
Want to explore another garden with me? Check out Miami Beach Botanical Garden for some Florida sunshine!
