The most spectacular gardens in Washington DC are hidden among the marble and monuments. This pastoral nirvana awaits exploration by those content to look for it. The centre of the state's civic feats is also base for a wide variety of gardens and greens that celebrate the natural sweetness of the US. The absolute best include:
United States Botanic Garden
The most famous of Washington DC gardens and the stone in the state's horticultural crown, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the premier destination for plant-loving visitors to the District of Columbia. Found on the National Mall close to the Capital, the USBG was built in 1820 and extensively refurbished in 2001.The conservatory homes a set of over 4,000 plants including scenic duplicates of worldwide ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. The National Garden features the First Ladies'Water garden, a rose garden and a multitude of blooming plants, trees and shrubs. Over the road, Bartholdi Park is home to an intricately landscaped flower garden and a fountain designed by the sculptor of the Statue of Freedom.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
Among the most lovely of Washington DC public parks is this twelve-acre pristine wilderness dedicated to water-loving plants and animals. Founded in the 1800s by Walter Shaw with 1 or 2 water lilies, the nautical wetlands were bought by the Federal government in 1938. In the process of conserving the lily pools, some of the original swamp was saved long before the environmental seriousness of wetlands was totally understood. Today, a boardwalk along the waterfront permits a peaceful and uninterrupted view of the nautical plants and wildlife. Butterfly searchers and birdwatchers are welcome.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Hillwood Estate encompasses one of the loveliest formal Washington DC gardens. Once the home of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood Estate was initially willed to the Smithsonian but is now maintained by the Post Foundation. Come to see the biggest collection of Imperial Russian design outside Russia but linger in the pleasant gardens. Suitors of orchids will swoon in the greenhouses that contain over 5,000 example of those fragile beauties. A Japanese garden with waterfall, a rose garden, intricately designed French Parterre and cutting garden are among the other natural miracles to be seen here.
River Farm
Among the most consequential gardens in Washington DC is River Farm. Now the HQ of the American Horticultural Society, the property was a part of George Washington's land holdings at the time of his death. The farm is composed of 25 acres of landscape and lawn just outside Washington in Alexandria, Virginia. Popular attractions include the Andre Blumenthal Meadow - four acres of wild flowers and grasses along with two black walnut trees which will date back to Washington's time - and the Children?s Garden, more than 12 small plots dedicated to different themes and built to be both beautiful and tutorial.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Home to frolicking beaver and muskrat and visited by virtually 300 species of birds, Dyke Marsh is 485 pristine acres along the west bank of the Potomac Stream and part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. One of the most untouched Washington DC public parks, the swamp is a real wilderness area and does not sponsor any ranger-led programs. Leave your vehicle or bike at the entrance and travel back in time on foot. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Over 360 varieties of local plants have been identified growing in the mire until now.
United States Botanic Garden
The most famous of Washington DC gardens and the stone in the state's horticultural crown, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the premier destination for plant-loving visitors to the District of Columbia. Found on the National Mall close to the Capital, the USBG was built in 1820 and extensively refurbished in 2001.The conservatory homes a set of over 4,000 plants including scenic duplicates of worldwide ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. The National Garden features the First Ladies'Water garden, a rose garden and a multitude of blooming plants, trees and shrubs. Over the road, Bartholdi Park is home to an intricately landscaped flower garden and a fountain designed by the sculptor of the Statue of Freedom.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
Among the most lovely of Washington DC public parks is this twelve-acre pristine wilderness dedicated to water-loving plants and animals. Founded in the 1800s by Walter Shaw with 1 or 2 water lilies, the nautical wetlands were bought by the Federal government in 1938. In the process of conserving the lily pools, some of the original swamp was saved long before the environmental seriousness of wetlands was totally understood. Today, a boardwalk along the waterfront permits a peaceful and uninterrupted view of the nautical plants and wildlife. Butterfly searchers and birdwatchers are welcome.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Hillwood Estate encompasses one of the loveliest formal Washington DC gardens. Once the home of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood Estate was initially willed to the Smithsonian but is now maintained by the Post Foundation. Come to see the biggest collection of Imperial Russian design outside Russia but linger in the pleasant gardens. Suitors of orchids will swoon in the greenhouses that contain over 5,000 example of those fragile beauties. A Japanese garden with waterfall, a rose garden, intricately designed French Parterre and cutting garden are among the other natural miracles to be seen here.
River Farm
Among the most consequential gardens in Washington DC is River Farm. Now the HQ of the American Horticultural Society, the property was a part of George Washington's land holdings at the time of his death. The farm is composed of 25 acres of landscape and lawn just outside Washington in Alexandria, Virginia. Popular attractions include the Andre Blumenthal Meadow - four acres of wild flowers and grasses along with two black walnut trees which will date back to Washington's time - and the Children?s Garden, more than 12 small plots dedicated to different themes and built to be both beautiful and tutorial.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Home to frolicking beaver and muskrat and visited by virtually 300 species of birds, Dyke Marsh is 485 pristine acres along the west bank of the Potomac Stream and part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. One of the most untouched Washington DC public parks, the swamp is a real wilderness area and does not sponsor any ranger-led programs. Leave your vehicle or bike at the entrance and travel back in time on foot. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Over 360 varieties of local plants have been identified growing in the mire until now.
About the Author:
Jamie Grotter has been interested in tourism Washington DC for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces about attractions in Washington DC for many online publications. For more information about Washington DC gardens please visit his site.
