It’s been almost 10 years since I last visited Washington DC during my Sep 2001 trip to the US. It was just following the national tragedy so the atmosphere was that of mourning and shock and I naturally joined the huge crowds in going to ground zero and standing there staring there at the beaten Pentagon in disbelief. Yet I also remember feeling very impressed with the general layout and architecture of the city. Washington DC seems even nicer in 2011. It’s such a lovely city that it’s difficult not to not be impressed.
Many places to cover in Washington DC, but I thought I’ll start with something more colorful, and where better than the National Botanic Gardens, just at the corner of the mall, not too far away from the museums & the state capitol.
Here’s from the United States Botanic Garden official website:
Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. It informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humankind and to earth’s fragile ecosystems. The Garden highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological significance.
From jungle to desert to primeval paradise, the indoor gardens and galleries of our Conservatory offer the perfect foil to a winter day or harried schedule. The resplendent diversity of form, color, fruit, and fragrance reminds us that plants make our lives possible and enjoyable. Outdoors, our National Garden offers the finest of Mid-Atlantic plants and Bartholdi Park just across Independence Avenue demonstrates a variety of approaches to the home landscape.
There are a few indoor and outdoor sections, with a conservatory.
Lots of gorgeous flowers…
and plants…
A nice way to start the Washington DC tour.
Details you might need for your visit :
Admission to all public areas of the U.S. Botanic Garden is FREE.
Conservatory Hours: open 10 a.m – 5 p.m. daily, including all weekends & holidays.
National Garden Hours: Summer Hours (May 28 through September 5) are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Bartholdi Park Hours: open dawn to dusk, daily, including all weekends & holidays.
Related links of interest:
- 10 free things to do in Washington DC
- Washington, DC with Kids
- The 10 Best Botanic Gardens in The US