Experience the desert and the jungle in half an hour - visit the United States Botanic Garden. Recently renovated, this conservatory features a wide variety of permanent plant collections as well as special exhibits.

History of the U.S. Botanic Garden

The USBG is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson supported the idea of a national garden located in the capital. Congress first established the garden in 1820. The Garden has been located at the eastern end of the Mall since 1849. Since 1934, it has been under the administration of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol.

Things to See and Do at the National Botanic Garden

The Garden contains a myriad of amazing plants, trees, flowers and more. The Conservatory offers a desert, oasis, primeval garden, jungle, medicinal garden, orchid room, meditation garden, and much more. The current exhibit, Orchids! Beauty and Beyond, continues through March 21, 2004.

Where do the plants go when they're not on display? The U.S. Botanic Garden Production facility grows plants for the exhibits and many plants on Capitol Hill. It's located at D.C. Village and is open to the public only once a year.

Located across the street from the Conservatory, Bartholdi Park provides even more botanical exploration. The park was created in 1932 and named for Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who sculpted the fountain located in the center. Bartholdi Park was geometrically designed to showcase the fountain and provide public gathering areas. The Park now is used for home landscape demonstrations and display innovative design themes.

The National Garden is an extension of the Botanic Garden. It features plants native to the mid-Atlantic region, the First Ladies Water Garden, and a Rose Garden. The National Garden is situated on a 3-acre site west of the Conservatory.

The U.S. Botanic Garden hosts many programs throughout the year for all ages. Learn about flowers as depicted in art, make your own silk painting, or learn about the healing properties of specific plants and gardens in general. Some classes are free, others require a registration fee. See the current schedule by clicking here.

How to Get There, Where to Park, Etc.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is located on Independence Avenue, between First Street SW and Third Street SW, at the foot of the U.S. Capitol Building. The closest Metro station is Federal Center SW (orange/blue lines). If you are visiting other attractions on the Mall, the Garden is on the same side as the National Air and Space Museum, very close to the Capitol.

The USBG hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

The USBG website offers helpful information for planning a visit to their facility. Click here to read more.