The most spectacular gardens in Washington DC are concealed among the marble and monuments. This pastoral paradise awaits exploration by those willing to seek it out. The centre of the state's civic feats is also the home of a good spread of gardens and greens that celebrate the natural beauty of the U. S.. The absolute best include:
United States Botanic Garden
The most renowned of Washington DC gardens and the jewel in the nation's horticultural crown, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the premier destination for plant-loving visitors to the District of Columbia. Located on the National Mall near the Capital, the USBG was built in 1820 and at length remodeled in 2001.The conservatory houses a set of over 4,000 plants including lovely reproductions of worldwide ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. The National Garden features the 1st Ladies'Water garden, a rose garden and a wide variety of blooming plants, trees and shrubs. Across the street, 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 beautiful of Washington DC public parks is this twelve-acre spotless 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 purchased by the Government in 1938. In the process of conserving the lily ponds, some of the first swamp was saved long before the environmental seriousness of wetlands was fully understood. Today, a boardwalk along the waterfront allows a peaceful and uninterrupted view of the nautical plants and animal life. Butterfly searchers and birdwatchers are welcome.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Hillwood Estate includes 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. Admirers of orchids will swoon in the greenhouses that contain over 5,000 specimens 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 expiration. The farm consists of 25 acres of landscape and lawn just outside Washington in Alexandria, Virginia. Favored attractions include the Andre Blumenthal Meadow - four acres of wild flowers and grasses with two black walnut trees that may date back to Washington's time - and the Children?s Garden, more than a dozen little plots devoted to different themes and designed to be both lovely and educational.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Home to frolicking beaver and muskrat and visited by almost 300 species of birds, Dyke Marsh is 485 spotless acres along the west bank of the Potomac River and part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. One of the most untouched Washington DC public parks, the mire is a true outback area and does not sponsor any ranger-led programs. Leave your vehicle or bicycle at the entrance and travel back in time on foot. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Over 360 types of native plants have been identified growing in the marsh to date.
United States Botanic Garden
The most renowned of Washington DC gardens and the jewel in the nation's horticultural crown, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the premier destination for plant-loving visitors to the District of Columbia. Located on the National Mall near the Capital, the USBG was built in 1820 and at length remodeled in 2001.The conservatory houses a set of over 4,000 plants including lovely reproductions of worldwide ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. The National Garden features the 1st Ladies'Water garden, a rose garden and a wide variety of blooming plants, trees and shrubs. Across the street, 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 beautiful of Washington DC public parks is this twelve-acre spotless 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 purchased by the Government in 1938. In the process of conserving the lily ponds, some of the first swamp was saved long before the environmental seriousness of wetlands was fully understood. Today, a boardwalk along the waterfront allows a peaceful and uninterrupted view of the nautical plants and animal life. Butterfly searchers and birdwatchers are welcome.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Hillwood Estate includes 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. Admirers of orchids will swoon in the greenhouses that contain over 5,000 specimens 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 expiration. The farm consists of 25 acres of landscape and lawn just outside Washington in Alexandria, Virginia. Favored attractions include the Andre Blumenthal Meadow - four acres of wild flowers and grasses with two black walnut trees that may date back to Washington's time - and the Children?s Garden, more than a dozen little plots devoted to different themes and designed to be both lovely and educational.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Home to frolicking beaver and muskrat and visited by almost 300 species of birds, Dyke Marsh is 485 spotless acres along the west bank of the Potomac River and part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. One of the most untouched Washington DC public parks, the mire is a true outback area and does not sponsor any ranger-led programs. Leave your vehicle or bicycle at the entrance and travel back in time on foot. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Over 360 types of native plants have been identified growing in the marsh to date.
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.
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