The most spectacular gardens in Washington DC are concealed among the marble and monuments. This pastoral shangri la awaits exploration by those willing to hunt for it. The centre of the country's civic feats is also home to a good range of gardens and greens that celebrate the natural beauty of the U. S.. The absolute best include:
United States Botanic Garden
The most noted of Washington DC gardens and the stone in the country'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 near the Capital, the USBG was built in 1820 and extensively refurbished in 2001.The conservatory homes a collection of over 4,000 plants including picturesque replicas of worldwide ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. The National Garden features the 1st 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 beautiful of Washington DC public parks is this twelve-acre spotless outback dedicated to water-loving plants and animals. Founded in the 1800s by Walter Shaw with one or two water lilies, the aquatic wetlands were bought by the Government in 1938. In the act of preserving the lily pools, some of the first swamp was saved long before the environmental significance of wetlands was totally understood. Today, a boardwalk along the waterfront allows a peaceful and uninterrupted view of the marine plants and animal life. Butterfly hunters 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 largest 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 specimens of those delicate beauties. A Japanese garden with waterfall, a rose garden, intricately designed French Parterre and cutting garden are among the other natural wonders to be seen here.
River Farm
Among the most consequential gardens in Washington DC is River Farm. Now the headquarters of the North American Horticultural Society, the property was a part of George Washington's land holdings at the time of his death. The farm consists of 25 acres of landscape and grass just outside Washington in Alexandria, Virginia. Well-liked attractions include the Andre Blumenthal Meadow - 4 acres of wild flowers and grasses together with two black walnut trees that can date back to Washington's time - and the Children?s Garden, more than 12 little plots dedicated to different themes and engineered to be both beautiful and educational.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Home to frolicking beaver and muskrat and visited by virtually 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 doesn't 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 sorts of native plants have been identified growing in the swamp to this day.
United States Botanic Garden
The most noted of Washington DC gardens and the stone in the country'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 near the Capital, the USBG was built in 1820 and extensively refurbished in 2001.The conservatory homes a collection of over 4,000 plants including picturesque replicas of worldwide ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests. The National Garden features the 1st 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 beautiful of Washington DC public parks is this twelve-acre spotless outback dedicated to water-loving plants and animals. Founded in the 1800s by Walter Shaw with one or two water lilies, the aquatic wetlands were bought by the Government in 1938. In the act of preserving the lily pools, some of the first swamp was saved long before the environmental significance of wetlands was totally understood. Today, a boardwalk along the waterfront allows a peaceful and uninterrupted view of the marine plants and animal life. Butterfly hunters 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 largest 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 specimens of those delicate beauties. A Japanese garden with waterfall, a rose garden, intricately designed French Parterre and cutting garden are among the other natural wonders to be seen here.
River Farm
Among the most consequential gardens in Washington DC is River Farm. Now the headquarters of the North American Horticultural Society, the property was a part of George Washington's land holdings at the time of his death. The farm consists of 25 acres of landscape and grass just outside Washington in Alexandria, Virginia. Well-liked attractions include the Andre Blumenthal Meadow - 4 acres of wild flowers and grasses together with two black walnut trees that can date back to Washington's time - and the Children?s Garden, more than 12 little plots dedicated to different themes and engineered to be both beautiful and educational.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Home to frolicking beaver and muskrat and visited by virtually 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 doesn't 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 sorts of native plants have been identified growing in the swamp to this day.
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.
