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United States Botanic Garden
Category: Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Botanical Gardens
245 1st St SW(between S Canal St & S C St)
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 225-8333
- Nearest Transit:
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Federal Center Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
Capitol South Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
About This Business:
Tudor Place is a lushly landscaped oasis in historic Georgetown closely tied to George and Martha Washington. Completed in 1816 by Martha Washington's… read more »
113 reviews for United States Botanic Garden
113 reviews in English
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Review from Irene T.
Herndon, VA
Inspiring? Invigorating? LIfe changing? The US Botanical Gardens is all of that...
I'm ashamed to say I've actually NEVER been to the Botanical Gardens. It's one of those spots that have always caught my eye but it was always designated to the "one day I'll visit" list. So what took me so long? As a DC native, I chalk it up to "taking the beautiful things around you for granted". For 2012, I will never take the beauty this city offers for granted ever again... it can change your life.
So I spent a beautiful winter day here... you know, one of those gorgeous DC winter days where the sun beams so brightly that all you need are sunglasses and a warm sweater. I had joined a MeetUp group to spend the morning sketching and our first meeting was here. I found myself in the Jungle room the entire day. It was a humid and incredibly beautiful space... it felt like I'd been transported to Bali. As I sat there sketching, my thoughts began to wander... about life and it's meaning. We get so engrossed in our quest for security and the tangible, measurable things in life. You know, the things that make life work but don't necessarily give life meaning. Breathing the air, engulfed in this botanical wonder... I felt a serge of remembrance and inspiration. Life isn't all about your experiences, your possessions, your goals... the best parts of life are the moments that inspire you. It's what gives meaning, integrity and authenticity to all the things you aspire to. The hard part is finding the balance. I think found some of that here....
Thank You Rita for starting the "DC CAFE - Creative Arts and Food Explorers!" MeetUp group.... it just might have changed my life.Listed in: It's another planet...
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Review from Davey R.
1/9/2012
In the winter, think of this place as your warm and humid respite from the cold as you walk across the Capitol Mall.
The National Galleries/Collections are a joy, and this place is no exception. A wide variety of global areas such as Hawaii, deserts, medicinal herbs, orchids, primeval flora, there's just so much cool stuff to look at. As a pharmacy person, I found the medicinal herbs to be the most interesting exhibit.
Crowd pleasers are the naturally made replicas of the state capitol, supreme court and more. Made out of bamboo and other stuff! and huge!
Awesome place to hang out and enjoy the collections. Another plus is that the staff is mainly volunteers, so this place is open on holidays that close the other Smithsonian galleries. Though you could double check me on that. -
Review from Molly W.
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
You know when you walk by a place and always think "Hm, I should go there one day" but for whatever lame reason (facebook stalking, got to catch the latest episode of weeds, etc) you don't? Botanical gardens was on that list for me until one strangely global warming induced 70 degree January day a friend and I finally decided to go in.
Jungles and deserts and orchids Oh My! HUGE space filled with plants and flowers separated by location. A fun catwalk gives you a birds-eye jungle view. A super cute place to take a date on if the weather is nice and you can stroll leisurely around.
My favorite room was the herbal medicinal room (no...not like THAT!). As an amateur gardener and chef it was fund to test my knowledge playing what herb comes from what plant, or guess this smell (ok, so I am also easily entertained).
The cacao tree was most impressive, but also had me giggling after watching too many episodes of Portlandia. CACAO! Point being, as Keon D. says: it's beautiful, it's free, it's awesome. What more could you want?? -
Review from Jasen F.
12/20/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This may be my favorite spot in DC. If it's January; it's definitely my favorite spot.
It's free, it's on a beautiful spot in front of the Capitol and next to the Indian museum. They've got a wonderful Orchid room which is constantly rotating. They feature a variety of climates (rainforest, Hawaiian, desert), edible and medicinal plants, and plenty of interesting exhibits in the front hall.
It's a great spot for a first or fiftieth date. The place smells and sounds wonderful. Make sure to take your special someone upstairs into the canopy of the main hall.
They've recently completed (last spring/summer) the outdoor portion of the Garden which is amazing and features a creek with plenty of wildlife and they are in the process of ripping up most of the concrete out from to make the grounds low impact, water-resistant, easy-to-maintain, and sustainable.
Why couldn't the rest of government function this way? Ugh! -
Review from Pam Z.
Great place for a winter staycation, or just a place to get out of the cold walking from the Mall to/from the Capitol. When it's hellishly humid in DC come July/August...well, this place isn't air conditioned but at least parts of it will be less humid than outside (try the Desert area). One extra bonus is that the USBG isn't usually as crowded as the other Smithsonians. Not sure how they wrangled that, but it makes this place that much more awesome.
Not only is the Botanical Garden a nice escape, but they usually feature a seasonal exhibit so check out their website to see if there's something special going on exhibit or event-wise (Usually orchids come around in late winter/early spring). This month (December 2011), they will be featuring live seasonal music in their Garden Court every Tuesday and Thursday, and stay open until 8pm. Now doesn't that sound like a super cute first date?
Check here (http://www.usbg.gov/ex...) and here (http://www.usbg.gov/ed...) for more info.
Unless you're really into flora, photography, or have tots in tow, walking through the entire garden shouldn't take more than 45 minutes.
LOCATION
The USBG is at the base of the Capitol building, which puts it somewhat close to the Federal Center SW/L'enfant/Capitol South metro stops. I would recommend Federal Center SW, and to head straight north. Once you see a couple Capitol Police, you know you're headed in the right direction. -
Review from Kelly G.
Great experience. I'm glad I live here and can return as many times as I want to. That means I don't have to read each plant's common name, family, genus, & species and then take a photograph of it in each visit. Having the USBG in town means I can relax during my visit and breeze past crowded sites until next time. And when someone's bratty kid starts melting down/screaming at the top of its lungs, I can vacate the area until the demons have been exorcised from that little monster.
I used my Thanksgiving Afternoon visit as sort of an overview of what I'd return to get the details on later. The USBG Christmas Tree was already up and James the train was going round & round it.
There were other trains in the conservatory along with the display of replicas of DC Landmarks constructed completely of natural materials such as acorns, mold, and sticks.
This visit, though brief, was totally awsome! I'm a fan! I can't wait to return.Listed in: Family Friendly
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Review from Victoria R.
Takoma Park, MD
10/17/2011
What a glorious respite from the world the U.S. Botanic Garden provides! It's always free, and there's always something new because of changing temporary exhibits and seasonal decorations in the atrium. My favorite parts, however, are the permanent collections in the orchid room and the jungle.
Orchids are my favorite plant, and this tiny corner room is exquisitely designed to showcase a myriad of varieties. My only complaint about this space is that it's so small that there is nowhere to rest and enjoy it, so your best bet is to come on an off-time (a weekday morning/early afternoon) so you can savor it and not feel rushed by a flood of tourists and photographers.
The jungle is magical. I believe it was made to look like an overgrown tropical plantation, with a grand staircase and other architectural details, including a bridge that goes over running water. Huge papayas, bromeliads, and orchids abound, and the view from the catwalk is incredible. There are several benches scattered around this large, glassed-in section, and the ambient noise means that even if there are annoying tourists or loud kids around, you can still read a book on a bench in relative peace. It's my favorite little hideaway during the winter, and it really brings seasonal comfort to this snow- and cold weather-hating girl.
If the weather is nice, I always like to include a stop across the street at Bartholdi Park, which features the large and absolutely gorgeous Bartholdi Fountain. The park has several distinct garden areas, and plenty of benches and tables, some tucked away inside wooden arches, perfect for picnics and deep conversation.
This is a great place for a date, for bringing out of town friends and relatives, and for killing time with a good book. Having this place available year-round and always free is an exceptionally great perk to living in this beautiful city.Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Nicole S.
Austin, TX
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is so cool, and the best part is: it's free! Tons of orchids, jungle plants, bromiliads (spelling?), and neat exhibits of sorts. We saw tons of pine cone and plant-made replicas of popular D.C. monuments and buildings, it was too cool. On display during the holidays also was Thomas the train and a giant Christmas tree. Too cool! We really enjoyed walking around, but I was flabbergasted by the line of people waiting to ride the train. Glad I don't have kids, LOL!
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Review from Eric W.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a little known fact that the Unites States Botanic Garden is actually part of the Capitol, not the Smithsonian museums. Believe it or not, the Garden is something that Congress actually does right. (Well it is actually run by the Architect of the Capitol.) The gardens have several sections including the Jungle, World Deserts, and the Medicinal Plant room. The exhibits are well labeled and beautifully put together. During the year there are some special events as well, such as the train display during around Christmas and the plant that smells like rotting flesh blooming in the spring. While this should probably not be your first choice of places to visit in Washington, if you have some time, it is a good place to stop by. Only downside is that it can get very crowded. Then again, there is free admission.
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Review from Joseph F.
11/18/2011
Great displays and floral arrangements. They had little miniatures made from different parts of plants that were truly amazing. The gardens boasts well over several hundred different varieties of flora. And as an added bonus on those cold winter days in DC it is a great escape to a climate controlled warm 80 degrees.
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Review from Jeremy M.
Mays Landing, NJ
Christmas trains and buildings are awesome! This is a must see and it's free. Enjoy!
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Review from Sam S.
10/21/2011 3 photos
The United States Botanic Garden is a beautiful garden featuring a wonderful variety of plant life. The garden itself is meticulously cared and well tended. Bonus, admission is free!
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Review from CLARENCE J.
Arlington, VA
4/26/2011
It's a nice facility and area with the requisite wide variety of plants. There're hands-on exhibits, which are interesting, and a somewhat weak "jungle" section with a fun canopy walk. (The jungle section was much more interesting to me from above.) Of the two outdoor sections, one has wide walkways , a nice canopied section for sitting, and several great grassy areas, while the other - across the street - has a large fountain and assorted home-type gardens.
Although it's a decent place - and is free and has very pleasant and helpful staff members - I just wasn't completely sold on it and don't know if I really have a desire to return. I'm not sure what I wanted - more space in the rooms? even more plants? - but I was just left mostly flat. -
Review from Julia Vipsania A.
Arlington, VA
12/30/2010
If you want to know how a man sees himself, look in his closet. If you want to know how a man sees the world, look at his garden. There is something about botanical gardens that is somehow unique; like museums, it says a lot about what we value aesthetically, but with plants it's about our relationship with nature and forces beyond our control. Do we respect them, cultivate them, shape them to our liking? And if so, how...? If you ever read Theophrastus and thought "can we still approach nature with such awe and innocence" a good garden will tell you. Basically what I am saying is anyone who hates gardens should get kicked in the nuts
My mentor recommended I check out the Seasons Greening show at the gardens; I trust his expertise in plants and Chopin and Aphex Twin and brothels (don't ask) and it sounded interesting. It's lovely! The main areas are covered in poinsettas and DC monuments built from wood. Yes maybe that sounds lame but trust me here, it is great, and you can walk through the other exhibits which are especially charming at night. The children's garden, medicinal plants, a happy tree with cancer-preventing properties?
If you worry about yourself too much and would like to think about something older and more beautiful and infinitely more enduring than us---visit! I will be back in the spring for sure, to marvel some more... -
Review from Jessica K.
2/10/2011
AHHH I LOVE this place!!!
my favorite were the orchids! such pretty orchids and had tons of different types.
I really wanted to see the rose garden but it's winter so there were none =(
I need to come back!!! -
Review from Dee B.
Updated - 1/3/2011 1 photo
Having visitors come from out of town is fantastic, as then I get to do the touristy things I don't have time for regularly. Although I've been to the Botanic Garden on numerous occasions, apparently I had never come around the holidays -- and what a wonderful surprise it was to walk in and see not only the expected poinsettias, but also the miniature DC landmarks (White House, Smithsonian Castle, Washington Monument, Capitol, etc.) all made of natural materials. And then to walk into the side room and find amazing models of monuments from around the world -- Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, Giza Pyramid and Sphinx, with trains running all around. There were tons of kids, and they were loving it. But guess what - even with the crowds and all the strollers and people trying to take photos, my sister and I were also loving it!
The exhibit ended January 2, but *highly* recommended for next December!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/18/2008
Talk about a great location - in the shadow of the US Capitol and across the street from the Museum… Read more »
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Review from bill s.
Washington, DC
11/24/2011 5 photos
This is one of my favorite places to go in my city. Fantastic. Great holiday displays too. Free! The display of flowers and plants is first rate. Very close to the Capitol and the American Indian museum. A must visit in DC.
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Review from Melissa M.
Sugar Land, TX
Located just a block away from the Capitol, the Botanic Gardens are a lovely stop while wandering around our Nation's capital. I visited DC at the end of October, so the outdoor gardens were pretty bare, but inside was lovely. We walked in (of course, it's FREE), and wandered around for about 30 minutes. You can spend as little or as much time as you would like here. The main greenhouse has waterfalls and suspended walkways. Radiating from that room are several climate controlled spaces that are themed. I especially liked the Garden Primeval (vascular and non-vascular seedless plants) because I just taught about them in class. The myriad of ferns, mosses, and other moisture loving plants was great. Those types of plants often get left out in other botanic gardens. I also liked the Desert room, which had a variety of interesting and unique plants from arid regions.
I couldn't give this lovely indoor/outdoor garden 5 stars because I just felt like there wasn't enough information. Maybe it is the teacher in me, but I wanted to see something explaining about the different plant adaptations. Also, at one point I followed a sign that said Plant Adaptations and it didn't seem to lead anywhere.
I do have to say that every plant here is in perfect condition. Even though it wasn't prime plant time (late October), every plant looked beautiful! Each was a perfect specimen of its species.
This is a great place to stop and get out of the weather (hot, cold, rainy). Bathrooms are located in the back!Listed in: Sanity or Fear?
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Review from Lisa C.
Ashburn, VA
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful!! So many varieties. The orchid room smells incredible. My 6yo son loved it too. We went to the Int'l Spy Museum too today and this was waaay better!! And the garden is free! I'll be coming back here again!!
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Review from Justin C.
The fact I've lived in DC for over 3 years now and just made my first visit to the Botanic Gardens last Friday really taught me how much I've taken this wonderful city for granted. Of all the things I've seen since living here, this featured by far many of the most spectacular. The sheer size alone is enough to intrigue even the most casual tourist, and yet I passed by its imposing birdcage-like façade dozens of times on trips through the city without ever taking the time to stop and admire the beauty that lied within.
Places like this are what make me really appreciate an alternative work schedule, being able to come by and visit at my own pace, on a Friday, when most of the rest of the city is working, and the tourist population hasn't quite swelled to an unbearable weekend level. You really want to be able to take your time here, as there are so many small details to be found if you move slowly through each area and try to take it all in. I would imagine it also helps coming at off hours, when there aren't hordes of people everywhere blocking the great views. I wound up with over 400 photos (http://www.flickr.com/...) in here, pretty much all of which were unobstructed by clumsy humans.
If, however, you are pressed for time, there are a few things here which you cannot miss. The entryway atrium is beautiful and easy to get distracted by, with its beautiful fountains and orchids everywhere, but quickly pass through it and head to your right and you'll find the actual Orchid Room. For a plant lover this is a little slice of paradise amidst our concrete jungle. Even the San Francisco (a climate much more conducive to growing them) botanic garden's collection paled in comparison to the beauty of this tiny space, in both variety and quantity. Not a petal was out of place, and nearly every inch of soil that could be used for planting was blessed by one of these specimens. Like many people, orchids are my favorite flowering plant, so to stumble upon this gem as I had almost completed my tour was pretty much like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. That is why I suggest starting here, so you can spend as much time as you like, and not feel rushed to get through it.
Next you should head into the main focus of the structure, the jungle section. The wealth of plant life here is stunning, and best of all it's not so humid that it fogs up your camera lens, a common occurrence in many greenhouses. Don't forget to head upstairs for even more wonderful hanging plants, and great views of the floor level below. Lastly, if you're really in a rush, skip the rest of the indoor spaces and go outside to an area I nearly missed. From the main exit, go immediately to your left and you'll see an area that looks like it's still under development, but which contains a fabulous rose garden. It's not quite as well established as the one at Dumbarton Oaks, but the number if species seems to be slightly larger here, and it makes for wonderful photo-op sessions.
Oh, and the cherry on top? All of this is free. Damn it's good to live in DC sometimes.Listed in: District Distractions, The Great Outdoors
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Review from Jon N.
Garden Grove, CA
10/10/2010 9 photos
Nice to see coca plants in person.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I'm not really a plant person so I can't really rave about this place, but I guess it would be nice to walk around with your date/gf/wife since they probably dig this kind of stuff. Girls can't enough of this nature stuff, boys. Just pretend that you like it too, nay, LOVE IT and you'll be in her good graces in no time.
You can walk on the overhead walkway and just enjoy all the spices of plants represented here. It's your tax dollars hard at work so enjoy it... even if you're just pretend too. kthx. -
Review from Preeti B.
Brooklyn, NY
6/12/2010
Mom's 60th Birthday - Part 2
When I was 5, I woke up and told my dad about my previous night's dream. I saw God standing on a ladder painting the sky in our backyard. When the figure turned around, it was my mother's face. My dad simply stated that was the best dream I could have ever had. I finally shared this story with my mom on her 60th birthday, which evoked the most peaceful expression on her face.
She had told me that all she wanted to do on her birthday is drink chai in a beautiful garden in peace. The US Botanic Garden was the perfect location. They graciously allow visitors to lunch/high tea on the Conservatory Terrace that is equipped with lovely patio tables, umbrellas and chairs. Prepped with three thermoses of chai and homemade tea cakes, we enjoyed an unforgettably serene afternoon in that magnificent garden. -
Review from Alexandra P.
Manhattan, NY
7/7/2011
I ended up here literally by accident. Some friends and I were just wandering after a late and lazy diner breakfast, and we crept up on this building from the back. Struck dumb by the beautiful atrium, we wordlessly decided to go inside - and it was the best part of my trip to DC, by far. And that's saying something, because I am a museum girl at heart. I was lucky enough to be there on business (free hotel room and transportation!) but unlucky enough to be there during the 4th of July weekend (way crowded, woe). Living in NYC and working in Times Square, I am okay at putting up with teeming hordes of people, but it was still kind of annoying - made it hard to pretend my business trip was a vacation, which I desperately wanted to do. Everywhere I went, I bumped into people wearing Old Navy flag-themed t-shirts. But not at the botanic garden! It was an oasis, in every sense of the world - an escape from the crowds, the heat, the sweltering smell of a summertime city, even - dare I say - the stress of work.
Beyond the outdoor gardens and the stunning entrance, the rooms all had clear, comprehensive themes - desert plants, orchids, Hawaii, jungle, etc - but I think my favorite room was the medicinal plant room (and not for the obvious jokes!). Just so cool. There was also a children's garden with interactive things like watering cans, fountains, a little playhouse, a tunnel of vine-y type plants, etc. So even for kids who get a bit batty without hands-on activity, this could be a good place for a family to go.
This was a stunningly beautiful, relaxing way to spend some time. I could have spent way longer, or I could see myself stopping in for a brief visit to a single room. Even on the 4th of July, it wasn't insanely busy - there were other people there, but not a ton. We just wandered from room to room, doubling back when we wanted, looking around and literally taking in the atmosphere - each room smelled distinctively amazing! In the rose garden outside, a little girl walked past us, announcing, "I want to smell everything. We can't go until I do." I know the feeling, kid. -
Review from Jon L.
1/30/2011
My first visit to a Botanical garden!
I was amazed at the variety of Orchids! They are so colorful and unique!
The desert section is interesting too, many different types of cactus.
Another free DC museum!
Free parking on the weekend! -
Review from Andrea C.
Berkeley, CA
4/23/2010
word of advice: dress appropriately!!!
It gets murky, dense, and the temperature can get really uncomfortable.
i was all covered up because under strict orders from my papa, i had to cover up my tattoos while with more family (dc is so family friendly!).
but yes, i would suggest wearing a light cotton tee, maybe shorts or something kind of light. it gets really uncomfortable if you're in a hoodie and jeans like my dumb ass was.
but anyways, the flowers are so pretty! i get through flower gardens pretty quick, and not everyone does, but there's a lot of benches everywhere.
overall its cute, but at times murky. -
Review from Deepa C.
Somerville, MA
12/17/2010
EASILY one of my favorite places in DC. Calming, refreshing, serene, the perfect place to either daydream or be along with your thoughts.
I also like that is is not too big - it is spacious while still feeling intimate.
If you are doing any kid of sight-seeing in DC, you will most likely come within a few blocks of the gardens. It's great for a sightseeing breather, a break from the tourists, or even just a nice way to end your day.
They also had a nice, interactive kids garden when we visit, which was a nice break from the "do not touch" vibe in the rest of the garden. -
Review from Keon D.
It's beautiful, it's free, its awesome. What more could you want?
This is a fabulous botanical gardens located a short distance from the Capitol. Inside is pretty magical and is filled with tons of flowering plants from many different geographical locations. The building itself is impressive because it's so large and is mostly of glass which allows you to see outside and bring in a lot of warm sun. This is an excellent place to come if you like photography.
The jungle room is pretty awesome, you feel like you are going into the jungle with the increase in humidity and tropical plants all around you. There was lush papaya trees and many other cool plants. My friend was wondering if someone gets to eat the papaya after they ripen hahah.
Other neat rooms were the desert room which had some spectacularly bright colored flowers. There is a room dedicated to orchids for all you orchid lovers. An outdoor area with a pond and water lillies, venus fly trap. Just tons of stuff.
Highly recommend coming! They had a sign saying this is one of the best tourist spots.Listed in: Review of the day
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Review from Tina L.
Vienna, VA
3/8/2010
The Botanical Garden next to the Capitol is one of my favorite spots in DC. Shortly after the renovation, the gardens were usually quiet and not overrun by tourists, but it has grown increasingly popular each year. Regardless, this place is a great place to spend an hour or so especially in the morning.
My favorite areas are the Orchid House and the main Jungle area. The orchids are in a small humid corner but hang from all sides including overhead. Not as many varieties and colors of orchids as the Atlanta botanical gardens, but this is still a beautiful room.
The Jungle area includes a stream running around towering palm and papaya trees. I love this room because of the multiple levels. Catwalks allow visitors to view the plants from a rooftop level or you can walk at the base level near the pools of water.
Outside of the conservatory there are also numerous plants and paths. In warm weather, the benches are a great place to rest before moving on to another smithsonian. The botanical gardens are also constantly updating and rotating their temporary exhibits. I have seen beautiful displays of bright tulips as well as arrangements of poinsettias just inside the entrance. Like most of the museums in DC, the botanical gardens are free and open from 10am to 5pm year round. -
Review from Ray C.
Washington, DC
7/9/2007 ROTD 9/1/2007
Ditto what all the five star reviewers say on the Botanical Garden!
The main reason for my review is to ensure that everyone knows the Botanical Garden has created the coolest thing for the summer that you must check out if you haven't already!
The eastern and northern outside perimeter house beautifully created arboreta plots from around the nation. From a desert scheme to a Hawaiian tropic to a brownstone house garden in Brooklyn, NY. All of the gardens are so nice to stroll through. Tables and chairs are scattered throughout for your enjoyment.
In addition to those, the new National Garden on the west side of the building is another great addition to the Botanical Garden. The great folks at the Botanical Gardens have extended the summer hours of the National Garden until 7pm. (The various arboreta are accessible anytime though). Check out the amazing blown glass flowers craftily placed in a boat floating in the little pond.
If you haven't been by the Botanical Garden, be sure to visit soon so you don't miss out on the new flora! -
Review from Ryan M.
4/7/2011
These are gorgeous and free. How do they manage to stay off the beaten path when located on the National Mall, right in front of the Capitol? The gardens never have a crowd, and are a beautiful place to walk around for a while. Almost all indoors and climate controlled, so great spot no matter what the weather, and almost all an atrium so you still get daylight the whole time you're there (looking at you Smithsonians and National Gallery of Art).
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Review from Emily R.
Rockville, MD
5/6/2009 8 photos
Just lovely. Perfect spot for a date and costs no dinero! Just be sure you get there before closing (5 pm). Give yourself plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beauty of it. There's also an outdoor garden which is open until dusk. The orchid display was definitely my favorite. Also the children's garden is kid-friendly but not just for the kiddies. I, myself, enjoyed running through the bamboo stalks and taking pictures of the tulips.
We also saw a wedding party enter the gardens to take pictures - can you say perfect scenery?! -
Review from Jeff W.
11/7/2008
Definitely one of the greatest displays I've ever seen. We first were touring the outside garden which was a bit lackluster because it's early November and almost everything looked ready for winter. The layout was great but this was clearly not the ideal time to visit the outside garden. Inside, however, I suddenly felt like I was in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, minus the edible candy plants and chocolate waterfall.
The inside feels like it never ends. There are so many different areas and they all very accurately mimic a particular habitat. Arid deserts, warm and humid jungles; going from zone to zone was so jolting that I was worried about getting sick from the constant environment changes. It just made the experience more dramatic though. Seeing all the vegetation, and plants was a thrill to realize how vast the world is. Just reading some of the names of plants was entertaining in itself.
To top it all off, there are more than just a bunch of plants here. You can climb the stairs to the overhead catwalk and essentially take a tour of a jungle canopy. There are also many wooden sculptures and models of actual DC buildings which are amazing on their own. Seeing the huge capitol building was breathtaking.
I definitely want to return to see everything outside in full bloom, and also to see some of the seasonable displays that they were in the process of preparing for. I wasn't expecting to care about the Botanic Garden that much, but it quickly became one of my favorite DC tour spots. -
Review from Brett W.
Manhattan, NY
7/6/2009
STUNNING.*
Simply. This Botanical Garden is one of the best I've seen. The best part is that it's totally free, so you actually have no excuse to be bored in DC.
I think my favorite room was the jungle because of its sheer size, and also, how often are YOU in the jungle?
But the most popular room seemed to be the one filled with cacti. And rightfully so: those prickly boos are fierce.
A good mix of indoor/outdoor space, with a great mezzanine to walk on. It can get a little crowded, so please be mindful of others.**
Could use some more Venus Fly Traps though. More carnivorous plants in general!
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* Although the first thing I thought of when I saw the large, glass dome was "The Hand that Rocked the Cradle." Remember when that crazy killed Julianne Moore in the greenhouse? Man, worst way to go.
** I'm talking to you, little kid, who threw a fit while waiting for three of us to pass by you and your large family. Don't pump those fists in anger, and listen to your mother. -
Review from Michelle P.
Fairfax, VA
11/7/2008
As a high school biology teacher you would think that i would be all about a botanical garden. Well before you read this review, you should know that i do not have a green thumb... at all. I once watered a plastic plant... seriously.
Anyway, so my journey through the botanic gardens was fabulous. Granted its not quite optimal flower season, yet they do a great job to make you feel like it is. I bet the outside gardens are beautiful in the spring, but in the winter they were just a little pretty.
Inside was what was really impressive. Each room represented a different area and was absolutely perfectly controlled. The jungle was hot and humid and the desert was warm and dry. I also really got into the medicinal plants and their applications. It was kinda cool. I also really liked the catwalk in the jungle, complete with the fake frogs!
Overall a very great exhibit. i really want to go back and check out the chrismtas exhibit as i hear its phenomenal.
Also voted the best water founatin in the district.Listed in: Subsidization
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Review from Michael M.
Washington, DC
10/4/2010
I'm more than OK with saying I enjoy frequenting this location.
They have fantastic sustainable practice exhibits in the summer.
In the winter they have the most unbelievably intricate buildings made of organic materials... quite the site to see.
Definitely a under appreciated site in DC... take your parents when they come town... they'll be impressed. -
Review from Mariko F.
2/29/2008
I love the Botanical Gardens. I think they are the hidden gem on the Mall. Why does no one know it's there? For reference, it's between the Capitol and the Native American Museum.
I think the best time to go is during the winter. You walk in and it's gloriously warm and the smell is amazing. It's one of those places where you just stand there and take a deep breath and love every moment of it.
My favourite thing to do is to grab a book and sit on one of the benches, amongst the orchids, and smell the smells and be totally relaxed in DCs own little rain forest. -
Review from Will D.
5/4/2010
This is a nice public indoor/outdoor garden (read "public" here as "free admission"). This garden houses plants from a wide variety of climates. Children like visiting here and it is a photographer's delight.
I'd rate it as being on par with a place like Longwood Gardens (Pennsylvania), but on a smaller scale. -
Review from reuben j.
Burlington, VT
7/28/2008
Repeat after me: When you live in a self-important place like one, it is important-no-crucial-to be reminded of the bigger picture. The Botanic Garden is the perfect place for doing such a thing...
In the past, I have taken poetry students there. I tell them to find a plant whose name and or physical characteristics best matches theirs, then write a lush, heart-moving ode to same...
But you don't have to do that.. Just stroll the confines and revel in the
alpha and omega of plant life. Put your cell phone on SILENT.
If you must speak, rap to the greenery- the majestic foilage..
The sumptuous blossoms. -
Review from Laura V.
Alexandria, VA
12/19/2007
I love the US Botanical Garden. What a great way to get a little bit of summer time in the middle of winter! Beautiful flowers, lovely fountains, and lots of educational material make this place one of my favorite destinations in DC. AND...it's FREE!!!
Have you ever wanted to smell the worst flower smell in the world? Well if you're lucky, and you happen to be at the US Botanical Garden like one day every 6 years, you can!! One of my favorite attractions is the Corpse Flower. The USBG has two of them! And my lord do they smell!
Does seeing famous Washington buildings in smaller scale, made out of sticks and flowers sound like a neato thing to do? Well, you're in luck during the holidays! The USBG has the most beautiful display of Washington landmarks made out of flowers and branches - and these are not your rinky dink miniatures!
Do you like photography and sketches of florals and leafies? There's quite a display of those inside as well. Oh, and don't forget all the things that kids can touch and feel and learn about (and sometimes climb on).
The USBG is one of my favorites for a reason. They are consistently top notch in the quality of the exhibits and the care that they give to maintaining the plantlife. It's a place to go and relax or take family photos. It's a place to learn something new. I always make a stop here with my out of town guests, and I regularly recommend it to others as a fun stop on the DC tourist itinerary. If you haven't been, please do yourself a favor and check it out. This time of year is perfect for a first time visit!Listed in: When I Tour DC...
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Review from Jonathan H.
San Diego, CA
3/1/2009 1 photo
As a kid I wanted to be a botanist, and the orchids at the US Botanic Gardens are what sparked my passion for horticulture. From the moment I first saw the paphiopedilum, I knew beauty. Beauty is the perfection of nature epitomized by this one inanimate object. It is millions of years of countless adaptations resulting in the most captivating and advanced angiosperm on earth. It is a flower that is so specialized that only one species of insect can successfully cause it to seed. It is so well adapted that in the case of the phalaenopsis orchid, the flower is shaped like the moth that pollinates it. That to me is the pinnacle of plant evolution, and to look at it is the kind of silent beauty that you feel rather than see.
Visiting the Botanic Gardens again this Sunday was like stepping back in time, because I felt exactly like the little eight-year-old I was when I first came face-to-face with the most beautiful thing I have ever seen: the orchid.
