U.S. Botanic Garden

The oldest continually-operating botanic garden in the United States, the U.S. Botanic Garden is a showcase centrally located on the National Mall, and is nearly as old as DC itself. Its first greenhouse was built in 1842 and since 1849, it has been at its current location. Its charter, provided by Congress, is “… to collect, cultivate, and grow the various vegetable products of this and other countries for exhibition and display to the public…”, and it does indeed feature amazing plant diversity.

The Garden includes the Conservatory, the National Garden, and Bartholdi Park. The Conservatory features a wide variety of living exhibits, including seasonal exhibits. Approximately 4,000 plants are on display, but the garden actually maintains at least 26,000 plants. The National Garden features plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as a Butterfly Garden, Rose Garden and First Ladies Water Garden. Bartholdi Park is a classically-designed, geometric garden with a fountain and innovative plant combinations in a variety of styles and design themes. The Conservatory includes separated areas that maintain various climates, including an exotic jungle and a tropical rain forest, plus a collection of more than 10,000 varieties of orchids.

Various events are scheduled throughout the year, including the Summer Terrace Display, the Annual Chrysanthemum Show, the Annual Poinsettia Show, and the Annual Spring Flower Show.

The Conservatory’s main entrance is located at 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20001 (use this address for internet mapping searches). The National Garden is adjacent to the Conservatory, with entrances from Independence Avenue, from Maryland Avenue (at 3rd Street), and from the Conservatory Terrace. Bartholdi Park is located across Independence Avenue from the Conservatory, with access from any of the three bordering streets – Independence Avenue, Washington Avenue, or First Street.