Located on the eastern side of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., there is a large glass-enclosed building resembling a greenhouse. This is the National Botanical Garden, a national plant collection featuring a diverse array of plants gathered from various regions worldwide.
The Origin of the National Botanical Garden
The National Botanical Garden is a government-operated national plant collection established in 1820 by the United States Congress. It was created to house and manage valuable plants and seeds brought back by Charles Wilkes during his circumnavigation expedition. Some of the living plant specimens he collected can still be seen today at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As one of the oldest botanical gardens in North America, the impressive greenhouse is open to the public year-round and delights visitors with its extensive plant collection.
Three Distinct Areas of the Facility
The botanical garden is divided into three main areas, each with its unique features:
- The “Conservatory” consists of ten rooms and two gardens, each dedicated to specific characteristics of plants.
- “Bartholdi Park” showcases a variety of arrangements of plants, making it a recommended area for gardening enthusiasts.
- The “Production Facility” is used to cultivate plants for annual exhibitions.
Plants Cultivated in the National Botanical Garden
Approximately 65,000 plant species are nurtured in this garden. The conservatory includes rooms such as the “Oasis,” “Jungle,” “Rare and Endangered Species,” and “Medicinal Plants,” providing visitors with the opportunity to see a diverse range of rare and exotic plants. The “Desert World” exhibition showcases cacti and other desert plants, while the “Orchid” room displays vibrant and beautiful orchid flowers.
Access to the Botanical Garden
When using public transportation, the nearest station is the Federal Center Southwest station on the Orange, Blue, or Silver lines of the Metro subway system. Additionally, you can use the Circulator bus, which operates within the city.
Experience History and Botany in Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
The National Botanical Garden is a popular attraction in Capitol Hill, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually. After exploring art and history on the National Mall, why not take some time to appreciate the vitality and beauty of the plant world at the National Botanical Garden?
