The United States Botanic Garden in Washington DC

We resided in Washington DC suburb for 12 years from 1990 to 2002, when I was still employed with the Food and Drug Administration. We have visited the USBG several times, but this blog is inspired from my recent posting on the blooming of the Corpse Flower at the USBG.  https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-corpse-flower-in-bloom-at-us.html

Here’s a rich visual glimpse inside the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) in Washington, D.C.—a living museum at the very heart of the nation’s capital. Let’s explore what makes this place so special and why it’s such a perfect subject for a visit if you are in the DC area and if you love flowers and plants. 

A Living Legacy: History & Significance

• A Garden for the Nation
  The dream of a national botanical garden dates back to the early days of the U.S., championed by figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Congress formally established the USBG in 1820, with the current site—including the iconic Conservatory—formed in 1933 WikipediaWashington DC.

• Roots in Exploration
  The USBG's living collection traces back to the 1842 U.S. Exploring Expedition, which brought back numerous live and dried plants. These became the foundation for both the Garden’s living exhibits and the Smithsonian’s National Herbarium WikipediaUnited States Botanic Garden.

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Spaces That Inspire

• The Conservatory
  Covering 28,944 square feet, this historic Lord & Burnham greenhouse houses two courtyard gardens and ten themed rooms under glass Washington DCArchitect of the Capitol. Inside, you'll encounter vivid exhibits like the Tropics, Primeval Garden (evoking Earth 150 million years ago), World Deserts, Medicinal Plants, Hawaii, Plant Adaptations, and more WikipediaUnited States Botanic GardenWikipedia.

• Outdoor Gardens & Bartholdi Park
  The National Garden, a three-acre outdoor landscape, highlights native Mid-Atlantic flora, the Rose Garden, Butterfly Garden, and the First Ladies Water Garden Washington DCOld Town Trolley Tours.
  Just across Independence Avenue lies Bartholdi Park, spanning two acres around the historic Bartholdi Fountain, a 30-foot bronze masterpiece by the creator of the Statue of Liberty. This scenic park blends horticulture with art and history Wikipedia+1.

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Visitor Info & Practical Tips

• Admission & Hours
  USBG offers free admission—no tickets required Washington DCOld Town Trolley Tours.

  • The Conservatory is open daily from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., shifting to 11 a.m.–6 p.m. in summer (June 9–Aug 31, 2025) United States Botanic Garden+1.

  • Bartholdi Park is accessible dawn to dusk United States Botanic Garden.

  • The National Garden typically runs 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., with extended evening hours during spring and summer United States Botanic Garden.

• Getting There
  Conveniently located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW, near the U.S. Capitol United States Botanic Garden+1.
  Best reached via Metro (Federal Center SW station on the Orange, Blue, or Silver Lines) or by several bus routes United States Botanic Garden.

  Meanwhile, Did you Know that.....

  

  The Philippines is home to around 14,000 plant species, making up 5% of the world's total flora—despite its small land area! This puts the country 5th in the world for plant diversity.
  In fact, the Philippines holds two-thirds of Earth’s biodiversity, making it one of the most important ecological hotspots on the planet.

  
  

  Lastly, "It's rare to see snake plants flowering, but this one is giving me a pleasant surprise!"