Spending Time In An Iconic Botanical Garden
Washington DC is home to some of the most beautiful monuments and awe inspiring museums in the world so it is only fitting that one of the world’s to arboretums is also located there, the U.S. National Arboretum. We went there to learn about some new and interesting plants and plant combinations.
Set on 412 acres in the northeast quadrant of the city, the arboretum can be a little difficult to get to, but well worth it. One other side note, it is free! Oh, and there is so much to see, set aside an entire day for your visit.
Start you morning at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. This is one of the largest collections of these timeless trees in North America. Nippon Bonsai Association donated 53 bonsai and 6 viewing stones to the people of the United States to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976. The collection has grown to about 150 plants. It is hard to imagine the meticulous work that went into creating these masterpieces.
Next, cross the road to the National Herb Garden (yes, there really is such a thing). This garden highlights the many uses of herbs in our ever day life; medicines, cooking, dyes, fragrances and even insecticides. Of particular interest was the collection of hot pepper plants. Eat them if you are brave enough at the pepper eating celebration in the fall.
In the center of the arboretum sits the National Capitol Columns. These Corinthian columns were originally part of the East Portico of the Capitol. Set in the middle of a 20 acre meadow, it is striking to view from any side.
There is plenty more to see including the Azalea Collection, Fern Valley, Washington Youth Garden, Dogwood Collections and much, much more.
It is worth noting that the U.S. National Arboretum is working plant research nursery and has introduced many of the plants we value in today’s landscapes.
To find out more about the U.S. Arboretum, follow this link http://www.usna.usda.gov/.
Related Posts:
How To Design Your Backyard Landscape Paradise
Outdoor Kitchen, Fire Pit & Patio in North Potomac, MD
Remember, Allentuck Landscaping Co. is always here to help you design, install, construct and maintain you lawn and landscape. Give us a call!
Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company
Phone: 301-5-515-1900 Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com
At Allentuck Landscaping Co., our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.
The Allentuck Landscaping Co. team has been delighting homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.
Services Provide - Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences
Areas Served - Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick and Washington DC.
