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Photo credit: United States Botanic Garden Source: www.usbg.gov/national-garden |
United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is one of the largest Botanic gardens in North America, located in the vicinity of the Capitol in Washington.
The Botanic garden created by Congress in 1820 (opened in 1850), is a living plant museum at the National Mall. The garden is visited annually by 750,000 people.
The Botanic garden consists of three zones: the Conservatory, the National Park and the Bartholdi Park, which houses the administration of the garden.
Currently, the collection of the US Botanic Garden numbers about 60,000 plants, some of which are over 165 years old.
The Botanic Garden is home to the Production Facility, the largest greenhouse complex in the United States (Anacostia, Washington), which was opened in 1994.
The complex consists of 34 greenhouses in 16 different natural areas.
For example, the "Desert" zone, where a huge collection of cacti and succulents is presented, the "Orchids" zone, where you can admire the amazing beauty of these outlandish flowers, the "Jungle" zone, in which trees of tropical latitudes grow under the transparent dome of the Botanic Garden.
Notable places of the garden are the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the First Lady's Garden, the amphitheater, etc.
Various educational themed events are held in the Botanic Garden.
The US Botanic Garden is an amazingly beautiful place of the metropolis, where you can relax and enjoy communication with nature.
History of the Botanic Garden
Also part of USBG, Bartholdi Park is located across the street from the main premises. This beautifully landscaped flower garden features a classic fountain, designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who also created the Statue of Liberty.
In 1816, the Columbia Institute for the Advancement of the Arts and Sciences in Washington, DC, proposed the creation of a Botanic garden. The goal was to grow and display both foreign and domestic plants and make them available for viewing and enjoyment by the American people. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were among those who supported the idea of a permanent Botanic garden in Washington, DC.
Congress planted a garden near the Capitol grounds, on a stretch stretching from First Street to Third Street between Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenues. The garden remained here until the Columbia Institute collapsed in 1837.
Five years later, a team from the US South Seas Expedition brought a collection of living plants from around the world to Washington, sparking renewed interest in the concept of a National Botanic garden.
These plants were first placed in a greenhouse behind the old patent office building, and then were transferred to the former site of the Columbia Institute garden. USBG has been operating since 1850, moving to its current home on Independence Avenue in 1933. It has been administered by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress since 1856 and overseen by the architect of the Capitol since 1934.
The National Garden opened in October 2006 as a USBG extension and serves as an external application and teaching lab. The National Garden includes the First Lady's water garden, an extensive rose garden, a butterfly garden, and an exhibition of various regional trees, shrubs and perennials.
Location of the Botanic garden
USBG is located opposite the US Capitol Building along SW First Street, between Maryland Avenue. St. Bartholdy Park is located behind the conservatory and is accessible from Independence Avenue. Federal Center SW is the nearest metro station.
Botanic garden visitor information: facts, tickets and hours
Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Opened: 5 August 1820
Phone: +1 202-225-8333
Official website: https://www.usbg.gov/
Tickets cost: Free
The entrance to the Botanic Gardens is free and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Bartholdi Park is accessible from dawn to dusk. www.usbg.gov
Visit www.usbg.gov or check at the visitor information desk upon arrival. Wheelchairs, interpretive services, and other accessibility services are available on request.
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