Gardens in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is located at the base of the U.S. Capitol Building at the eastern end of the National Mall. It includes the Conservatory, (click here to see what’s blooming in the Conservatory); the National Garden with its prominent rose and regional collections; and the stunning two-acre Bartholdi Park.

• Click here for a slide show and video of the Botanic Garden in August.
• Click here for hours and other visitor info. It’s free.

The Smithsonian has 12 gardens to visit, all on or near the National Mall. They’re FREE.

• Click here for a slide show tour of Smithsonian Gardens in August.
• More visitor information here.

National Cathedral’s Bishop’s Garden. The National Cathedral’s 59 acres were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and include the formal Bishop’s Garden, Olmsted Woods, and more.

• Click here for a slide show and video of the Cathedral grounds in August.
• The Cathedral grounds never close, and are FREE.

The famous Hillwood Museum and Gardens are located in N.W. Washington on the 25-acre former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post. The Museum holds the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, a collection of 18th-century French decorative art, and much more.

• Click here for a slide show and video of the Hillwood Gardens in August.
• Click here for hours.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, on almost 700 acres in Northeast Washington, is the only national park devoted to cultivated water-loving plants. This unique habitat, featuring exotic water lilies and lotus, is an oasis for nature lovers, a haven for walkers, hikers, photographers and birdwatchers. More info here.

• Click here for a slide show and video of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in July and August.
• Click here for hours and directions.

National Gallery Sculpture Garden occupies 6 acres on the National Mall, along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets. The Pavilion Café offers year-round café service, along with indoor seating.

• Click here for a slide show and video of the Sculpture Garden in August.
• Click here for hours and directions.
• On Friday nights in the summer there are free jazz concerts in the garden - very popular. Schedule and info here.

National Arboretum The Arboretum is a 446-acre park with multiple gardens. It’s located in Northeast Washington.

• Click here for a slide show and video of the Arboretum in August.
• Click here for hours. It’s FREE.

Dumbarton Oaks gardens, named the 6th best garden in the world by the National Geographic, is located in Georgetown.

• Click here for a slide show of Dumbarton Oaks in August.
• Visiting Dumbarton Oaks – click here for hours, etc.

Tudor Place Historic House and Gardens are located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington. With its 5½ open acres, Tudor Place remains one of America’s last intact urban estates from the Federal Period.

• Click here for a slide show of Tudor Place in August.
• Visiting Tudor Place: Click here for hours, directions, and suggested donation.

Suburban Maryland

Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD is Montgomery County’s 50-acre public display garden. In addition to many outdoor gardens, Brookside features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Visit the Brookside Gardens website.

• Click here for a slide show of Brookside Gardens in August.
• Click here for hours and directions.

Northern Virginia

Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia is Fairfax County’s public garden.

• Click here for a slide show and video of Green Spring Gardens in August.
• Click here for hours. Admission is FREE.

River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia, on the banks of the Potomac River now serves as headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.

• Click here for a slide show and video of River Farm in August. Photos by American Horticultural Society member and frequent visitor Jim Sohn.
• Click here for hours and directions. Entrance is FREE; donations welcome.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia is a fabulous 95-acre public garden and park.

• Click here for a slide show of Meadowlark in August.
• Click here for hours and directions.