Gardens in Washington, D.C.

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

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

U.S. Botanic Garden. Located at the base of the U.S. Capitol Building at the eastern end of the National Mall, the USBG 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 July.
• Click here for hours and other visitor info.

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 July.
• The Cathedral grounds never close, and are free. Click here for information about garden tours.

National Gallery Sculpture Garden The 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 July with art and artist IDs.
• Click here for hours and other visitor info.

The National 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 July.
• Click here for hours and other visitor info.

Hillwood Museum and Gardens are situated on the 25-acre estate in Washington, D.C.developed by 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.

• Visiting Hillwood Museum and Gardens: Click for visitor information.
• Click here for a slide show of Hillwood Gardens in July.

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 other visitor info.

Dumbarton Oaks gardens in Georgetown were designed by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand and are now owned, along with the mansion and other facilities, by Harvard University.

• Click here for hours, etc.
• Click Dumbarton Oaks in July for a slide-show tour.

Tudor Place Historic House and Gardens is located in Georgetown.

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

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 July.
• Click here for hours and directions.

Suburban Virginia