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 June for a slide show tour.
• More visitor information here.

National Arboretum

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

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

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 slide show and video of Bishop’s Garden in June.
• 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 scenes in the Sculpture Garden in June.
• Click here for hours and map. Entrance is FREE.
• On Friday nights in the summer free jazz concerts begin at 5:00. Schedule and info here. Very popular.

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 showing off the fabulous gardens of the USBG in June.
• Click here for hours and location. Admission is FREE.

Hillwood Museum and Gardens

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 June.

Tudor Place

Tudor Place Historic House and Gardens is located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington.

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

Suburban Maryland

Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. 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 June.
• Click here for hours and directions.

Suburban Virginia

River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia

• Click here for a slide show of River Farm in June.
• Click here for hours and directions. Entrance is FREE; donations welcome.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia

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

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

• Click here for hours. Admission is FREE.
• More June photos coming soon.

Mount Vernon

Located 15 miles south of Washington along the Potomac, the historic estate includes not only the George and Martha Washington’s home but also a host of colonial era buildings, beautiful gardens, a working distillery and gristmill, and a museum and education center.

• Click here for a slide show of Mount Vernon in June.
• Click here for hours and directions.