United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum located in Washington, D.C., on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Building. It is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America and is dedicated to demonstrate the aesthetic, cultural, therapeutic and ecological importance of plants to the well-being of humans and the planet.

The USBG features a Conservatory, Bartholdi Park, and the Production Facility. Conservatory is located in Lord & Burnham greenhouse and is divided into rooms each simulating a different habitat including the Garden Court, rare and endangered plants, plant exploration, Orchid house, and more.

Bartholdi Park is designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, so is the name. The primary objective of the garden is to inspire and provide ideas to home gardeners who visit it. You can see a range of structured and unstructured gardens, highlighting various colors, shapes, and various themes. One of the sections of the garden is National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat certified. The Production Facility covers 85,000 square feet which is divided into 34 greenhouse bays and 17 environmental zones. The computerized environmental controls offer a great flexibility in growing a diverse range of plants for public display.

Things to do at the United States Botanic Garden

Visit the Conservatory: The Conservatory is the centerpiece of the Botanic Garden and is home to a wide variety of exotic plants from around the world. Take a stroll through different rooms to witness various ecosystems, including the tropical rainforest, desert, and Mediterranean regions.

Explore the Outdoor Gardens: The USBG has several outdoor gardens, including the National Garden, which features native plants from the Mid-Atlantic region. Other gardens include the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden, and the First Ladies Water Garden.

Visit the Bartholdi Fountain: The Bartholdi Fountain, located in front of the Conservatory, is a beautiful bronze fountain designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, known for creating the world-famous Statue of Liberty. You can witness the grandeur of the Bartholdi Fountain after sunset when the light casts a magical glow over the gardens. Back in the 1880s, the fountain was a popular attraction due to its gas lamps.