Secret Gardens on the National Mall

Washington is known for it's ability to grow just about anything - and the famous saying is if you don't have any allergies before you arrive, you will certainly have them once you live here. Fortunately for me, I have not been totally cursed, but my poor husband suffers a lot from the almost every day symptoms associated with allergies. We aren't sure if it is at all related to environmental factors or are side effects from medication, or both. But one contributing factor is all around us. The US Botanical, Sculpture, and Smithsonian Castle gardens are meticulously manicured and changed up every season. But beyond the obvious walkways are the gardens that you need to look for. Visitors and locals alike pass by them without knowing they exist. One of these is the walkway between Constitution Avenue and the interior of the Mall in between the sculpture Garden and the Natural History Museum. It is filled with butterflies and beautiful landscapes. Peeking through the myriad of plant life can be seen the majestic white marble structures including the Archives. When we lived in Milwaukee, Grant Park overlooking Lake Michigan was a block away and we frequently walked through it. But nothing compares to the gardens here in Washington - even if you have allergies.