US Botanic Garden

We used to walk there almost every day when we lived on Capitol Hill. Since we moved to northern Virginia four years ago we still make it a habit to drive in to town at least once  a week not only for a morning walk - but to visit the US Botanic Garden. There is always something new to see. And even if there wasn’t we love to walk through both the indoor and outdoor gardens. The First Ladies garden is undergoing renovation and the summer flowers are all in bloom. The vegetable gardens in front have all been redone as well and look very distinguished with the Capitol building as a backdrop. The huge green leaves are magnificent against the fountains in the main conservatory. Of course the orchids always have an exceptional grouping of very unusual plants. The Bartholdi fountain gardens and vegetable patches are harvested by the staff. The cornstalks are reaching to the sky. It’s hard to believe there is such a lovely space in the urban jungle - and it sits right outside of the house office buildings and Capitol grounds. It’s always a treat and it’s such a soothing experience.