US Botanic Gardens Plant Monuments

We moved to Capitol Hill sixteen years ago. Ever since we have always visited the US Botanic Garden at this time of year - and many times during the year as well. The first time was with our grandson when he was about 3-4 after attending the Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Since we moved to northern Virginia almost four years ago, we still drive in to town to see the gardens especially at this time of year. Obviously the Christmas trains are the big draw. This year again they are located on the outside of the building. But another treat is to stroll through the indoor gardens and take in all of the holiday splendor. We weren’t able to do that the last two years due to the pandemic. Everything was closed. There are once again monuments and buildings that are made out of plant material scattered throughout. They are very recognizable and nicely made to the finest detail. The photos don’t do them justice. We passed by the Washington Monument, the US Botanic Garden conservatory, the Capitol, the National Gallery of Art, Union Station, Supreme Court, Bartholdi Fountain, MLK Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, USGrant Statue, Smithsonian African American Museum. I have a feeling we might have missed one or two. A couple of school groups were listening to stories about pine cones and such while another was sketching exotic plants for some high school class. There is always something to see at the gardens. It is one of our favorite places.