US Botanical Garden and Flowers

It’s my favorite park. When we lived on Capitol Hill we walked through it almost every day on our morning walk. Since we moved to Virginia we still try to walk through it whenever we visit DC - which is almost weekly. Bartholdi Park and fountain are open, but the US Botanic Garden building is not, nor is the First Ladies garden. I miss the special florals and arrangements inside. Every time you see it something else is new as every season brings a bee display. This year it seems there are more dessert flowers outside rather than all vegetables. The edible garden still exists, and the gardeners are usually working to maintain and harvest the myriad of crops. If you didn’t see the Capitol building in the background, you would have thought we were somewhere out in the wild - the poppies and other flowers were rampant and simply striking. Before we arrived at this garden we also meandered through the Enid Haupt and Hirshhorn gardens by the Smithsonian Castle. There are some unusual specimens there. It’s such a relaxing affair to spend time amongst the lovely environment. We are looking forward to our next visit. 

Bartholdi Park Update

We love walking through Bartholdi Park. When we first moved to DC, the beautiful fountain was being restored. It seemed to take forever to get it completed. Almost every walk we took ended up around there on the way back home. For the last several months, the park has been walled off for more renovation. So we haven't been able to walk through it most of the year. Then last week, the walls started to come down, and it looks as though it might finally be fully restored. Apparently, better lighting, more accessible pathways, rain gardens, additional seating, and a different variety of plants are included in the updates. For those who don't have a spot to sit outside on nice days, this is the place. On the Fourth of July, it's another area to watch the fireworks. Regardless of the reason for being there, it's another lovely garden to visit. Let's hope it doesn't need any more renovation for awhile.

Bartholdi Park Renovation

One of our favorite walkways is through Bartholdi Park. It is located on independence avenue and is part of the US Botanical gardens. When we first moved here, the majestic fountain was being restored. The construction seemed to take forever. Now, the park is being renovated to improve access, more seating space, improved walkways, better lighting, and edible gardens, among other things. I was disappointed to see the typical construction walls being erected around this beautiful place - because that would mean we would not be able to pass through it on our way to and from home on our routine walks. I've taken dozens of photos of the plant life and of the bees and birds every time we visit. But I know in the end it will most likely be better. But what's nice about it now is how peaceful it usually is even on the busiest of days. There is something very serene about it with the tucked away seating areas. Hopefully the construction this time won't take more than a few months, but I have my doubts. The sign says 2016, but it doesn't say what month. Hopefully before the end of the year?!