Another Bucket List Item Checked Off: The National Arboretum
The United States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., has long been a place that I have wanted to see. How is it that, having grown up right outside of D.C. on Behnke Nurseries in Beltsville, I have never been? My whole life, I have heard stories of this American treasure. Behnke’s even has former employees who worked for the Arboretum.
This week, I joined my cousin Jeanne and her husband Jim, along with my Uncle Albert, to explore a small part of this park, our country’s public garden, research facility, and a place to wander around and explore the many gardens and exhibits.
We decided ahead of time since the Azaleas were still in bloom, that was a must-see for us. As we walked in, we went through the Bonsai Collection. As many of you remember, we had some wonderful Bonsai at Behnke’s along with classes, and I wish I had attended some of these classes. Standing in front of a Japanese Red Pine that has been in training since 1795 (love that “In Training”) makes you stop and stare. There was even one from the 1600’s! AMAZING, and I keep thinking of all the people who cared for these works of art over the centuries.
We then walked up to the National Capitol Columns in the Ellipse Meadow. You can read more about how these columns came to be at the National Arboretum. What a view we had standing up there looking across the reflecting pond.
Walking back, we went to the Azalea Collection, which was beautiful. There were still so many blooming, and wandering along the pathways under the shade was great. My cousin pointed out The Glenn Dale Hillside, which is located on the south slopes of Mount Hamilton. This collection came from the breeding work of former Arboretum Director Benjamin Y. Morrison.
After walking about the azaleas (and we did not see it all), we returned to the National Herb Garden in the sunshine. Let me say, WOW!! This is the largest designed herb garden in the United States. Did I mention WOW!! You have to go see this. Each section highlighted different types of uses of herbs, and I need to go back and spend a lot more time there. I want to explore their circle of theme gardens, broken into ten categories. I could spend hours alone in this garden.
I now have more things added to my bucket list. I need to go back and walk the Conifer Collection I saw as we were driving out of the park, along with exploring the Asian Collection and Camelia Collection. I heard that the Camelias are best seen in the Fall.
I hope you take the time to see this amazing place. Maybe you live near it like my cousin and are lucky enough to go often. And before I end, hats off to the many volunteers who we saw out in the hot sun weeding and taking care of these gardens, along with all the folks who keep it running for us to enjoy!
As usual, you are spot on. I have been going to the Arboretum for the better part of 30 years, and of course to the annual plant sale.
The Arboretum is easily one of the Smithsonian’s best kept secrets. Anyone who spends time there will certainly become regulars.
Be sure to take a picnic. I love the barbecue place across the street.
Thank you so much for your comment!! While I have always known about the National Arboretum I just never got there. I will be going back. Maybe not as often as I wish I could, but I will try my best. (I still have other things on my bucket list to do too LOL)
Hello Dave — Thank you for mentioning the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) ‘s annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale. Last Saturday’s event was bigger and better than ever – despite the rain!
{ https://www.fona.org/ }
Just one small detail – the Arboretum is part of the US Department of Agriculture, not the Smithsonian. In addition to having beautiful gardens and being a great place to hang out or walk your dog, it is a world-class research facility. { https://www.usna.usda.gov/ }
The Smithsonian has some fabulous gardens too, all along the National Mall. See my note below about the Ripley Garden.
p.s. I’ve heard that the Chinese restaurant across New York Ave – Panda Gourmet (not a Panda Express chain outlet) is also quite good.
So glad that you enjoyed your maiden trip to The National Arboretum. It is certainly one of our favorite places to visit too. Please be sure to add the Asian Garden to your list for your return visits. It’s right next to the Camellia Collection and has beautiful plantings and a lovely walk down to the river’s edge.
Have you explored the many Smithsonian gardens on the Mall yet?
The Ripley Garden next to the Arts and Industries Building at 9th and Jefferson Dr. on the Constitution Ave. side (not far from the Metro station) is a particularly special collection and beautifully curated.
{ https://gardens.si.edu/gardens/ripley-garden/ }
Mark your 2025 calendar now to return to the Arboretum next year for the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) Garden Fair and Plant Sale. It’s always on the last Saturday in April. It’s quite a festival, but there are lots of activities going on and things to see there all year long. Consider becoming a FONA Member to keep in touch.
{ https://www.fona.org/ }
Angela
Oh yes I will be going to see the Asian Collection hopefully in the fall. While I would love to see all the other places you mentioned, I have to go when others can take me there. I just am not good with driving in the city or public transportation. I saw I missed the big plant sale this year. I will try and remember to highlight it next year on great things to see and do.
Take care and thank you for leaving your comment
Stephanie
Hello Dave — Thank you for mentioning the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) ‘s annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale. Last Saturday’s event was bigger and better than ever – despite the rain!
{ https://www.fona.org/ }
Just one small detail – the Arboretum is part of the US Department of Agriculture, not the Smithsonian. In addition to having beautiful gardens and being a great place to hang out or walk your dog, it is a world-class research facility. { https://www.usna.usda.gov/ }
The Smithsonian has some fabulous gardens too, all along the National Mall. See my note below about the Ripley Garden.
p.s. I’ve heard that the Chinese restaurant across New York Ave – Panda Gourmet (not a Panda Express chain outlet) is also quite good.
What a wonderful article about the U.S. National Arboretum! I volunteered in the Azalea Collection for about 10 years when Barbara Bullock, a former Behnke’s employee, was the Curator of that Collection. Barbara not only put her heart and soul into that collection but also made it into a spectacular place to visit and see azaleas from all over the world. My experiences while volunteering there are the source of many wonderful memories, and I relive them every time I visit that collection.
I do support the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA)! Not only are they a great organization with wonderful people, but they also provide valuable and much needed support for the Arboretum.
Please keep those great articles coming! Now, it’s out in the yard to do some deadheading and weeding!
Harold
Dear Harold!
Thank you so much for your comment! One only needs to walk around the Azalea Collection to see what Barbara and so many others help create. Thank you so much for mentioning her. So many of Behnke’s former Best found a home at the National Arboretum. Like Chris Upton who worked in the Asian Collection for 15 years till he retired. And then John Shearin took over from Chris in the Asian Collection. Sadly John passed away this year way too young and way too soon. I think it is wonderful that you and so many are part of the FONA!
Take care,
Stephanie