Science Reference Guides

Landscape Renovation --
James Madison Building

Science Reference Section
Science, Technology and Business Division
Library of Congress

Architectural drawing - plan for the planting beds in the front of the Madison Building, Library of Congress, courtesy of Mathew Evans.

The planting beds in the front of the Madison Building were completely redesigned in the Spring of 2006. The updated design was a collaborative effort of three institutions.

• Matthew Evans, Senior Landscape Architect of the United States Capitol created the design,
• Holly H. Shimizu, Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden selected the plants,
• and Carl Morgan, Gardener Supervisor at the Library of Congress and his crew removed the old bushes, prepared the beds, and did the planting.

Careful consideration was given to the form, beauty, and durability of the plants selected and their placement. About half of the plants are native to this area.

Architectural Plans and Drawings The six planting beds are located in front of the Madison Building, on Independence Avenue, First Street and Second Street. The drawings below include a list of the plants in each bed. Click the thumbnails to enlarge the drawings. Diagram of Planting Beds Bed A Plan Bed B Plan     Bed C Plan Bed D Plan Bed E Plan       Bed F Plan