Media Resources
Education is core to the mission of the U.S. Botanic Garden and we welcome media inquiries that help demonstrate the aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological importance of plants.
For questions, to schedule an interview with staff or arrange a filming at the U.S. Botanic Garden, please contact:
Laura Condeluci
Public Programs Coordinator
United States Botanic Garden
245 First Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
Phone: 202-226-4145
Fax: 202-225-1561
High-Resolution Images for the Press
Quick Facts
In 1820, the U.S. Congress granted land for a national botanic garden. The U.S. Botanic Garden was formally founded in 1850. It is part of the Legislative Branch of government and administered through the Architect of the Capitol.
The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum and accredited by the American Association of Museums. There are three public components of the U.S. Botanic Garden:
- The Conservatory houses the following displays and exhibits: Garden Court, Jungle, Plant Adaptations, garden Primeval, Hawaii, World Deserts, Medicinal Plants, Orchids, Plant Exploration, Rare and Endangered Species, Southern Exposure (seasonally), Children's Garden (seasonally), "Plants in Culture" in the West Gallery and temporary exhibits in the East Gallery.
- The National Garden features a Regional Garden of Mid-Atlantic Native plants, a Rose Garden devoted to the national flower, a Butterfly Garden, a First Ladies Water Garden and an amphitheater.
- Bartholdi Park houses historic Bartholdi Fountain with gardens continuously updated to reflect modern trends in American horticulture and new plant introductions.
The U.S. Botanic Garden maintains about 12,000 accessions, comprising more than 60,000 plants for exhibition, study, conservation and exchange with other institutions. Noteworthy collections include economic plants, medicinal plants, orchids, carnivorous plants, cacti and succulents, Mid-Atlantic native plants and ferns. Several specimen date from the U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-1842)
The U.S. Botanic Garden also serves as a rescue center for plants confiscated at U.S. borders in cooperation with CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.