To limit the risk of transmitting COVID-19 coronavirus, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) has changed its operations. The Conservatory and gated outdoor gardens are temporarily closed to the public while Bartholdi Park and the Terrace Gardens remain open. Please monitor this website for updates to operating status. Many resources can be accessed online, including educational materials, virtual tours, informational videos, and our fall programs will all be online. Connect with resources from home at www.USBG.gov/AtHome.
Leave plenty of time to stroll through our newest outdoor garden. A natural complement to the U.S. Botanic Garden, the National Garden highlights the amazing diversity of American plants.
The three-acre National Garden draws inspiration from the environments of the Mid-Atlantic region. Conceived as an outdoor laboratory for gardening in harmony with natural ecosystems, the Garden opened in the fall of 2006.
The major features of the National Garden are:
- The Regional Garden features Mid-Atlantic native plants that highlight the beauty of the region's flora.
- The Rose Garden is an ongoing experiment, showcasing roses that thrive in the Mid-Atlantic when grown using organic methods.
- The Butterfly Garden demonstrates how gardens provide vital resources for pollinators.
- The First Ladies Water Garden honors the contribution of our nation's First Ladies.
- The Lawn Terrace functions as a welcoming area for outdoor tours, festivals and summer classes.
- The Amphitheater is an outdoor gathering place for educational programs. It also provides a spectacular view of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory and the U.S. Capitol dome.
The National Garden is designed to satisfy the gardener and the garden lover. As with any garden, over time it will evolve as plants mature, compete for space and succumb or thrive in changing conditions. From this urban oasis, experience the beauty and power of nature, while enjoying the inspiring vistas of Capitol Hill.
EXPLORE THESE RELATED PAGES:
- Explore the National Garden's history as we celebrate its 10th Anniversary in 2016!
- See our recommendations of native plants you can grow (wildflowers, wetland plants, plants for critters, shrubs, trees, and more!)
Explore the birds of the National Garden!
The native plants in the Regional Garden give birds food and shelter, as naturally occurring urban habitat recedes. These birds are an important part of the garden, and are great indicators of its health and vitality. See the list >>/a>
Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) eating winterberry (Ilex verticillata) in the National Garden
More history of the National Garden:
The National Garden Takes Root
In 1986 President Ronald Reagan signed legislation creating the rose as the national floral emblem for the United States. Plans then got underway to find a site to showcase roses in the nation's capital.
The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) was selected, and the National Garden was dedicated in 1995 to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the legislation creating the USBG. But it would take more than 10 years for it to be created.
The National Garden opened on October 1, 2006, and its stewardship was turned over to the USBG. The garden educates visitors about the diversity of American plants and their importance to the environment; helps connect people to nature; and demonstrates the relationships between plants, water, and humans.
The National Garden was made possible by a successful collaboration between the U.S. Congress, the Joint Committee on the Library, the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and the Architect of the Capitol.
The National Fund for the United States Botanic Garden was established as a 501(c)3 in 1991 to fund and build the National Garden using non-federal funds. The Fund now supports the educational activities of the USBG. To learn more about the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden, visit www.nfusbg.org