Roses are red (and pink and white and yellow and peach) at the USBG
The US Botanic Garden is hardly a secret to us locals, but it’s easy to get caught up in the wonderful indoor galleries and forget about the beautiful areas outside. The National Garden right next to the conservatory and Bartholdi Park just across Independence Avenue deserve some time, too, if not their own visit all together. And right now is a great time to go, when roses, peonies, irises, and many more are in full bloom.
It really is fantastic to see and smell the gorgeous flowers, the delicate swirls of petals, their intoxicating bouquets, the array of colors and varieties. Stroll down paths that wind through the flora or enjoy it all from the comfort of a seating area. Bring along a bite for a picnic lunch or snack (there are several tables and benches in pretty areas). And have a camera ready — perfect photo ops abound!
The U.S. Botanic Garden is located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW. The National Garden is open 10am – 7pm daily, and Bartholdi Park is open dawn to dusk. Admission to both are free.
