Whether you like to dig in the dirt or just love the many horticultural treats Washington has to offer, our area abounds with public gardens to visit.
Brookside Gardens
(www.brooksidegardens.org)
1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, Md.
Metro: Glenmont
301-962-1400
Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre, public display garden featuring two indoor conservatories, with lush tropical plants and changing seasonal displays, as well as 11, outdoor formal gardens, horticultural reference library and master-gardeners plant clinics. Open daily, except Christmas, from10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Garden
(www.doaks.org)
1703 32nd St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Entrance gate to the gardens is on R St., near the intersection of 31st St., N.W.
202-339-6401
Dumbarton Oaks houses a series of formal Italianate gardens. The garden is open to the public, but the museum and gift shop are closed for renovation until 2007. The gardens are open daily, except Mondays, from 2 - 5 p.m. (November - March) and 2 - 6 p.m. (April - October). Gardens and collections closed on federal holidays. Admission: $7; children and seniors, $5.
Green Spring Garden Park
(www.greenspring.org)
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va.
703-642-5173
The 27-acre public park has 20 different demonstration gardens, an historic house, forested paths and ponds. Go there to see various plants and garden styles appropriate to Northern Virginia gardens. In addition, wander through the greenhouse, which is filled with houseplants. Horticulture Center is open Monday - Saturday, from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, from noon - 4:30 p.m. Free admission. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
(www.nps.gov⁄nace⁄keaq)
1550 Anacostia Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C.
Nearest Metro stop: Deanwood
202-426-6905
This is a 12-acre haven devoted to water plants. Water lilies and lotus are stars of the summer show, but at other times, a variety of marsh plants prevail. Wildlife, including reptiles, frogs, whitetail deer, beaver, fox and muskrat, also live in these gardens. Open daily, from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Free admission.
McCrillis Gardens and Gallery
(www.mc-mncppc.org⁄parks⁄brookside⁄mccrilli.shtm)
6910 Greentree Road, Bethesda, Md.
301-962-1455
A five-acre display garden features azaleas and rhododendrons. The gardens have been refined as a premier shade garden. Choice ornamental trees and shrubs extend the flowering season, while bulbs, groundcovers and shade-loving perennials add ongoing color and texture. Some areas can be rented for events. Gardens are open daily, from 10 a.m. to sunset. Free admission.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
(www.nvrpa.org⁄meadowlark.html)
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Va.
703-255-3631
There are 95 acres in this display garden, with labeled plants giving information on size, habitat and special features, such as fall color. The largest collections are daylilies and hostas, as well as mixed perennial borders. Conservation and plant diversity displays in the Visitor Center invite guests of all ages to explore the natural world. The Atrium’s indoor, tropical garden setting is a popular meeting, reception, wedding and workshop location. Interpretive displays accompany a restored, 18th-century cabin. A picnic area beside the gardens is available to visitors. There is a full schedule of gardening classes and workshops. Open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days, and when trails are covered by ice or snow, from 10 a.m. - sunset. Admission: Adults (ages 18 - 54), $5; seniors, students and children (ages 7 - 17), $2.50.
National Arboretum
(www.usna.usda.gov)
3501 New York Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C.
202-245-2726
This is an education and research facility, encompassing 444 acres of world-class gardens, including the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the National Herb Garden, the Asian Collection, the Gotelli Dwarf and Slow-Growing Conifer Collection, and Fern Valley Native Plant Collection. See the Web site’s calendar for a complete listing of Arboretum programs and activities. Grounds are open daily, except Christmas, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bonsai Collection hours are 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The Arbor House Gift Shop is open from March 1 - mid-December. Weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
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