This past weekend, my friend Bonnie and I went to the National Arboretum for the first time. It was a glorious day and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to check out our nation’s living museum. It’s hard to imagine that within a big city like Washington, DC, there lies 446 acres of lush grounds dedicated to conserving and showcasing thousands of varieties of plants. The arboretum is “in bloom” all year long, so no matter what time of year you visit, there will be plenty for you to see. To find out which plants will be in bloom during your visit, see the arboretum’s bloom schedule.
We happened to go on a very busy weekend and it was difficult to find a place to park. We finally managed to find a spot alongside a field of lilac shrubs. As soon as we stepped out of the car we were overwhelmed by the smell of fresh lilac. (Side note: I had been thinking about planting a lilac shrub in our back yard and after seeing this magnificent field of lilacs I went out and bought one the very next day!)
What we stumbled upon next was like something out of Ancient Rome or Ancient Greece. It’s not every day that you see free-standing columns amidst a meadow in the United States!
But the columns are of course, not ancient. These Corinthian columns were originally on the East Portico of the US Capitol. But due to an oversight in design, the columns didn’t appear to adequately support the Capitol dome which was completed in 1864. The columns were removed and an addition was built on the east side of the Capitol in 1958. In the 1980s, the Capitol Columns found their new home at the National Arboretum. The columns overlook 20 acres known as the Ellipse Meadow. They are set on a foundation of stones that also used to be on the east side of the Capitol. And nothing is complete in DC without a reflecting pool!
The current showstoppers in bloom at the arboretum are the azaleas. The area known as Mount Hamilton is ablaze with color from the all of the azaleas that flood the hillside. There are literally thousands of azalea shrubs in every variety and color imaginable and visitors can walk along footpaths to get a good view of them all.
With over 9 miles of winding roads within the arboretum, we barely scratched the surface during our visit. We spent most of our time looking at the azaleas, but here are a few other plant varieties we enjoyed.
I especially loved this Lace Bark Pine whose trunks look like army camo!
We even got to see some wildlife. In addition to the frogs below, we also spotted a fox.
This is definitely one DC landmark that I intend to revisit!
Where In The World Is Dayna... 
Amazingly beautiful!
Thanks Erin! I am already itching to go back to see their extensive herb garden and Bonsai gardens!
Hi Dayna, now Leslie and I have been there…numerous times when we lived in Bowie. Great place to picnic in the Spring befor it gets too hot and the bugs come out! We’re in Tucson…100 degrees but not bugs! Should be done here in a week. Wnderful seeing you and Rob a couple weeks back…sorry we couldn’t get together this last trip; but we’ll plan a swing through DC next time. Until then, plan on a COlorado trip.
uncle John
It was so wonderful to see you and Leslie as well! We are definitely anxious to plan another Colorado visit soon!
Beautiful shots. Love those Corinthian columns… and I’ve never seen nature look so much like our standard camouflage hahah.
Thanks Ashley! Your pictures from Washington state are amazing! You will love living there! I was stationed at Ft. Lewis and I really loved it there.
🙂 Yeah, I’m pretty excited to call it home for a while. And you’ll be seeing tons more photos soon!
Really pretty! Looked like a beautiful day, too. I could practically smell the lilacs – I can’t find them in Europe.
What a shame! I would think they would be able to thrive in Europe just as well as they do here.
I have to take it back. The winter has been long and difficult here. But I’ve spotted lilacs and forsythias lately. Makes my day! Love your blog, the photos are great.
Living in DC for three years this became my little oasis of sanity. The Arboretum is stunning. I am so happy for you to have discovered it. It is nicest when the crowds are not there, and unless it’s azalea time or there’s a special show, it is amazingly peaceful. There are many hidden corners with places to chill and enjoy nature. Loved going in winter, no crowds and still much beauty. The Japanese gardens are my fav. Find the pagoda; it makes for some great photos. Yours are excellent by the way!
I can’t wait to go back! Thanks for the recommendation.