Touring Natural Spaces for National Garden Month
April is National Garden Month! That is the perfect inspiration for a springtime adventure exploring natural spaces. To celebrate, I have visited several free garden spots in Downtown Washington, D.C. All the gardens I explored are free and open daily.
Visiting gardens is a great spring activity whether you are spending time with loved ones, hanging out with friends, on an outing with your s/o, or enjoying a solo date. These spots are great gardens to visit in Washington DC. Definitely check them out next time you're in the area.
U.S. Botanic Garden
Explore this "living plant museum" within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol Building.
It's a great place to learn more about plants, what they do for our world, and how we can support them. Tour the conservatory, stroll through the outdoor gardens, and watch the Bartholdi fountain light up after sunset.
Check out U.S. Botanic Garden's cell phone audio tour to guide your next visit!
Kogod Courtyard
Relax and unwind in this sunlit courtyard.
Inside the National Historic Landmark building, The Kogod Courtyard is the central hub between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. This courtyard creates a bright natural ambiance in its indoor space through floor water features, a skylit glass canopy, and a variety of plant life.
Enjoy the courtyard's plant displays and take a pause in this sprawling natural scene.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
If you're looking for a place to refresh on the National Mall, look no further than the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
This garden spot blends art and nature together to create a park within a park experience on the National Mall. Join a free guided tour or take a self-guided tour through contemporary art. Rest and reenergize at the Pavilion Café or the circular water fountain.
Stop by the Pavilion Café for a sweet treat on your next visit!
Enid A. Haupt Garden
Uncover history and culture in the Enid A. Haupt Garden.
Visit this garden's culture-infused nature spaces during your next visit to the National Mall.
"The Haupt Garden's design brings together the cultures and architecture of the surrounding museums and buildings." ~ Smithsonian Gardens
The Parterre
Walk to the center of the Haupt Garden to see the Parterre--a formal Victorian garden intricately decorated with colorful plants in symmetrical patterns. This Victorian garden was placed in front of the Smithsonian Castle to reflect its historic style.
The Fountain Garden
See the Fountain Garden next to the National Museum of African Art. The Moors' 13th-century Court of Lions in the Alhambra Palace and Islamic garden design were the inspirations for this geometric water-centric garden.
The Moongate Garden
Stroll through the National Museum of Asian Art's Moongate Garden. This garden is inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and Chinese culture.
If you need to recharge your devices during your visit, check out the Haupt Garden's solar-powered charging stations.
Smithsonian Pollinator Garden
Discover the natural world of pollination.
Walk along the National Museum of Natural History's garden trail to learn about pollination. Designed as a haven for pollinating insects, all of the plant life was selected to nourish and protect pollinating insects.
A great place to explore with kids!
Mary Livingston Ripley Garden
Stimulate the senses in this lush, fragrant garden.
Visit this garden tucked between the Hirshhorn Museum and Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building to enjoy a close look at blooming plant life.
"The garden’s ‘goal’ is to expose visitors to a wide variety of plants and inspire people to expand their plant palette." ~ Smithsonian Gardens
Take in aromatic scents from raised flower beds and hanging baskets, relax by the water fountain, and stroll the curvilinear walking paths.
There's so much to explore in this garden! Plaques in the flower beds highlight information about its plant life.
Adventure Recap of Gardens to Visit in Washington DC
Gardens offer opportunities for relaxation, nature and culture appreciation, self-reflection, education, and community connection.
I really loved exploring all of these free DC garden spots! I encourage you to visit these gardens and others in your area.
Check out my full Spring DC Vlog to follow along my journey exploring these gardens.
Which garden is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Remember to Share the Adventure
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