The United States National Arboretum

The United States National Arboretum is an outdoor nature reserve which spans across 446 acres of land and boasts around 600,000 visitors a year.

The location is best known for its distinguished types of flora that are featured in single‑genus groupings and classified gardens.

For those that are in interested in botany, the arboretum provides public educational programs in addition to paid internships which are three to six months long in duration.

The place is simply a plant lovers dream come true!

If you have a keen eye, you will also be able to spot wild fauna in various locations throughout the arboretum grounds. There is also a protected area for bald eagles as they are the national emblem of the United States.

If you are interested in visiting the arboretum when most of the flora are in full bloom, then please be sure to stop by starting in May or June.

As of today, due to covid-19, The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the Administration Building are currently closed to the public. However, if you’re fortunate, you may be able to spot some koi fish swimming at the aquatic garden which is just outside of the Arboretum’s Administration Building. They are very social!

As mentioned earlier, there are many gardens and collections throughout the arboretum.  So make sure that you have the proper footwear as there will be plenty to see.

Perhaps the most popular area of the arboretum would be the National Capital Columns.

The tall structures are made from sandstone and were crafted in 1828 with the intentions of supporting the dome at the Capital Building. It turned out that they weren’t needed for their original purpose, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s when landscaper, Russel Page, found use for them in their current resting spot that we now refer to as The United States National Arboretum.

There is also a reflecting pool conveniently located nearby the columns that provides a still and calm ambience. Moreover, if you look closely, you’ll be able to see how the reflecting pool is connected to the columns by ways of a small channel which provides beautiful synchronicity and a fluid aesthetic.

Now that the sun is out, I highly recommend a visit to The United States National Arboretum as it is a great way to get active outdoors while also becoming better informed about unique vegetation that come from all parts of our beautiful and diverse planet.