The National Arboretum is not far from where I live. Not close but certainly something I could, and should, enjoy more often as it is a reasonable day trip and I can still get back home by late afternoon...which I recently did. I am taking that Master Gardener class and we recently had a field trip to this USDA facility. I had been there before a long time ago. The 22 Corinthian columns in the background of the photo above were part of the White House East Portico before a re-modeling. This, I guess, is our little homage to Ancient Greece and Rome.
Touring of the arboretum is free and research and maintenance are paid for by the American taxpayer.
There are over 446 acres of trees, various Asian gardens, a knot garden, an herb garden, a bio-tech fuel walk and a tremendous bonsai garden among many other features of interest. The bonsai museum houses a tree that was started in the 1600's. I did not get a photo of that, but maybe next time. The arboretum is packed with visitors in the spring, but the fall is a also a good time to visit and not so crowded. This is the place to get ideas for fall and winter color and structure in the landscape.
Just a few lovely views below:
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| Knot Garden |
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| Chinese Valley |
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| Fall in the arboretum |
I love the arboretum. I grew up in Takoma Park and have spent many happy house wandering the arboretum in all seasons. Thanks for the memories. I'll try to get back there some day.
ReplyDeletereally a beautiful place...took some pics out in the woods today will have to put some up myself...
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a lovely - close to home trip. I have never visited a arboreturn.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a fine place to explore. Or even just sit.
ReplyDeleteI would live among trees if I could, hidden away and happy.
ReplyDeleteHow are you doing with the course? Are you loving it?
REally lovely, thank you.
ReplyDeletePauline, I actually like the course very much and will post a little about it in time.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
What a great place to visit. I could probably get lost there. I mean figuratively but quite possibly literally too. ;)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful visit. I've fallen in love with the colours of fall.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for taking us here! The whole area is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI love your new header!!
ReplyDeleteI think everyone like the natural beauty and the Chinese valley and the other things in the picture are very nice. As they have their own importance.
ReplyDeleteHey, nice site you have here! Keep up the excellent work!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful post! I lived in DC for many years, and the arboretum is one of my favorite places to spend a day outdoors.
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