U.S. Botanic Garden

01/26/2020

A bright pop of color amongst the green in the Tropics house. This is scarlet leadwort (Plumbago indica), native to southeastern Asia.

01/24/2020

Take 5: Winter at the U.S. Botanic Garden | United States Botanic Garden

Things don't slow down just because it's winter. Check out five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden this season, including cacao, historic and prehistoric plants, and more!

01/23/2020

Happy New Year! We welcome you to come immerse yourself in the beautiful, useful world of plants this year! We’re celebrating turning 200 in 2020, and we hope you’ll join us at the Garden soon! Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the many blooms in our Orchid house. We’re open 10:00am - 5:00 pm today.

01/23/2020

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are blooming in Bartholdi Park. We’re guessing the 60-70 degree temperatures recently have caused them to bloom a bit earlier than expected.

01/22/2020

What striking colors! Butterfly ginger (Hedychium hasseltii), native to Java, in our Tropics house.

01/21/2020

Gardener Margaret took some photos of the beautiful golden orange winterberry (Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Gold’) in the Regional Garden. A great pop of color in the winter.

01/18/2020

Applications for the 2020 Hands on Plant Science (HOPS) Fellowship are now being accepted!

This 6-week intensive Fellowship is located at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) in Washington, DC and is funded through the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden. This is an environmental education Fellowship that works closely with USBG Education Staff to facilitate the Hands on Plants Science (HOPS) summer program. During HOPS the fellow learns how to prepare and run sixteen different hands on modules, as the National Garden becomes an outdoor classroom where urban students and teachers dissect flowers, learn how seeds travel, use microscopes, and analyze soil.

Who is eligible for the HOPS Fellowship?

Applicants must be at minimum a rising college senior, preferably with a background in environmental education, plant-science, and/or horticulture. A $3,600 stipend is provided. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 28, 2020. https://usbgfriends.org/opportunities

01/16/2020

Hot off the press – a greenhouse manual for schools, just in time for planting! As schools prepare for their spring plantings, this manual provides the A–Z to help teachers, across curriculum, connect students to the importance of plants. www.USBG.gov/GreenhouseManual

The U.S. Botanic Garden, National Center for Appropriate Technology - NCAT, and City Blossoms recognized the need for user-friendly guidance on operating school greenhouses and maximizing their educational potential. To that end, we have developed this free manual for educators wanting to better use new or existing greenhouses for educational purposes.

01/16/2020

This female Dioon spinulosum in our Tropics house is developing a cone. It is native to Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico.

01/15/2020

DC Teacher Night Registration

DC-area teachers, please join us for DC Teacher Night 2020. This event is free however, registration is required and spots are limited.

SPECIAL PROGRAM: DC TEACHER NIGHT 2020

Join us in the warmth of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory for an evening of environmental education. Connect with 40 D.C.-area environmental organizations to find out how to get your students learning about nature and how to bring the environment into the classroom. Exhibitors will have hands-on activities and lesson plans, as well as resources to bring back to the classroom. Learn about student and teacher field trip experiences and professional development opportunities. Described by past exhibitors and teachers as the “richest environmental resource evening in the city.”

Please note: Doors open at 6 p.m.
DATE: Thursday, January 30
TIME: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
LOCATION: United States Botanic Garden Conservatory

Join us in warmth of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory for an evening of environmental education. Connect with 40 D.C.- area environmental organizations to find out how to get your students learning about nature and how to bring the environment into the classroom. Exhibitors will have hands-...

01/15/2020

The Horticulture team has grown these vibrant red flaming katy (Kalanchoe Calandiva Series) to fill the Garden Court. They almost glow in the morning sun.

01/14/2020

Check out this beautiful bloom stalk on chalk agave (Agave titanota), native to Mexico. It stands about 8 feet tall. Could you guess it’s in the Asparagus family?

01/13/2020

The Garden Court is both beautiful and filled with useful plants. You might recognize the large leaves of banana (Musa sp.) in the center, but do you know that vine running up the wall is vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)? We invite you to come explore our collections! Photo by Nick Dubinskiy.

01/12/2020

Conservatory sunset. Photo by Dineda Nyepan.

01/11/2020

Explore the beautiful orchid blooms on display, like these three: Prosthechea cochleata, Phalaenopsis Brother Lawrence X Phal. Yellow Brite Lites, and Epicattleya Rene Marques ‘Tyler’

01/09/2020

Join us for a workshop, special tour, demonstration, and more! Winter 2020 programs for January and February are live for registration online at www.USBG.gov/Programs

Highlights this season include:
* Escape the Garden
* Botanical Brainiacs Trivia Night with District Trivia
* Teen Night at the Garden
*The Art and Science of Henna
* Painting with Botanicals: Tea, Saffron, Beyond
* Growing Food in Urban Spaces
* Best Shrubs for Your Cut Flower Garden
* Cooking Demos: Oranges and Grapefruits
* Snugglers
* Smell & Touch Tours for Blind/Low Vision
* Medicinal Plants tours
and so much more!

01/09/2020

Colorful capture of “O Say Can You See” stickwork sculpture in the outdoor gardens. Explore this installation by artist Patrick Dougherty made from locally harvested invasive plants and willow. As part of our bicentennial celebration this year, it will be on display through December 2020. Learn more at www.USBG.gov/Dougherty . Photo by visitor @el_saca_fotos_come_mole

01/08/2020

Join the U.S. Botanic Garden team! The Garden is hiring a Business Operations Manager. This individual will provide essential business services and management leadership related to procurement, budget, material management, human capital management, and strategic planning in support of the goals and operations of the USBG. Applications are due January 24, 2020. www.USBG.gov/Jobs

01/06/2020

U.S. Botanic Garden's cover photo

01/05/2020

Today’s the last day to explore “Season’s Greenings: America’s Gardens” celebrating public gardens and their great diversity! Public gardens curate plant collections for conservation and research, provide places to connect with nature, and educate about plants. We hope you’ll visit a public garden near you this year. Here’s a scene from our train show showing the Singing Tower from @boktowergardens in Florida, made from plant parts. Learn more at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

01/04/2020

Two days left to explore “Season’s Greenings: America’s Gardens!” Monday morning the magic packs away for another year. Come explore today and tomorrow to see DC monuments made from plant parts, a train show celebrating public gardens across America, a 26-foot-tall Christmas tree, thousands of poinsettias, and more! Plan your visit at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

01/03/2020

The black and white really shows off the moving lines of our sculpture by artist Patrick Dougherty celebrating our 200th anniversary! Learn more at www.USBG.gov/Dougherty . Photo by Jen Burnett.

01/03/2020

We had a request for another round of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) varieties. These are: Sonora White Glitter, Orange Spice, Harlequin Red, St. Louis, Snowy White, and Princettia Pure White

01/01/2020

Happy New Year! We welcome you to come immerse yourself in the beautiful, useful world of plants this year! We’re celebrating turning 200 in 2020, and we hope you’ll join us at the Garden soon! Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the many blooms in our Orchid house. We’re open 10:00am - 5:00 pm today.

12/31/2019

We’re enjoying the festive sounds of Samovar in our last holiday concert of the season tonight. Thank you for all for sharing your time with us and letting us share the beauty and usefulness of plants with you all. We’re looking forward to 2020 when we turn 200!

12/30/2019

This year’s train show celebrating the diversity of public gardens across America takes on a new dimension with colorful lights after dark! We are open late one more time this holiday show. Tuesday, Dec. 31, we’ll be open until 8pm with live holiday music. The show runs through Sunday, January 5, 2020. Plan your visit at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

12/29/2019

This Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a beautiful explosion of blooms!

12/28/2019

“Walking in a willow wonderland” — We love this caption visitor Hilary-Morgan Watt posted with her photo from our Patrick Dougherty sculpture celebrating our 200th anniversary! Learn more the sculpture at www.USBG.gov/Dougherty

12/28/2019

There’s another week to take in the holiday decor throughout the Garden. Our holiday show celebrating the diversity of public gardens across America runs through January 5, 2020. We are open every day, including holidays. More at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings . Photo by Jenn W.

12/27/2019

Here are a few of the more than 30 varieties of poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) that our Horticulture team has grown. What color is your favorite?

12/26/2019

Sprinkled throughout the Garden this season is Helichrysum “Icicles.” Helichrysum has been used in traditional medicine as an essential oil for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties, and modern research is studying the scientific efficacy of these properties.

12/25/2019

Merry Christmas! Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are now synonymous with the winter holidays, and our Horticulture team has grown more than 3,000 to decorate the Garden! The team created this poinsettia wall with a selection of the Euphorbia 'Princettia' series -- a beautiful sight and a great photo opp.

The Conservatory is open today 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Learn more about visiting at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

12/24/2019

The Garden is decked out with poinsettias in every direction! The Conservatory is open 10am-8pm today, because we have live holiday music tonight! More info at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

12/23/2019

Join us for more exploration of our model train show celebrating the diversity and beauty of public gardens across the USA! We start with the missile and space station node from Huntsville Botanical Garden in Alabama, catch our own Bartholdi Fountain, and see the flamingoes representing Franklin Park Conservatory in Ohio up close for extra detail! “Season’s Greenings: America’s Gardens” runs through January 5, 2020 and we’re open every day, including holidays. Learn more at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

12/22/2019

Explore more of a our model train show celebrating the diversity of public gardens! In this desert plants diorama, a train circles the Cactus House from Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona and the Observation Tower from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Texas. Have you visited either of these two gardens?

12/21/2019

The pop-up shop by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden closes Monday evening Dec. 23. They have all sorts of educational and botanical items, and proceeds support educational programs here at the Garden. It’s located in the Conservatory’s West Gallery.

12/20/2019

Join us to explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year's Season's Greenings holiday show! Plant-based recreations of conservatories, fountains, and sculptures fill the model train room. These include iconic gardens scenes like Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Japanese torii gate, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' flamingo topiaries, Missouri Botanical Garden's famous Climatron conservatory, and Huntsville Botanical Garden's Space Garden featuring NASA space nodes and rockets!

The Conservatory is filled with thousands of flowers, including a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties. Our collection of D.C. landmarks made from plant materials will return to fill the Garden Court, and the West Gallery will feature a decorated tree with its own model train. Join us as we celebrate the holidays and America's beautiful and diverse public gardens.

Join us to explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year's Season's Greenings holiday show! Plant-based recreations of conservatories, fountains, and sculptures fill the model train room. These include iconic gardens scenes like Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Japanese torii gate, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' flamingo topiaries, Missouri Botanical Garden's famous Climatron conservatory, and Huntsville Botanical Garden's Space Garden featuring NASA space nodes and rockets!

The Conservatory is filled with thousands of flowers, including a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties. Our collection of D.C. landmarks made from plant materials will return to fill the Garden Court, and the West Gallery will feature a decorated tree with its own model train. Join us as we celebrate the holidays and America's beautiful and diverse public gardens.

12/19/2019

The Garden's Operations team not only keep the Conservatory's systems for warmth, water, and humidity working successfully, but during our holiday show they also function as model train engineers! The team keeps the trains running smoothly, ensuring the success of the show from trains to building operations!

12/18/2019

We love seeing visitors enjoying the Garden. These photos from visitor Katherine Dore are so cute, we can’t share just one! Come make your own fun holiday memories at the Garden! www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

12/18/2019

Do you know a college student who might want to intern next summer at the Garden? Applications for three paid summer internships here: Horticultural Aide, Garden Aide and Laborer, and an Engineering or Architectural Aide are due January 24, 2020. www.USBG.gov/Intern

12/17/2019

"Season's Greenings: America's Gardens" model trains

Join us to explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s Season’s Greenings holiday show! Plant-based recreations of conservatories, fountains, and sculptures fill the model train room. In this video clip, can you find the Bridge from @The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens' Chinese Garden, the Conservatory from Biltmore Estate, the Science Pyramid from Denver Botanic Gardens, Canopy Cathedral Treehouse from Longwood Gardens, Pinecote Pavilion from The Crosby Arboretum, the World's Largest Concrete Garden Gnome from Reiman Gardens, the Children's Garden Green Roof Buildings from Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Tulip Treehouse from Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, and more! www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

12/17/2019

Come find a new favorite holiday moment! The Conservatory is open every day including holidays. Find this 26 foot tall tree with its own model train, festive poinsettias, and more. And that’s just in one room! Photo by visitor Katie Fullenkamp.

12/16/2019

Our holiday show this year celebrates the beauty and diversity of public gardens across America. Check out the beautiful viewing pavilion and torii from Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, recreated from plant parts for our show.

12/12/2019

It’s National Poinsettia Day! This holiday favorite comes in colors from red to white to pink... and now also in tones of yellow, gold, green, and orange! Euphorbia pulcherrima is native to Mexico, where the small tree can grow up to 30 feet tall! Our Horticulture team grows more than 3,000 poinsettias to fill the Garden! Come explore and find your favorite. www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings

12/11/2019

U.S. Botanic Garden Seeks Agriculture Exhibit Content Developer | United States Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) is currently seeking a contractor to research and develop content for an exhibit focused on agriculture, which will be on display at the USBG from January 2021 – October 2022. The goal of the exhibit will be to help visitors better understand where their food comes from, and the impacts of food production and consumption on their lives and the environment. Proposals must be received by COB on Monday, January 6th.

For more details, please visit: https://www.usbg.gov/agriculture-exhibit-content-developer

Agriculture Exhibit Content Developer The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) is currently seeking a contractor to research and develop content for an exhibit focused on agriculture, which will be on display at the USBG from January 2021 - October 2022. The goal of the exhibit will be to help visitors better...