The
United States Botanic Garden traces its beginning to 1816, when the
Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences in Washington,
D.C., proposed the creation of a botanic garden to collect, grow, and
distribute plants of this and other countries that might contribute
to the welfare of the American people. The Institute's garden was established
by Congress in 1820 to the west of the Capitol Grounds, and it functioned
until shortly after the organization stopped holding meetings in 1837.
In 1842, the idea of a national botanic garden was reestablished when
the return of the United States Exploring Expedition to the South Seas
(the Wilkes Expedition) brought to Washington a collection of living
plants from around the globe.
Moved to its present location in 1933, the Garden includes the Conservatory
and two acres of surrounding exterior grounds, and the outdoor display
gardens in Frederic Auguste Bartholdi Park. A plant production and support
facility opened in Anacostia in 1993 that includes greenhouse bays and
maintenance shops.
Admission, Hours, and Entrance Location (www.usbg.gov)
Admission to all public areas of the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) is free.
The Conservatory is open 10 AM - 5 PM everyday, including weekends and
holidays. The new National Garden, located immediately west of the Conservatory,
will be open 10 AM - 7 PM, June 1 - September 30, 2007. After September
30, the National Garden will close at 5 PM. The Conservatory main entrance
is located at 100 Maryland Avenue, SW (use this address for internet
mapping searches). Visitors are welcome in Bartholdi Park from dawn
until dusk and can access it from any of the three bordering streets
- Independence Avenue, Washington Avenue or First Street.
Transportation and Parking – A limited number
of metered parking spaces is available within a few blocks of the USBG.
The use of public transportation is encouraged. Take Metrorail Blue
or Orange line to Federal Center SW or Capital South stations, or Metro
Bus #30, 32, 34, 35, or 36 to Independence Avenue and First Street,
SW. For more information on using Metro Rail or Bus, please visit http://www.metroopensdoors.com
Accessibility – The U.S. Botanic Garden is ADA
compliant and offers full accessibility for those with special needs.
Handicapped parking is available on Maryland Avenue at Garfield Circle.
The Conservatory offers pay phones with TTY capability. We also offer
wheelchairs. Sign language interpreters are available by advance reservation;
telephone (202)226-4082.
BWB is an international network of ecological builders working together for a sustainable future.