US National Arboretum
DC's Urban Oasis
Are you planning a vacation to the nation's capitol or looking for a great garden destination in the Washington DC area? Maybe you're looking for a relaxing place to ride a bike. Join me on an overview of the US National Arboretum, one of my favorite gardens in Washington. Renowned for it's unique National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, azalea collections, dwarf conifer collection and the State Grove of Trees, the Arboretum also has fantastic lilacs and perennials such as day-lilies and peonies as well as the National Herb Garden. History buffs will enjoy the National Capitol Columns which once stood at the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, and bikers will enjoy riding miles of paved roads.
The Azalea Collection
is in jeopardy!
Historic Glen Dale Azaleas
A view of the historic Glenn dale azaleas on sunny Mount Hamilton. THIS is why Washingtonians flock to the arboretum in late April. Photo © 2009 Chris Scroggins
SPRING: The Azaleas Collection
AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARBORETUM BROCHURE: The collections, which cover 40 acres of a forested hillside and explode in a riot of color in late April and May include historical and modern varieties. Visit often to relax in one of the area's most beautiful and tranquil woodland gardens.
Help FONA save the Boxwood and Azalea Collection
Each year over 100,000 Washington families enjoy the historic and beautiful azalea displays. Find out how you can help support this great plant collection.
- Friends of the National Arboretum
Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) is leading a major fundraising campaign to save the U.S. National Arboretum's Azalea and National Boxwood Collections. The campaign seeks to raise $1 million from individuals, families and organizations who va - FACT SHEET
Background The Azalea Collection has long been a landmark in Washington. It was the magic of the spring azalea display that first prompted the Arboretum to open to the public in 1949. Today, the Arboretum hosts more than half a million visitors a yea - DONATE NOW
The National Arboretum without the azaleas, or boxwood, for that matter, is like the Tidal Basin without the cherry trees. Here's a chance for those of us who have enjoyed one of Washington’s premier spring attractions year after year to make sure th
Mt. Hamilton
A view of Mt. Hamilton on April 26, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
An EXCERPT FROM THE ARBORETUM BROCHURE: "15,000 azaleas were planted on the south side of Mt. Hamilton in 1946-47. They were all hybrids created by B.Y.Morrison. Morrison, a trained landscape architect, arranged the plants into large sweeps of overlapping color and times of bloom. "
Historic Glenn Dales Azaleas
© Chris Scroggins
A cool Spring keeps azalea buds tightly furled in 2009. © Chris Scroggins
These azalea books make great birthday or holiday gifts for shade gardeners.
Azalea Books
Spring Perennials
A view of perennials next to the National Herb Garden on May 26, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
The Morrison Garden
© Chris Scroggins / After strolling around Mt Hamilton and the historic Glenn dales, you can cool your heels in the Morrison garden filled with boxwoods and Glenn Dale azaleas.
The Lilac Collection - Although not as well known as the major collections, the lilacs are the stars in mid April.
Lilacs almost at peak on April 19th, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
When will they invent a camera that captures fragrance? © Chris Scroggins
In addition to the traditional lilac colors, you will also see some less typical varieties like this all white lilac. © Chris Scroggins
This deep fuscia colored lilac was a knock out. © Chris Scroggins
These lilac gardening books are perfect birthday and holiday gift ideas for gardeners.
Lilac Gardening Books
Late Summer's Delight: The Washington Youth Garden
Come inside and see what Washington area kids are planting this season. © Chris Scroggins
Cleomes and sunflowers abound. © Chris Scroggins
Support the Washington Youth Garden - visit: http://www.washingtonyouthgarden.org
FROM THE WEBSITE: The Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum
provides hands-on nutrition, gardening, and environmental education programs to DC youth and their families.
The summer blooms reach way over your head, making you feel like a little kid again. © Chris Scroggins
Scarecrows help protect precious vegetables planted by the kids. © Chris Scroggins
US National Arboretum Website
- US National Arboretum website
Get information about classes and special events from the official website for the Arboretum.
Special Events at the Arboretum
- Annual Orchid Show: National Capitol Orchid Society
Browse this site for information on their annual show and sale held at the National Arboretum. - Garden Fair
The annual Garden Fair offers unusual plants, garden supplies, activities and food vendors.
Special Exhibitions
Special botanical art exhibitions like this photography exhibit by artist Andrea Ottesen are held in the Administration building.
Friends of the National Arboretum - Given the economic climate supporting the National Arboretum is more important now than ever.
- FONA
Would you like to support the National Arboretum? Become a friend of the Arboretum by following this link. - NATIONAL BONSAI FOUNDATION
You can help support the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum by following this link.
Arbor House Gift Shop
Stop by the Arboretum gift shop for unique gifts for gardeners and flower lovers. Located across from the administration buildling parking lot.
© Chris Scroggins
Get garden gloves, garden accents, greeting cards, books and gifts for children at the Arbor House gift shop. © Chris Scroggins
National Arboretum Greeting Cards
- US NATIONAL ARBORETUM CARDS
Browse beautiful US NATIONAL Arboretum greeting cards and note cards here.
Garden Flower Greeting Cards
- FLOWER NOTE CARDS AND GIFTS
Browse greeting cards, note cards, framed tiles and coffee mug gifts designed by Chris Scroggins Photography. - FLOWER BIRTHDAY CARDS
Send Happy Birthday wishes with beautiful garden flower birthday cards. - FLOWER THANK YOU CARDS
Say thank you to friends, family and business associates with colorful flower thank you notes.
Gently Used Garden Books for Sale
Stop by the FONA headquarters next door to the Arbor House gift shop and purchase used garden books in excellent condition such as these books by well known garden writers.© Chris Scroggins
The Picnic Grounds - Adjacent to the National Grove of State Trees
With no food service on the grounds and limited food service on New York Avenue, it's best to bring your own lunch. © Chris Scroggins
Arboretum Location
Autumn at the Arboretum - All images on this site are copyright © Chris Scroggins.
A view of Red Maples in November, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
National Bonsai and Penjing Museum - Fall is a great time to visit!
No trip to the Arboretum is complete without a visit to the Bonsai Museum.
QUOTE FROM ARBORETUM: " Established in 1976, the museum is an international scholarly center where superior bonsai, penjing and related arts are displayed and studied for the education and delight of visitors." All Images copyright © Chris Scroggins
Hours for Bonsai Museum
Bonsai Museum open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, NOT 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.!!!
Autumn Maple
© Chris Scroggins
Autumn Ginkgo
© Chris Scroggins
The Oldest Bonsai
The famous Japanese white pine in training since 1625. © Chris Scroggins
Hornbeam Bonsai
A Hornbeam bonsai in training since 1935. © Chris Scroggins
© Chris Scroggins
Spring Crabapple
Crabapple in training since 1935. © Chris Scroggins
Kato Stroll Garden
The Kato stroll garden is dedicated to five generations of Bonsai masters in the Kato family. © Chris Scroggins
Want to learn the art of bonsai? You can start by reading one of these top rated bonsai books available on Amazon:
Bonsai Books and Tools
Bonsai books and tools make perfect holiday gifts for bonsai growers and hobbyists.
Did you enjoy your virtual visit to the National Arboretum? Please sign my guest book. And by all means, tell me which of my photos are your favorites. Thanks!
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Green Thumb Guestbook
I absolutely love the bonsai photos in this lens. A great way to capture the beautiful gardens of National Arboretum.
Arboretums are lovely, and you have showcased this nicely with your pictures. SquidAngel blessings.
- AUTHOR
@BuckHawkcenter: Thank you, Buck Hawk!
You have done a beautiful job of presenting a beautiful place. As a gardener, you have me wanting to visit! Angel Blessed*
What a lovely lens! Thanks for stopping by....it gave me a chance to find this beauty. We lived in DC for 3 years so we got to experience all this flowering trees/shrubs first hand. 5*!
I loved seeing the little Bonsai trees. Nice photography of a beautiful place. Lensrolling to my gardening lens.
Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
Such a beautiful lens. Congratulations and 5*. Lensrolled into Garden Paths! Thanks for dropping by.
Lovely photos. :)
Wow! This is great. I love the lilacs.
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