Nurtured over seasons, gardens speak to us of human experiences, old and new. Within a busy urban setting, the Smithsonian Institution's gardens offer sensory delights, environmental habitats, dynamic backdrops for art interpretation and cultural traditions and settings for contemplation and reflection.

The Smithsonian's gardens are living "outdoor museums." All have been designed to complement the museums they border and to enhance the overall museum experience of learning, appreciation, and enjoyment.

Before entering any of the Smithsonian's museums, discover the history, art and science that await you outside the Institution's buildings in its many gardens.

 

Spring Brings _____________
to the Smithsonian Gardens

(Fill in the blank)

There are many words that could be used to fill in the blank. If you ask most people, though, Washington, D.C. plus spring equals cherry blossoms. And rightfully so! There is no better way to announce the exit of winter and the entrance of spring than with a spectacular display of trees covered in white and pink blossoms? Did you also know that there are many other plants in the Smithsonian gardens that announce that they have awoken from a long winter's nap by producing showy floral displays? Come to the gardens and enjoy the beautiful Saucer Magnolias (Magnolia x soulangiana), Forsythia (Forsythia), Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume), and Harry Lauder's Walking Stick (Corylus avellena 'Contorta'). And don't forget about those bulbs! Not only will you find the usual tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, but also Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata), Chionodoxa (Chionodoxa forbesii 'Pink Giant') and Scilla (Scilla mischtschenkoana). So what does spring bring to the Smithsonian Gardens? Come and decide for yourself! …And yes, there are plenty of cherry blossoms here to enjoy! 

 

Stop and smell the roses
Presented by: Smithsonian's Horticulture Services Division

Summer. The mere mention of the word brings thoughts of the beach, flip flops, and relaxation. Finally, the sweaters can be put away and we won’t be in such a hurry to get from Point A to Point B because it’s so cold outside.

The problem is that once you get going it’s often hard to slow down. Fortunately, the Smithsonian Gardens are here to help. The gardens are great places to take a break from sightseeing and museum hopping. Not only that, they are a terrific place to learn something new. Lush, colorful plantings can be found around every Smithsonian museum that you won’t want to miss. 

So… come on down and stop and smell the roses in the Folger Rose Garden, but don’t stop there. Check out the rest of the Smithsonian Gardens and before you know it you’ll be in that summer state of mind! For more information about Garden Fest, visit www.gardenfest.si.edu.

 

Upcoming Museum Events

• No upcoming events


View Full Calendar of Events »