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Although the Gardens look like they should be part of the Smithsonian, they’re actually run by the Architect of the Capitol underneath Congress. Congress founded the National Botanic Gardens, located where the Capitol Reflecting Pool now stands, in 1850 as a home to plants gathered by the Wilkes Expedition to the South Seas.
The Botanic Gardens were relocated to their present location in 1933, with the building of an aluminum-and-glass conservatory designed by Lord & Burnham. The beautiful glass structure houses ten room and two courtyards. In the center is the Palm House, rising 80 feet above the ground.
The Conservatory, housing over 4,000 plants, has been restored within the last few years. Highlights of the collection include a medicinal plant gallery (did you know that papaya relieves heartburn?); an orchid gallery with un-potted orchids growing as they might in the wild; and a lot of information about all kinds of different peppers. A 24-foot-high cat-walk was added to the Palm House, so you can walk through the trees’ canopy.
The renovations included a new entrance building annexed to the Conservatory. The wings of the entrance building feature exhibits on plant evolution, the science of botany, and the uses of plants, including many opportunities to use your sense of smell. |
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