Explore Capitol Hill
National Garden
Adjacent to the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory with entrances from Independence Avenue, Maryland Avenue (at 3rd street) and from the Conservatory Terrace
The National Garden was created as a place for visitors to experience the diversity of plants, including the rose, America's national flower. It was authorized by Congress in 1988 and opened to the public on October 1, 2006. The National Garden provides "living laboratories" for environmental, horticultural, and botanical education in a contemplative setting.
Highlights of the National Garden include:
Rose Garden: The Rose Garden is designed as an outdoor garden room featuring many varieties of the rose, the national flower. The garden features two octagonal parterres edged with limestone pavers and a permeable walkway.
First Ladies’ Water Garden: The First Ladies' Water Garden is a simple but elegant square with a frame of surrounding paving, designed to create a memorable image of the central role that water plays in the well-being of plants, animals, and humankind. The Water Garden honors the First Ladies of the United States by recognizing their notable service to our country.
Regional Garden: The Regional Garden features a cascading waterway under a boardwalk and showcases plants native to the mid-Atlantic region in a naturalistic setting. An amphitheater is located at one end and is a gathering place and venue for outdoor programs. Seats were created from marble steps that were once used on the U.S. Capitol Building.