National Arboretum

“The U.S. National Arboretum is a U.S. Department of Agriculture research and education facility and a living museum. It is dedicated to serving the public and improving our environment by developing and promoting improved floral and landscape plants and new technologies through scientific research, educational programs, display gardens, and germplasm conservation. It is a national center for public education that welcomes visitors in a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment.” – National Arboretum Visitor Guide

We went there because, as of late, we have had a great interest in landscaping. J Our first visit was to the Azalea Collection. We tried planting some azaleas at our house in Utah and they failed miserably, but they grow and blossom like crazy everywhere here! They are one of my new favorite plants. We got to the Arboretum right at the end of the azalea blossoming season but there were still some late bloomers there.

This isn’t the azalea bush but was taken in the azalea gardens. My new desktop background.

We also stopped by the Power Plants area. This area was dedicated to “power plants” that provide us with valuable sources for bioenergy now-or may help fuel our future.

Another area that we enjoyed was the Bonsai Museum. Ok, honestly, have you ever heard of a bonsai before? I hadn’t, but they were pretty neat! Let’s just say it’s a little bit of horticultural art! AKA little bitty mini trees.

This one is my favorite. It is an “azalea” bonsai. Beautiful isn’t it!?

This was the oldest bonsai they had in their exhibit. It has “been in training” since 1625.

Ok, enough that. I’m sure that you love our landscaping excitement.

Last that we saw at the Arboretum was the random columns that were sitting in the middle of the field. It was kind of random, I’ll be honest. So, we went to check it out.

Come to find out, it they were twenty-two columns that were among the first U.S. Capitol. They provided the background for the inauguration for Andrew Jakcson in 1829 and Dwight Eisenhower in 1957 and were the site of many speeches, protests and rallies.

However, they were dismantled to make way for the extension of the Capitol, which is adorned with marble now.

Pretty exciting stuff eh? We thought so.