On Saturday, I visited the U.S. National Arboretum. I am a native of Washington, DC and I've visited many of the monuments, museums, galleries, parks and a variety of important buildings over the course of my lifetime. I have no idea how it happened that I had never been to the Arboretum before now. I've driven past it more times than I can count and been fascinated by the amount of acreage it covers, so I finally promised myself that I would get there before another year went by. I woke up yesterday morning and said "today is the day".
It just so happens that I've been in gardening mode of late too. Within the past few weeks I've made at least five trips to a local garden center, and now have a colorful selection of marigolds, lavender and other flowering plants in a variety of beautiful clay pots. In part the pots were the driver of the number of flowers I've purchased since the garden center was having an awesome sale on them, and I got various sizes that were originally priced from $16.00 to $65.00 for only $2.00 to $8.00. I could hardly believe it! All in perfect condition; just in need of some cleaning up. I'm very pleased with the little garden oasis I've created, and felt that I'd have an even greater appreciation for the Arboretum after having recently explored my own horticultural skills.
Assorted Marigolds
Aromatic Lavender
As I drove onto the grounds of the Arboretum I was instantly impressed. There was beauty everywhere! I didn't know where to begin my journey so I decided to stop in the Visitor's Center to see if they had a map. They did, and once I looked at it I knew that I would have to just see where the paths took me since the grounds are too massive and the offerings too great to try to do anything other than just go with the flow. I'm glad I did. Here's a taste of what I found in this amazing place:
There's so much to see that I will have to plan another trip, and if you've never visited and have the opportunity, I highly recommend it. So many works of art in their purest form. Mother Nature at her finest. Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes or rent a bike at the entrance, and enjoy!