DC's Urban Oasis
Are you planning a vacation to the nation's capitol or looking for a great garden destination in the Washington DC area? Maybe you're looking for a relaxing place to ride a bike. Join me on an overview of the US National Arboretum, one of my favorite gardens in Washington. Renowned for it's unique National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, azalea collections, dwarf conifer collection and the State Grove of Trees, the Arboretum also has fantastic lilacs and perennials such as day-lilies and peonies as well as the National Herb Garden. History buffs will enjoy the National Capitol Columns which once stood at the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, and bikers will enjoy riding miles of paved roads.
Red Maples in Autumn
All images on this site are copyright © Chris Scroggins.
A view of Red Maples in November, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
National Bonsai and Penjing Museum
No trip to the Arboretum is complete without a visit to the Bonsai Museum.
QUOTE FROM ARBORETUM: " Established in 1976, the museum is an international scholarly center where superior bonsia, penjing and related arts are displayed and studied for the education and delight of visitors." All Images copyright © Chris Scroggins
Hours for Bonsai Museum
Bonsai Museum open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, NOT 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.!!!
The Oldest Bonsai
The famous Japanese white pine in training since 1625. © Chris Scroggins
Hornbeam Bonsai
A Hornbeam bonsai in training since 1935. © Chris Scroggins
Autumn Maple
© Chris Scroggins
Autumn Ginkgo
© Chris Scroggins
© Chris Scroggins
Spring Crabapple
Crabapple in training since 1935. © Chris Scroggins
Kato Stroll Garden
The Kato stroll garden is dedicated to five generations of Bonsai masters in the Kato family. © Chris Scroggins
Want to learn the art of bonsai? You can start by reading one of these top rated bonsai books available on Amazon:
Bonsai Books and Tools
The Secret Techniques of Bonsai: A Guide to Starting, Raising, and Shaping Bonsai
Amazon Price: $20.88 (as of 12/18/2009) 
14-pc Bonsai Tool Set Carbon Steel
Amazon Price: $86.99 (as of 12/18/2009)
The Art of Natural Bonsai: Replicating Nature's Beauty
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
Bonsai with Japanese Maples
Amazon Price: $23.07 (as of 12/18/2009)
Late Summer's Delight: The Washington Youth Garden
Come inside and see what Washington area kids are planting this season. © Chris Scroggins
The summer blooms reach way over your head, making you feel like a little kid again. © Chris Scroggins
Scarecrows help protect precious vegetables planted by the kids. © Chris Scroggins
Cleomes and sunflowers abound. © Chris Scroggins
Support the Washington Youth Garden
visit: http://www.washingtonyouthgarden.org
FROM THE WEBSITE: The Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum
provides hands-on nutrition, gardening, and environmental education programs to DC youth and their families.
Spring Perennials
A view of perennials next to the National Herb Garden on May 26, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
The Azaleas Collection
Mt. Hamilton
A view of Mt. Hamilton on April 26, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
An EXCERPT FROM THE ARBORETUM BROCHURE: "15,000 azaleas were planted on the south side of Mt. Hamilton in 1946-47. They were all hybrids created by B.Y.Morrison. Morrison, a trained landscape architect, arranged the plants into large sweeps of overlapping color and times of bloom. " Photo © Chris Scroggins
Historic Glenn Dales Azaleas
© Chris Scroggins
A cool Spring keeps azalea buds tightly furled in 2009. © Chris Scroggins
A view of the historic Glenn dale azaleas on sunny Mount Hamilton. THIS is why Washingtonians flock to the arboretum in late April. Photo © 2009 Chris Scroggins
These azalea books make great birthday or holiday gifts for shade gardeners.
Azalea Books
American Azaleas
Amazon Price: $22.76 (as of 12/18/2009)
Success with Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
Ortho's All About Azaleas, Camellias, & Rhododendrons (Ortho's All About Gardening)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
The Morrison Garden
© Chris Scroggins / After strolling around Mt Hamilton and the historic Glenn dales, you can cool your heels in the Morrison garden filled with boxwoods and Glenn Dale azaleas.
The Lilac Collection
Although not as well known as the major collections, the lilacs are the stars in mid April.
Lilacs almost at peak on April 19th, 2009. © Chris Scroggins
When will they invent a camera that captures fragrance? © Chris Scroggins
In addition to the traditional lilac colors, you will also see some less typical varieties like this all white lilac. © Chris Scroggins
This deep fuscia colored lilac was a knock out. © Chris Scroggins
These lilac gardening books are perfect birthday and holiday gift ideas for gardeners.
Lilac Gardening Books
Lilacs: A Gardener's Encyclopedia
Amazon Price: $37.96 (as of 12/18/2009)
Lilacs: The Genus Syringa
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
Lilacs for the Garden
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
US National Arboretum Website
- US National Arboretum website
- Get information about classes and special events from the official website for the Arboretum.
Special Events at the Arboretum
- Annual Orchid Show: National Capitol Orchid Society
- Browse this site for information on their annual show and sale held at the National Arboretum.
- Garden Fair
- The annual Garden Fair offers unusual plants, garden supplies, activities and food vendors.
Special Exhibitions
Special botanical art exhibitions like this photography exhibit by artist Andrea Ottesen are held in the Administration building.
Friends of the National Arboretum
Given the economic climate supporting the National Arboretum is more important now than ever.
- FONA
- Would you like to support the National Arboretum? Become a friend of the Arboretum by following this link.
- NATIONAL BONSAI FOUNDATION
- You can help support the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum by following this link.
Arbor House Gift Shop
Stop by the Arboretum gift shop for unique gifts for gardeners and flower lovers. Located across from the administration buildling parking lot.
© Chris Scroggins
Get garden gloves, garden accents, greeting cards, books and gifts for children at the Arbor House gift shop. © Chris Scroggins
National Arboretum Greeting Cards
- US NATIONAL ARBORETUM CARDS
- Browse beautiful US NATIONAL Arboretum greeting cards and note cards here.
Garden Flower Greeting Cards
- FLOWER NOTE CARDS AND GIFTS
- Browse greeting cards, note cards, framed tiles and coffee mug gifts designed by Chris Scroggins Photography.
- FLOWER BIRTHDAY CARDS
- Send Happy Birthday wishes with beautiful garden flower birthday cards.
- FLOWER THANK YOU CARDS
- Say thank you to friends, family and business associates with colorful flower thank you notes.
Gently Used Garden Books for Sale
Stop by the FONA headquarters next door to the Arbor House gift shop and purchase used garden books in excellent condition such as these books by well known garden writers.© Chris Scroggins
Follow Nature Maven on Twitter
I'll be tweeting and hooting about animals, wildlife, nature and gardens I visit.
- NatureMaven
- aka Chris Scroggins
- 4 followers
- 1 following
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- @SeafoodWatch thnx Maybe, it is pink like salmon. Wegman's told me it's a cross between a trout and salmon that breeds in the wild
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- My 13 yr old cat is meowing mournfully at me from bottom of stairs- she wants me 2 stop tweeting and play wand under paper! #cats
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- Could you live in a tiny house? http://ow.ly/M4VD
Green Thumb Guestbook
Did you enjoy your virtual visit to the National Arboretum? Please sign my guest book. And by all means, tell me which of my photos are your favorites. Thanks!
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Reply
- janices7 janices7 May 22, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
- What a lovely lens! Thanks for stopping by....it gave me a chance to find this beauty. We lived in DC for 3 years so we got to experience all this flowering trees/shrubs first hand. 5*!
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Reply
- dustytoes dustytoes May 20, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
- I loved seeing the little Bonsai trees. Nice photography of a beautiful place. Lensrolling to my gardening lens.
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Reply
- tdove tdove May 13, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
- Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
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Reply
- MiaBellezza MiaBellezza May 11, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
- Such a beautiful lens. Congratulations and 5*. Lensrolled into Garden Paths! Thanks for dropping by.
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Reply
- Ramkitten Ramkitten Apr 30, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
- Lovely photos. :)
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Reply
- Chris Chris Apr 29, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
- Wow! This is great. I love the lilacs.
The Picnic Grounds
Adjacent to the National Grove of State Trees
With no food service on the grounds and limited food service on New York Avenue, it's best to bring your own lunch. © Chris Scroggins
Arboretum Location
Current Weather
Current weather conditions in Washington, DC (20002)
Local Pollen Reports
33°F (Feels like 33°F)
Last update: 12/18/09 11:52 AM EST
Humidity: 50%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 16°F
UV Index: 1 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.25in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: calm From: Airport Conditions
Today
Cloudy
High: 36°F
Low: 31°F
Sunrise: 7:22 AM
Sunset: 4:48 PM
Saturday
Dec 19
Cloudy
High: 32°F
Low: 29°F
Sunrise: 7:22 AM
Sunset: 4:48 PM
Sunday
Dec 20
Heavy Snow / Wind
High: 34°F
Low: 22°F
Sunrise: 7:23 AM
Sunset: 4:49 PM
Monday
Dec 21
AM Snow Showers
High: 39°F
Low: 25°F
Sunrise: 7:23 AM
Sunset: 4:49 PM
Table of Contents
- Red Maples in Autumn
- National Bonsai and Penjing Museum
- Hours for Bonsai Museum
- The Oldest Bonsai
- Hornbeam Bonsai
- Autumn Maple
- Autumn Ginkgo
- Spring Crabapple
- Kato Stroll Garden
- Bonsai Books and Tools
- Late Summer's Delight: The Washington Youth Garden
- Support the Washington Youth Garden
- Spring Perennials
- The Azaleas Collection
- Mt. Hamilton
- Historic Glenn Dales Azaleas
- Azalea Books
- The Morrison Garden
- The Lilac Collection
- Lilac Gardening Books
- US National Arboretum Website
- Special Events at the Arboretum
- Special Exhibitions
- Friends of the National Arboretum
- Arbor House Gift Shop
- National Arboretum Greeting Cards
- Garden Flower Greeting Cards
- Gently Used Garden Books for Sale
- Follow Nature Maven on Twitter
- Green Thumb Guestbook
- The Picnic Grounds
- Arboretum Location
- Current Weather
