A Peek Inside the U.S. Botanic Garden

I’ve really been on a roll lately on my quest to visit more of DC’s (free) sights around town. This past weekend, I checked another box on my local tourist wish list by visiting the U.S. Botanic Garden not far from our apartment.
We’ve been walking over to the Capitol area often lately, it’s just so lovely over there.
The idea to visit the Botanic Garden started when we were living in Brazil and went to the botanical gardens in our little hometown one weekend when we had nothing else to do. It seemed odd that we’d seen this little garden in a small Brazilian town but after four years of DC living had never ventured over to our own.
It was an easy enough fix.
This place is a photographer’s paradise. Unfortunately, I’m not a photographer. It’s funny, I used to be very into photography in high school and college, when I was photo editor at the school newspaper. I had a nice DSLR camera and a working knowledge of how to use it, but over the  years my interests changed and I lost everything I learned.
Now that I’m blogging, it’s a huge disappointment that I didn’t keep up with it, but maybe in the future I’ll pick it back up again.
These photos were taken with an iPhone 6 and this Samsung NX3000 camera, which has been our go-to when we want slightly nicer photos. I’d love to upgrade in the future, but for now I’m working with what I’ve got.
All of that aside, the garden is an oasis and a place I can see myself seeking out in the winter when I need a healthy dose of humidity and thriving plant life. I hear they’re about to decorate for the holidays as well, which is sure to be beautiful.
Without further ado, here are some of my favorite amateur shots from our visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden and some of its neighboring sights.
These DC landmark sculpture are all made from plant materials and look so close to the real thing. Amazing.


I don’t know anything about flowers. Not one thing. Except that apparently I like purple ones.




The front of the conservatory looks right out onto the reflecting pool in front of the U.S. Capitol. This gorgeous Fall day stole my heart and looking at the forecast, it may have been the last I’ll see for awhile.
Full disclosure, these shots of the Capitol were actually taken on Veteran’s Day. Tom and I both had the day off, so we went on a long stroll in (again) gorgeous Fall weather. It never gets old being so close to these iconic buildings.
Although what goes on inside is not that impressive, the structure itself certainly is, even with the scaffolding on the dome.



If you’re in the area you should absolutely walk over to the American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, located across from Bartholdi Park.

Such a sobering and beautiful tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Do you have a favorite escape in your city?