Prefer to Avoid the Cherry Blossom Crowds?

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:12:47 +0000

Want to see a huge selection of ornamental cherry trees in all their glorious full bloom, but prefer to avoid the crowds at the Tidal Basin this weekend?

Then try a visit to the 450-acre U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC.

The park has over 2,000 cherry trees on their grounds representing 230 different species, varieties and cultivated forms of ornamental cherry trees. Plus there’s additional flowering plum and apricot trees.

And many of the trees are in full bloom this week. Here’s a link to an Arboretum pamphlet that describes their self-guided park tour.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Visitor entrance – corner of New York Ave. and R St.
Washington, DC 20002
202-245-2726

Hours – Daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission - FREE

Tram Tours – Starting April 12th, )perhaps a bit late for the cherry blossoms), a 35-minute non-stop tram tours is available. Adults – $4.00, Seniors – $3.,00, kids 4-16 – $2.00, kids under 4 are free.

Dining – There is no food service at the park, but you may bring your own picnic.

Nearest Metro subway station– Stadium Armory Station – Blue and Orange lines. Transfer to the B-2 Metrobus to Bladensburg Road. Then a 2-block walk to R Street. Turn right on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.

Parking – Free parking is available throughout the park.

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The Nation’s Garden

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:37:59 +0000

Established in 1927, the 450-acre U.S. National Arboretum was designed for scientific research, education, and conservation of plants, trees and flowers.
Springtime is a great time to visit, plus, there are events and shows almost every week. Some require advanced registration and a fee, but more are free. You can walk, bike, drive or take a tram ride (details below) through the park.

With magnolias, boxwoods, azaleas, a grove of State trees, a bonsai museum, a large herb garden, plus numerous flower beds including daffodil, daylilies, and more.

Upcoming Shows

Camellia Show – free
Saturday, April 14, 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 15, Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Japanese-influenced Sogetsu Floral Design Exhibit – free
Friday, April 20 – Sunday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Azalea Tours – $15 per person and registration is required
Wednesday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. – Noon, and Monday, April 30, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Garden Fair Plant Sale – free, in the New York Avenue parking lot
Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Bonsai Display – free
April 28 – May 6, daily 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Also check out the calendar of events or see what’s in bloom before your visit.

Tram Tours – You may also take an open-air 35-minute tram tour through the park. The noon-stop tour provides a recorded presentation with information about the Arboretum, its history, mission, research and the various gardens. Tram tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis daily at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE – about 2 miles from the Capitol Building
Visitor entrances at the corner of New York Avenue and R Street
Washington, DC 20002-1958
202-245-2726

Hours – open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tickets- Admission is free. Tram tour – Adults – $4.00, seniors – $3.,00, kids 4-16 – $2.00, kids under 4 are free.

Dining – there is no food service at the park, but you may bring your own picnic.

Parking – free parking is available throughout the park

Photo credits: Flickr
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Post from: The DC Traveler

The DC Traveler » National-Arboretum

Prefer to Avoid the Cherry Blossom Crowds?

The Nation’s Garden