Washington, D.C. Visitors Guide - Winter/Spring 2009 - (Page 8) dc’s green scene P icture-perfect parks and glorious gardens make it easy to add a touch of green to a traditional red, white and blue trip to DC. if you’re looking for a place for a family picnic or a relaxing urban retreat, escape to one of these gorgeous green spaces. conservatory. you’ll also find exhibits on early plants, medicinal herbs and a collection of more than 10,000 varieties of orchids. on a cold day, you can warm up inside the tiered greenhouse. it’s fashioned after a tropical rain forest with climbing vines racing toward the top. if a trip to the washington national cathedral is on your list, take time to explore the gardens on its 57-acre grounds. there’s an herb garden, where visitors can purchase herbs and herbflavored vinegar. the bishop’s garden is the setting for magnolias, orchids and exquisite flowers. the little garden is designed to look like a medieval herb garden surrounded by hedges of old english boxwood. Landmark Parks you don’t have to travel far from DC’s most famous landmarks to uncover a peaceful park. nestled along the banks of the potomac, east Potomac Park gives way to spectacular views of the lincoln and Jefferson memorials located across the river in west Potomac Park. it’s a family favorite, known for its mini-golf course, playground equipment, picnic area and cherry blossoms. bordering the reflecting pool to the north, constitution gardens is another popular picnic spot whose landscaped grounds are lined with trees and benches and include an island and a lake.the gardens boast approximately 5,000 oak, maple, dogwood, elm and crabapple trees. they’re also home to a memorial honoring the 56 men who signed the Declaration of independence. near the Capitol, the u.s. botanic garden draws garden lovers to see the azalea, lilies and orchids bloom within the glass and aluminum U.S. National Arboretum Estates in Bloom DC’s beautiful historic homes come complete with perfectly manicured grounds that have delighted garden-lovers for decades. the stately five-acre grounds of the tudor Place estate in historic georgetown have retained the parterres and woodland originally developed by martha Custis peter, granddaughter of george and martha Washington, and her family, including trees planted in the early 19th century and timeless plantings such as the flower knot and english box. Official Visitors Guide 8
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