The Best Things for Gardeners To Do in DC
If you love gardening and nature, here's how to spend a lovely 24 hours in Washington DC. We've taken care of the tedious planning stuff, so you can just take the day in.
8:00 AM Grab the Hot Mess from Mason Dixie Biscuit Co, or anything in Union Market
1309 5th St NE, Washington DC 20002$6
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This biscuit sammy is a thing of beauty: fluffy, buttery, and rich without feeling heavy. It comes complete with a heaping serving of sausage gravy, smoky crispy bacon, a fried egg and aioli.
8:20 AM Head to the National Arboretum
- 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Free
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Whether you love azaleas, bonsai trees, or flower and herb gardens, there is something for everyone in Aboretum (and as an added bonus many tourists don't visit). Enjoy your breakfast among the Capitol Columns. Then, stop into The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum (opens at 10AM) to see the beautiful bonsai gifted to the US over 100 years ago. Don't forget to learn your state tree.
10:30 Visit the National Botanic Garden
- 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC 20001
- Free
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From roses to orchids, the rainforest to the Mid-Atlantic, rare and endangered plants to the latest in home gardens, you will find a world of plants and environments in the permanent exhibits and gardens here, both indoors and out. There are cacti from the American Southwest, native plants from the Hawaiian Islands, and an incredible collection of orchids from around the world. Be sure to climb the stairs in the large central room to get a stunning perspective.
12:00 Visit the Enid A Haupt Conservatory & Garden & Grab Food from the Food Trucks Located Along the National Mall Nearby
- 12 Independence Ave SW Washington DC
- Free
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A 4.2 acre rooftop park, named for its donor, features an embroidered parterre in a geometric design of plants and flowers rotated seasonally, an Asian-influenced garden adjacent to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and a Moorish-influenced garden adjacent to the National Museum of African Art. Saucer and tulip magnolias, wide brick walls, and 19th-century cast-iron garden furnishings line the perimeter.
- 12 Independence Ave SW Washington DC
- Free
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A 4.2 acre rooftop park, named for its donor, features an embroidered parterre in a geometric design of plants and flowers rotated seasonally, an Asian-influenced garden adjacent to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and a Moorish-influenced garden adjacent to the National Museum of African Art. Saucer and tulip magnolias, wide brick walls, and 19th-century cast-iron garden furnishings line the perimeter.
1:30 PM The Rose Garden at The White House (only open 2 days/year, so catch it if you can)
- 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20500
- Free
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The White House Roe Garden is a garden bordering the Oval Office and the West Wing. It;s about 125 feet long and 60 feet wide, and features more than 30 different types of tulips and grape hyacinth planted in flower beds that are framed and crisscrossed with boxwood. Lavender cotton, planted in the shape of diamonds, surrounds the crabapple trees. This garden is only open to tours two days during the year, so check ahead of your visit.
1:30 PM Any other time of year, head to Tudor Place Historic House & Garden
- 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
- $10 for a guided tour, $3 for a self-guided garden tour
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Tudor Place is a Federal-style mansion that was originally the home of thomas Peter and his wife, Martha Parke Custis Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington. What stands out about Tudor Place is how much of the original furnishings and historic artifacts are still on display (compared to other local mansions). Be sure to check out the Millennium Landmark Tree, selected in 2002 by the America the Beautiful Fund. This garden closes by 4PM.
2:30 PM Visit Dumbarton Oaks
- 1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007
- $10
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Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in the Georgetown neighborhood. It was the residence and gardens of Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred Barnes Bliss. Enjoy the old-world style terraced gardens and green hedged alleys, as well as the trellis-works. The gardens feature reflecting pools, a rose garden, and ambling paths. Some are steep, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
3:30 PM Visit the Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens
- 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
- $18 donation (optional)
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6:00 PM Enjoy dinner at Tail Up Goat
- 1827 Adams Mill Rd NW, Washington 2009
- $85
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Make sure you get a reservation ahead of time at this modern Mediterranean restaurant. We recommend the Pici Carbonara to enjoy handmade noodles with a perfect texture. Don't skip dessert: we love the Olive Oil Budino, the essential Cannoli, and of course, the Carrot Pineapple Cake.
8:30 PM That's a wrap. Head back to The LINE Hotel.
- 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington DC 20009
- $179
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Housed inside a historic church, The LINE Hotel is a community effort by local chefs, bartenders, artists, and designers, and little known (brand new!) gem.
Pro tip: If you want to slow-poke your day and spend some time meandering, drop the Enid Garden and Tudor Place; maybe even Dumbarton Oaks if you need to make up some time to fully enjoy Hillwood.
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