Welcome to the hidden gardens of Washington DC. The Smithsonian Gardens includes 180 acres of lush havens, each designed to complement the iconic museums they surround.

Imagine strolling through geometric pools reflecting the sky in the Enid A. Haupt Garden.
Peeking into a sunken sculpture garden where art and nature become one.
Wandering through rainbow rose gardens, buzzing with happy pollinators.
Escaping the city chaos in hidden sanctuaries enjoyed by locals.

This garden tour unfolds across 13 Smithsonian Gardens:

00:00 Intro to the Smithsonian Gardens Washington DC

00:48 Enid A. Haupt Garden:
Rooftop garden, dramatic backdrop of towers and turrets. Behind the Smithsonian Castle.

02:19 Katherine Folger Rose Garden:
Showcases modern rose varieties and eco-friendly practices. Near the Smithsonian Castle and the Arts and Industries Building facing the National Mall.

02:55 Freer Gallery Courtyard Garden:
Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, features a central fountain inside the Freer Gallery of Art.

03:35 Mary Livingston Ripley Garden:
Focuses on accessibility and features raised beds and vibrant blooms. Located between the Hirshhorn Museum and the Arts and Industries Building.

04:45 Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden:
Open-air museum beneath the National Mall (closed for renovation until 2025). Located at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

05:28 National Air and Space Museum Garden:
Celebrating the connection between nature and flight (currently under renovation). Surrounds the National Air and Space Museum.

05:51 National Museum of the American Indian Garden:
Woven with cultural stories and symbolism, it features cascading water and "Always Becoming" sculptures. Surrounds the National Museum of the American Indian.

07:03 US Botanic Garden:
Over a million visitors annually, diverse plant life across the globe (not a Smithsonian Garden, but a must-visit). Across the street from the National Museum of the American Indian. To see more, watch my video "Flowers to Fountains: U.S. Botanic Garden🌸"    • Explore the Magic of the United States Bot...  

07:28 Smithsonian Pollinator Garden:
Showcases the vital role of pollinators, spills onto the sidewalk for public accessibility. Located on the east side of the National Museum of Natural History.

08:00 Urban Bird Habitat:
Native plants attract birds, highlighting the urban ecosystem. Located on the west side of the National Museum of Natural History.

08:33 Victory Garden:
A living portal to WWII-era gardens. Located on the east side of the National Museum of American History.

09:11 Common Ground:
Our American Garden: Highlighting themes of memory, healing, discovery, and ingenuity. Located on the west side of the National Museum of American History.

09:37 Landscape at the National Museum of African American History and Culture:
A testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit. Surrounds the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

10:13 Kogod Courtyard Garden:
A modern glass & steel haven filled with vibrant flora. Located in the courtyard in between the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.

11:12 Check out Carole Ottesen's book:
A Guide to Smithsonian Gardens.; A beautifully illustrated guide to the colorful gardens surrounding the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall. smithsonianbooks.com/store/smithsonian/a-guide-to-…

The Smithsonian Gardens are FREE!
Find details on opening hours, accessibility, and more on the Smithsonian Gardens website: gardens.si.edu/

Join me as we explore these green sanctuaries and let's get lost in the magic of the Smithsonian Gardens!

#Gardentravelguide #smithsoniangardens #smithsoniangardenswashingtonDC