The History of the National Garden
George Washington dreamed of a nation's garden that would inspire, educate, and enliven visitors to the nation's capitol as they strolled its pathways. Today, Washington's vision is a reality. The National Garden is located on the National Mall on a three-acre site adjacent to the U.S. Botanic Garden. Not only does it support the U.S. Botanic Garden's efforts to emphasize our vital relationship to plants and the environment, but it also highlights our role in the conservation of both.
Take time to stroll through the grounds where you'll find the:
Pollinator Garden
Rose Garden
First Ladies Water Garden
Lawn Terrace Garden
Amphitheater
The National Garden was designed as a living laboratory to educate visitors about the benefits of using native plants and sustainable gardening techniques. Here you'll find ways to garden in harmony with the surrounding natural ecosystem, no matter where you live.
It's amazing to think that the National Garden grew out of enthusiasm for a single flower. After President Reagan designated the rose as the national flower in 1986, supporters began to dream about showcasing it in a rose garden in the nation's capital. The U.S. Botanic Garden was chosen as the future site. As support for the garden grew, so did its scope, until it finally came to include everything you see today. Congress authorized the Architect of the Capitol to undertake the project and, in 1991, created the National Fund, currently known as the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, for the U.S. Botanic Garden to raise resources and contract for its design.
The National Garden was designed and built with $11.5 million dollars in private funds. It is truly a gift from the American people to future generations. At the heart of the grass-roots effort were garden clubs who mobilized more than 250,000 members from nearly every state. In 1997, a commemorative silver dollar featuring the rose and the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory was issued by the United States Mint with a portion of the proceeds going to the National Garden fund.
The garden was dedicated by First Lady Laura Bush and opened on October 1, 2006. Today, it is home to an array of wildlife and thousands of unique plant species that together create an interconnected web of life. As you walk through the grounds be sure to look out for mailboxes containing brochures with additional information to take home with you.
To learn more about the National Garden, visit the U.S. Botanic Garden website.
