United States Botanic Garden

• Pages: 45-47

UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN

Office of Executive Director, 245 First Street SW., Washington, DC 20024

Phone, 202-225-6670. Internet, www.usbg.gov.

Conservatory, 100 Maryland Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20001

Phone, 202-226-8333.

Production Facility, 4700 Shepherd Parkway SW., Washington, DC 20032

Phone, 202-226-4780

Director (Architect of the Capitol) Stephen T. Ayers, Acting

Executive Director Holly H. Shimizu

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The United States Botanic Garden informs visitors about the aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological importance of plants to the well-being of humankind.

The U.S. Botanic Garden has artistic displays of plants, exhibits, and educational programs promoting botanical knowledge through the cultivation of an ordered collection of plants; fostering plant conservation by acting as a repository for endangered species; and growing plants for the beautification of the Capitol Complex. Uniquely situated at the heart of the U.S. Government, the Garden seeks to promote the exchange of ideas and information relevant to its mission among national and international visitors and policymakers.

The Garden's collections include orchids, epiphytes, bromeliads, carnivorous plants, ferns, cycads, cacti, succulents, medicinal plants, rare and endangered plants, and plants valued as sources of food, beverages, fibers, cosmetics, and industrial products.

The U.S. Botanic Garden's facilities include the Conservatory, the new National Garden, Bartholdi Park, an administration building, and an off-site production facility. The Conservatory, one of the largest structures of its kind in this country, re-opened on December 11, 2001, after undergoing major renovation that required more than 4 years to complete. In addition to upgraded amenities for visitors, it features 12 exhibit and plant display areas.

The National Garden opened on October 1, 2006. Located on three acres adjacent to the west side of the

Conservatory, the National Garden comprises a First Ladies Water Garden, a Butterfly Garden, a Rose Garden celebrating our national flower, a Lawn Terrace, a Regional Garden of native Mid-Atlantic plants, and an amphitheater where visitors may relax and enjoy the stunning views of the U.S. Capitol.

Outdoor plantings are also showcased in Bartholdi Park, a home landscape demonstration area located across from the Conservatory. Each of the displays is sized and scaled for...