United States Botanic Garden

• Pages: 45-46

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 importance and value of plants to the well-being of humankind and earth's ecosystems.

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The Garden highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological significance. The USBG encourages plant appreciation and the growth of botanical knowledge through artistic plant displays, exhibits, educational programs, and curation of a large collection of plants. It fosters plant conservation by serving as a repository for endangered species. 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 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, reopened 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...