The leaves and stems have long been an excellent source of a yellow dye that has been popular with dyers since Colonial days. The Navajo Indians used it as a textile dye. Colors produced range from yellows to greens. — — Map (db m207117) HM
Used for thousands of years to treat bruises and sprains, the plant contains compounds, such as allantoin, that promote healing and other substances that are anti-inflammatory. There is controversy concerning its safety, especially for internal use, . . . — — Map (db m144680) HM
Marigolds are thought to have been taken to Europe from the New World by Cortez. The flowers contain the same dye substances as onion skins. A variety of colors are imparted to wool depending on the mordant. — — Map (db m207115) HM
Dioscorides reported that a beverage of the fruiting plant was drunk for convulsions and coughs. It was taken with wine by those who were bitten by poisonous beasts. — — Map (db m144675) HM
A decoction of the root was used for female diseases and to bring on childbirth by some tribes; others used it to treat headaches and rheumatism. — — Map (db m144606) HM
Tradition says the Pied Piper carried valerian root in his back pocket to help lure the rats out of Hamelin. The root has an offensive scent similar to Limburger cheese, but is also musky and balsamic and is used in perfumery in India and the Far . . . — — Map (db m144690) HM
It contains the yellow dye substance luteolin and produces a range of olives and grays on wool. The flowers were used by Roman women as a hair colorant, and ashes of the burned plant were used to restore graying hair. — — Map (db m207113) HM
The tops of the dried stalks were dipped in fat and used as torches. Dried leaves of mullein were used in tea to help stop coughing. Soft leaves used fresh as socks for insulation and sometimes for diapers. — — Map (db m235714) HM
Periwinkle was used by the colonists to make soothing ointments for the skin. Fresh leaves were used to stop bleeding, externally and internally. — — Map (db m144555) HM
Dioscorides suggested that the leaves be chewed for toothache and applied as a poultice for snakebite. He prescribed a drink of the leaves and stalks in wine for dysentery. — — Map (db m144678) HM
Dioscorides noted that chaste maidens used the plant for bedding. He recommended burning leaves to fumigate venomous beasts. A poultice of the leaves relieved stings. — — Map (db m144677) HM
The Native Americans had been using the leaves since time immemorial to make twine and cordage. Men on Raleigh's second voyage to Virginia in 1586 noticed its economic potential. — — Map (db m144564) HM
Used as early as 3000 B.C. in China where it was prescribed for colds, fever, and leprosy, among other ailments. It was also used medicinally in ancient Greece and India. Research has identified constituents that have anti-inflammatory qualities, . . . — — Map (db m144685) HM
These 22 Corinthian sandstone columns were among 24 that were part of the east portico of the United States Capitol. Architect Charles Bullfinch oversaw construction of the portico using a design handed down by his predecessors, William Thornton and . . . — — Map (db m918) HM
This small grove of Dawn Redwood is somewhat reminiscent of the few stands that occur in its native homeland, China. Known only through paleobotanical records prior to 1945, living specimens of this almost extinct plant were discovered in that year . . . — — Map (db m144582) HM
These herbs planted here are a representative selection from plants listed about 60 A.D by the Greek physician, Dioscorides. The modern science of pharmacology is traced back to his efforts to list systematically the plants that were used for . . . — — Map (db m144439) HM
This garden illustrates the historic and current use of herbs as medicine. Plants have played an integral part in illness and disease treatment for thousands of years. By observation, trial, and error, people learned which plants had healing . . . — — Map (db m144438) HM
Assembled in this garden is a permanent collection of the Glenn Dale Hybrid Azaleas, originated, selected, and named by B. Y. Morrison, first Director of the U.S. National Arboretum. — — Map (db m966) HM
Dr. George M. Darrow, upon retirement, devoted his life to developing tetraploid daylilies and improving diploid cultivars. His most successful efforts were aimed at obtaining very flowering daylilies using such species as Hemerocallis . . . — — Map (db m145887) HM
The sandstone base and capital are from a Corinthian column that once graced the east central portico of the United States Capitol. The columns were dismantled in 1958 to make way for the east front extension, where marble reproductions now stand. . . . — — Map (db m7621) HM
The formal knot expresses the traditional elegance of the garden design which originated in Europe during the 16th century. Knot garden designs are geometrically patterned on a level site with plants arranged so they may be pruned to follow a . . . — — Map (db m144435) HM
Would your hobby take you to the four corners of the world?
Few private plant collectors have approached their hobby with more enthusiasm than the late William Gotelli who travelled the world in search of unusual conifers, collecting more than . . . — — Map (db m144583) HM
Dedicated by Maryland State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, April 21, 1934. Growing on land that was once a part of Maryland and was in 1790 her gift to the United States of America for the national capitol, the 31 trees in this group . . . — — Map (db m186804) HM
Of all the water lilies grown at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, the Victoria amazonica (formerly named Victoria regia), Victoria cruziana, and the hybrid, Victoria 'longwood' are among the most popular.
These . . . — — Map (db m141721) HM
Marketing a wide variety of aquatic plants, especially tropical lilies, contributed to the success of Shaw Gardens. The concrete display pools, also referred to as display ponds, installed between 1912 and 1927, played a crucial role in boosting . . . — — Map (db m141730) HM
Helen Fowler took over administration of the Shaw Gardens from her father in 1912. Under her guidance the gardens grew into one of the most extensive water plant businesses in the nation. By 1938, Shaw Gardens encompassed 42 ponds spread over nine . . . — — Map (db m141717) HM
National parks are special places owned by all Americans. Caring for these treasures is everyone's job. Throughout the country, citizen organized friends grouped to get people interested in and involved with preserving natural and cultural . . . — — Map (db m145319) HM
John Naka dedicated his life to spreading the joy of bonsai throughout the world. Born in Colorado to Japanese parents, he became one of the 20th century's greatest bonsai masters. He wrote two of the most popular and definitive books on bonsai . . . — — Map (db m207093) HM
Over a thousand years ago, China's stunning landscape inspired its people to reproduce it in miniature. Using carefully selected rocks and plants, artists recreated the land's rugged mountains, vast horizons, and noble trees on trays and in pots. . . . — — Map (db m144342) HM
Yuji Yoshimura dared to do what no one had done before: He wrote the most complete practical book on bonsai in English and taught Westerners in his native Japan and in other nations to appreciate and practice this ancient art. Drawn to the potential . . . — — Map (db m144340) HM
Though an ancient art in Asia, the practice of bonsai spread through the western world only in the 19th century. Today, all types of people, not just scholars and experienced masters, are learning about and practicing this living art. As artists . . . — — Map (db m144348) HM
this one would tell quite a story. It has grown as a bonsai for so long that it passed through five generations of a single family of bonsai artists in Japan before crossing the ocean to live here. The Yamaki family was well known in Japan for . . . — — Map (db m144347) HM
this one would tell a remarkable tale. Since the 17th century, five generations of the Yamaki family tended this tree in Japan. Noted bonsai artists, the Yamakis lived in Hiroshima, where an outdoor nursery filled with priceless . . . — — Map (db m207089) HM
Penjing master and collector Yee-sun Wu founded an grew a billion dollar Hong Kong bank on his own, but he owed his success with penjing to his Chinese father and grandfather. They taught him to use the techniques of the "clip and grow" method of . . . — — Map (db m207094) HM
The Chinese art of penjing and the Japanese art of bonsai share roots in the traditional Asian reverence for nature. The close observation of trees and landscapes inspires this artistic interpretation of nature.
We invite you to explore the . . . — — Map (db m207087) HM
Centuries ago the art of cultivating trees in pots traveled across the sea from China to the island nation of Japan. There it slowly acquired a distinctively Japanese style. While the Chinese sought to capture the essence of their wilderness in . . . — — Map (db m144344) HM
Most bonsai are modeled after natural trees in nature. However, about 400 years ago, it was popular in China to train potted trees into shapes of animals, especially the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which includes the dragon. This tree was . . . — — Map (db m144343) HM
Apple and Peach Trees once covered the slopes to your left, some 40 acres' worth, all planted by noted horticulturalist John Saul (1819-1897). In the 1870s Saul was one of Brightwood's largest landowners. In addition to these orchards, he . . . — — Map (db m143797) HM
The historic gardens of the Tregaron Estate with pathways, flowing streams and stone bridges are an enduring treasure and place of discovery.
Tregaron Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the woodland garden . . . — — Map (db m112393) HM
The seed of the Swamp Milkweed contains buoyant white tufts, effective for seed dispersal and once used for pillows and life-jackets during WWII. — — Map (db m144512) HM
European explorers were so enamored by the Cardinal Flower that it quickly made its way from the US and Canada to European gardens by the 1630s. — — Map (db m144514) HM
”. . . Now I shall plant, if at all, more for the public than for myself.”
John Quincy Adams, diary entry for July 5, 1826, shortly before beginning the first major planting program at the White House. Massachusetts . . . — — Map (db m61677) HM
Development in the neighborhood got its first start in 1871 when the Board of Public Works, under the leadership of Alexander “Boss” Robey Sheperd, installed sewers, paved roads, extended gas pipes and planted trees here . . . — — Map (db m113907) HM
When Marjorie Post purchased Hillwood in 1955, the buildings at the left and center were the stable and carriage house, with a livestock area in front. Post renovated these structures for use as a storage facility for the gardeners and a garage for . . . — — Map (db m178209) HM
The cutting garden functions as it did during Marjorie Post's residency at Hillwood. The plantings include snapdragons, chrysanthemums, and other classics of 1950s and 1960s floral design, along with modern varieties of cut flowers introduced since . . . — — Map (db m178222) HM
This structure was built in 1968 to protect the camellia collection in winter. Every fall, the garden staff transferred around fifty camellias from the gardens and maintained them here until spring, when they were replanted. The skylights could . . . — — Map (db m178208) HM
Artist: Rebecca Osten
The Call Boxes in Forest Hills are located at Albemarle and 30th Street, Albemarle and Linnean, Connecticut and Tilden, Connecticut and Windom, Ellicott and 30th Place, Tilden and Linnean and the 2900 block of Upton . . . — — Map (db m114357)
Fanciful touches lend a whimsical air to this intimate, formal garden inspired by those designed in France in the 1700s. Ivy-covered walls enclose the garden, and beds of closely trimmed boxwood and gravel paths section the space. Sculptures . . . — — Map (db m178216) HM
In Hillwood's greenhouse, Marjorie Post maintained a collection of more than two thousand orchids and other plants and flowers for displays and arrangements in the mansion. Rebuilt in 1996, the current greenhouse complex looks much like the . . . — — Map (db m178207) HM
Step down into this secluded garden featuring a miniature mountain landscape. Paths follow the rushing stream as it cascades through rocky terrain to fill a peaceful pond below. The garden showcases a mix of Japanese and American gardening . . . — — Map (db m178212) HM
The mansion's portico, or porch, offers a panoramic view across the Lunar Lawn to the Washington Monument in the distance. Marjorie Post hosted garden parties here, welcoming friends, veterans, students, leaders in politics and the arts, and . . . — — Map (db m178214) HM
Marjorie Post enjoyed an active lifestyle. She loved ballroom and square dancing, garden walks, and golf. Post installed this putting green so friends and family could join her in practicing the game. The green's closely clipped bentgrass turf is . . . — — Map (db m178221) HM
Climbing roses and wisteria drape the pergola in this garden in spring to provide shade and pleasant fragrances. Beginning in spring and continuing into summer, floribunda roses delight with their brilliant colors. Marjorie Post, who died in 1973, . . . — — Map (db m178217) HM
In 1955, Marjorie Post built a home for the head gardener on this house. He supervised a staff of about fifteen that maintained Hillwood's extensive gardens and grounds. The gardener's house was razed in 1996 to make way for the visitor center, the . . . — — Map (db m178206) HM
Marjorie Post encouraged her guests to enjoy all of Hillwood, indoors and out. Visitors today can walk two short woodland paths, both of which begin here. The path veering left passes the remain of a large, uprooted tulip poplar. The path veering . . . — — Map (db m178219) HM
The home of Thomas Carberry was later sold to James Donald Cameron, former Secretary of War under President Grant. When the U.S. government acquired property here for the Army hospital in 1905, the small stream running through the property was . . . — — Map (db m143703) HM
In the early 20th century, cold frames were used in the Tudor Place garden to grow vegetables and herbs. These structures, with origins in the 18th century, extend the growing season by creating a raised and enclosed bed in which seeds can be . . . — — Map (db m241128) HM
About the Boxwood:
The boxwood gardens and boxwood walk are thought to be originally designed and planted around 1850 by garden designer John Henry Small for the Boyce family, who owned the estate where Montrose Park now stands. After the . . . — — Map (db m159620) HM
The Healy Family Student Center (HFSC), a LEED Gold certified building, opened its doors in 2014 as Georgetown's new "living room" providing social and study space for students.
HFSC's living green wall improves indoor air quality, increases . . . — — Map (db m245284) HM
Beginning in the 1930s, a maple tree at this location became a traditional gathering spot for many students. Over the years, several trees have been dedicated to individual alumni. These plaques continue to stand in their memory. — — Map (db m186609) HM
A Peaceful Landscape With City Conveniences for wealthy Washingtonians: that was the goal of the men who made LeDroit Park.
Brothers-in-law Amzi L. Barber and Andrew Langdon purchased land here, and in 1873 hired local architect/builder . . . — — Map (db m152365) HM
I am the only conifer on the block -- that means that I have needle-like leaves and cones to protect my seeds. My bark is reddish brown and peels in strips when I get older. My leaves turn reddish-orange in the fall. Fossils show that I grew . . . — — Map (db m202936) HM
In recognition of the contributions made by generations of All Hallows Guild members since 1916 to the gardens, oak grove, and grounds of Washington National Cathedral a haven of peace and refreshment a revelation of Gods beauty and a . . . — — Map (db m71205) HM
The overall inspiration for the Bishop's Garden is a 14th century monastic garden, in keeping with the gothic design of the Cathedral. However, this small garden room called the Hortulus or "little garden" is anchored firmly in the 9th century . . . — — Map (db m203137) HM
The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share. It is not only a mirror of ourselves, but a focusing lens on what we become. ~ Lady Bird Johnson
This tree has seen many changes.
Planted around 1905 on the grounds of what was then the U.S. Patent Office Building, it has slowly grown as the city has developed and transformed around it.
A rare, large, local specimen of a . . . — — Map (db m202449) HM
Facing a nation in shock and mourning, and a mountainous landscape of mangled and jagged steel, rescuers and recovery workers responded to the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The efforts of . . . — — Map (db m226271) WM
This Pennsylvania Dutch style structure was built in 1823 by Joshua Pierce. The west side was added in 1843. It encloses ten rooms within its three stories. A utility house and potting shed flank the rear.
Joshua was an avid horticulturist, and . . . — — Map (db m70684) HM
Even in the mill's heyday, the Peirce family ran a diversified farm. They grew vegetables, tended bees, raised livestock for meat and dairy and cultivated fields of wheat, corn, rye, and oats. On this hillside they maintained a substantial . . . — — Map (db m99415) HM
This & neighboring trees were
From all parts of the country
Planted by
Camp Fire Girls
At a National Conservation Rally
April 12, 1936 in memory of
Dr. Luther H. Gulick
First President — — Map (db m65020) HM
After China banned commercial logging in 1998, tourism became the main source of income in the places where giant pandas live.
Today, visitors travel from around the world to tour panda breeding centers and see their bamboo forest . . . — — Map (db m184390) HM
Within the last 20 years, about the lifetime of one tiger, more than half of Sumatran forests have been cut down.
As forests vanish, tigers have a harder and harder time finding food. They have smaller habitats in which to hunt, and many . . . — — Map (db m184437) HM
Giant pandas are running out of wild places to call home.
Logging and development in China have destroyed nearly all suitable giant panda habitat. As a result, the government continues to set aside reserves, and in 1998, banned . . . — — Map (db m184386) HM
Where Pandas Once Lived
Giant pandas once lived across southeast China and in northern Burma and Vietnam.
Giant pandas living in China's lowlands lost their habitat in the 12th century as people moved into the river . . . — — Map (db m184389) HM
Squirrels and chipmunks help in the birth of new trees by spreading their seeds far and wide.
Chipmunks hoard acorns, beechnuts, and maple seeds in larders in their underground burrows. Squirrels bury acorns here and there for later . . . — — Map (db m184447) HM
At 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse and pushed the button to light the first National Christmas Tree. A crowd of 3,000 witnessed the inaugural lighting of the 48-foot, cut . . . — — Map (db m130403) HM
The National Christmas Tree has been located at the site in front of you since 1973. Calvin Coolidge was the first president to light the National Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve, 1923. Since that time presidents have continued the tradition in . . . — — Map (db m130405) HM
Health
By encouraging Americans to spend time outside and eat more fresh produce, the Victory Garden Program promoted healthy habits. In addition to their physical health benefits, victory gardens helped boost morale by bringing communities . . . — — Map (db m164274) HM
This garden is inspired by the victory gardens of World War II.
During America's involvement in World War II (1941-1945), the Victory Garden Program strove to reduce demand for commercially grown vegetables, packaging materials, and . . . — — Map (db m164272) HM
This garden is inspired by the victory gardens of World War II.
During America's involvement in World War II (1941-1945), the Victory Garden Program strove to reduce demand for commercially grown vegetables, packaging materials, and . . . — — Map (db m211422) HM
Sustainability
As well as encouraging people to grow their own produce, the Victory Garden Program urged Americans to conserve and ration raw materials needed for the war effort, such as cans, fuel, rubber, glass jars, and wax paper. . . . — — Map (db m164276) HM
Butterflies and bees love this plant, and so do people! Anise hyssop is named for its licorice-like scent. Used for tea by early Native Americans, it is also delicious in jellies and even cookies. The Latin word foeniculum refers to . . . — — Map (db m164289) HM
Now one of the most popular commercial sweet potato varieties, Beauregard was originally developed at Louisiana State University for higher yield and disease resistance. Even though we often use the names "sweet potato" and "yam" interchangeably, . . . — — Map (db m211419) HM
In the mid-1800s, Dr. John Kennicott studied prairie plants with his son, Smithsonian naturalist and explorer Robert Kennicott. Their Grove Nursery, just north of Chicago, supplied Illinois settlers with native ornamental prairie plant like . . . — — Map (db m164284) HM
Butterfly weed is used for both fiber and medicine. Like other milkweeds, butterfly weeds have seeds that drift away on the wind with a silky parachute called floss.
Did you know that American children helped out during World War II by . . . — — Map (db m164283) HM
Butterfly weed is used for both fiber and medicine. Like other milkweeds, butterfly weeds have seeds that drift away on the wind with a silky parachute called floss.
Did you know that American children helped out during World War II by . . . — — Map (db m211401) HM
Cascade hops were originally developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Oregon in the 1960s, as a powdery mildew-resistant cultivar. Due to their strong, bitter flavor, they weren't initially popular, but after the price of German hops . . . — — Map (db m211421) HM
This tree commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1904 groundbreaking of the new National Museum. A wooded park, with a variety of trees including these cedars, previously stood here. — — Map (db m70231) HM
Also called candy stripe or bullseye beet, these striped wonders are as delicious as they are beautiful. Like other cultivated beets, Chioggia are descendants of the sea beet, which grows along the coast of the North Africa and the Mediterranean . . . — — Map (db m211420) HM
Also called candy stripe or bullseye beet, these striped wonders are as delicious as they are beautiful. Like other cultivated beets, Chioggia are descendants of the sea beet, which grows along the coast of the North Africa and the Mediterranean . . . — — Map (db m211415) HM
Many peoples and their plants have left a mark on the American landscape. Our gardens include plants that were found here, brought from other countries, or passed down by seed or shared with neighbors. These plants now represent a shared American . . . — — Map (db m211383) HM
Many peoples and their plants have left a mark on the American landscape. Our gardens include plants that were found here, brought from other countries, or passed down by seed or shared with neighbors. These plants now represent a shared American . . . — — Map (db m211384) HM
