Engage. Inform. Inspire.
Smithsonian Gardens celebrates 50 years of Engaging, Informing and Inspiring billions of local, national and international visitors. It has been truly amazing to witness the growth and positive impact that Smithsonian Gardens has experienced as it has matured into a world-class public garden and living museum.
Let’s Talk Gardens Webinar Series
“Grow” your gardening know-how! Our free online gardening program, Let’s Talk Gardens, covers a wide range of topics presented by our own professional staff, as well as guest speakers. No matter your level of gardening knowledge, there’s always something new to learn!
Join us on Thursdays at 12:00 PM EST for this popular webinar series.
Plan Your Visit
Smithsonian Gardens extends the Smithsonian’s museum experience in a public garden setting with over 180 acres of outdoor gardens including 13 public exhibition gardens often called the Smithsonian institution’s “museum without walls.”
We are open to the public every day except December 25.
During construction on the Smithsonian Castle, the Enid A. Haupt Garden will remain open. Pedestrian routes on both sides of the Castle will allow access from the National Mall to the National Museum of African Art, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the garden.
Discover the World of Orchids
February 17, 2023 - April 30, 2023 | U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory
This winter, explore the fabulous world of orchids at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG)! This year’s joint orchid show celebrates plant exploration and the diversity of orchids found throughout the world.
Garden Maintenance Volunteers
Smithsonian Gardens is accepting applications for 2023 Garden Maintenance Volunteers.
Smithsonian Gardens Maintenance Volunteers help grow and maintain plants, as well as inform visitors about the plants and answer casual inquiries. Volunteers will work outside from April through October.
Sustainability
Smithsonian Gardens strives to make sustainability a priority in its daily operations and special projects in order to make a positive impact on our environment. Click here to learn about our sustainable strategies like the Recharging Station shown in this image.
Virtual Tours
Welcome to the verdant beds of Smithsonian Gardens, splashed with color and buzzing with activity. Morning walks along shady garden paths are calling. We would like to offer you virtual tours through our gardens and greenhouses.
Explore Our StoryMaps
StoryMaps are maps which tell stories! Through images, videos, and maps, we use StoryMaps to tell immersive stories of Smithsonian Gardens. So far, we have created beautiful tours through our flowering trees, guides, and are excited to keep creating more!
Community of Gardens
A digital archive hosted by Smithsonian Gardens in partnership with our Archives of American Gardens, is a project designed to preserve our diverse garden heritage.
Latest From Our Staff
Flutters and Flowers
March 6, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Need a little tropical escape during the last of the dreary, cold winter days? How about a visit to the Butterfly Pavilion at the National Museum of National History? The museum has hosted the exhibit Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution since 2006. This exhibit contains an 800-square-foot pavilion that is open year-round for visitors […]
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Smithsonian Gardens Digital Backgrounds
Download these scenes from Smithsonian Gardens to use as your desktop background, or on your next Zoom meeting!