Smithsonian Gardens is open to the public and following CDC Guidelines. To view the status of the Smithsonian’s other museums and zoo visit si.edu/museums.

Pink saucer magnolias blooming with sun rising behind

Living Plant Collections

Smithsonian Gardens Living Plant Collections are grown especially for education, horticultural display, conservation, and research. Learn more about individual plants by using our searchable database, Plant Explorer. Plant Explorer is intuitive, but if you would like to see a guide to walk you through some of its features, check out our StoryMap here.

Various orchids in pots on greenhouse bench, with yellow flowers in focus

Orchid Collection

Asters in the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden

Display Collection

Large elm in summer with sun behind

Tree Collection

Orchids on many benches in greenhouse being misted

Living Collections Management

Pink saucer magnolias blooming with sun rising behind

Explore Our StoryMaps

Collage which introduces Plant Explorer. Cornus alternifolia variegated foliage with flower on left, ornamental Malus fruits on center top, Pinus strobus cone and foliage on center bottom, Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' flowers on right. Text reading "Be A Plant Explorer" centered.

Explore Our Gardens with Plant Explorer