February 28, 2022 at 5:56 pm
The seed of Smithsonian Gardens’ orchid collection began in 1969, before the department was even fully realized, when our first director, James Buckler, received a donation of 100 cattleyas. In 1976 the Office of Horticulture rented a greenhouse facility where the donated cattleyas thrived. Buckler “got the orchid bug,” and began a mission for the […]
February 11, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Despite the name “sailors’ valentines,” these sentimental treasures have nothing to do with February 14th or Valentine’s Day. Instead, these tokens of love and friendship were given to wives, mothers, sisters, and friends upon a seafarer’s return from a long voyage at sea. Sailors’ valentines are octagonal wooden boxes often made from Cerdrella (Spanish Cedar) that range in […]
December 14, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Every year, Smithsonian Gardens decorates the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. with festive plants for the holidays. This year, SG recorded a few time-lapse videos showing what the process looks like at the National Museum of American History (NMAH), National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), and Smithsonian Castle. Watch (at a lightning pace) how the whole thing comes together and […]
October 25, 2021 at 11:48 am
Halloween is here! Here are the top five spookiest things floating around Smithsonian Gardens: Spider Orchid The spotted spider orchid (Brassia maculata) uses tricks and treats to get what it wants: pollination. To spider-hunting wasps this orchid looks so much like an arachnid that female wasps will actually land on the flower lips and try […]
October 5, 2021 at 9:15 am
While October is American Archives Month, the Archives of American Gardens (managed by Smithsonian Gardens) celebrates the importance of archives year-round! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, staff who manage Smithsonian Gardens’ Archives of American Gardens (AAG) have been primarily teleworking from home. Despite the fact that they have not been […]
September 20, 2021 at 11:28 am
As horticulturists working for Smithsonian Gardens, we have the unique opportunity to work on collaborative projects with Smithsonian museums and outside artists. One such instance was a recent exhibit now on display at the National Museum of Natural History called Unsettled Nature: Artists Reflect on the Age of Humans. One of the artists featured in […]
September 9, 2021 at 2:31 pm
As summer draws to a close, one of our newest staff members, Phil Evich, shares his thoughts and observations from time he spent rotating through each of the Smithsonian gardens and landscapes earlier this season. Phil was able to work with all the Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, which gave him a better understanding of the designs […]
August 9, 2021 at 2:20 pm
Flowers are intertwined in the important moments of our lives. From bouquets delivered on birthdays, to corsages and boutonnieres adorning young couples at high school dances, captivated audiences throwing flowers on stage after performances, and even elaborate casket sprays, we use beautiful flowers to mark so many occasions – including anniversaries. A 175th anniversary is […]
August 3, 2020 at 3:20 pm
It’s finally summer! And if you’re like me, your garden has been fully planted for a few months now. All your perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees are putting on new growth and blending together into one beautiful palette. Summer is the time to sit back and enjoy your garden full of flowers, fragrances, vegetables, and […]