National Arboretum Vs. U.S. Botanic Garden? (train, architecture)
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I have some older relatives coming to visit soon from outside the region. They love flowers and gardens. But doing both the Arboretum and the Botanic Gardens might be a bit much. (We don't have time to do both during their visit.)
Anyone have any thoughts on which is the better choice, or the pros/cons of each one?
The Botanical Garden (assuming you mean the one on the Mall) is, in my opinion, far nicer. Sure, it's smaller, but it's far more accessible, beautiful in its own right, has a wonderful setting and architecture, and is just pleasant. The National Arboretum has its pluses, but alway seems so distant and deserted.
The Botanical Garden (assuming you mean the one on the Mall) is, in my opinion, far nicer. Sure, it's smaller, but it's far more accessible, beautiful in its own right, has a wonderful setting and architecture, and is just pleasant. The National Arboretum has its pluses, but alway seems so distant and deserted.
Geoking, thanks for your thoughts. I see what you mean. Guess I'm wondering if there's anything about the Arboretum that makes it worth the extra distance. (I hope they didn't end up ripping out their 100-year-old azaleas, as they'd planned to a couple of years ago.)
The Arboretum is a lot larger, so the pro is that you can actually get some hiking/do some exercise there. It has more of a feel of going out into nature. However, for visitors to DC I'd probably do the Botanical Garden.
The Arboretum has the Japanese Bonsai Collection, doesn't it? if the folks would enjoy that, go to the Arboretum also. Otherwise, just the Botanic Gardens, as they have a huge variety of plants in a small space.
BBD, you know me well! They won't have the energy to wait the usual 10-15 minutes on the platform for a Metro train on the weekend, and I won't subject them at their age to the crowds that accompany a weekday ride.
So I think I'm leaning toward the Arboretum.
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(though its not always easy to find a spot right near the azaleas on a weekend day during peak season)
