Navigate to Homepage
Search
Main navigation
  

        
              Explore the Capitol Campus
                          Art
                            Buildings & Grounds
                            Capitol Hill Facts
                            Visitor Resources
                            Our Blog
                            What We Do
                          Areas of Expertise
                            Programs & Ceremonies
                            Projects
                            Publications
                            Strategic Objectives
                            About Us
                          Who We Are
                            History of the AOC
                            News & Notices
                            Organizational Structure
                            Partnerships & Recognition
                            Work With UsSearch Breadcrumb
    HomeAbout UsNews & Notices
Updated Children's Garden opens at U.S. Botanic Garden
June 13, 2017
        
                  Image
    Updated Children's Garden opens at U.S. Botanic Garden.

The United States Botanic Garden announces the reopening of the Children's Garden in the Conservatory. Families can enjoy the updated space, where children can explore and grow their imaginations.

The garden features multiple updates including:

**a new platform discovery structure** — a series of terraced platforms create a climbing structure, with overhead arching aluminum posts that mimic the architectural style of the Conservatory. As children ascend the platforms (up to 4' high), they will experience interactive panels with botanical materials demonstrating the diversity and usefulness of plants;
	**leaf trellis and watering can seats** — a series of fabric and metal leaf shapes, at varying heights, provide overhead interest and shade for a group of seats that resemble oversized watering cans;
	**kiwifruit tunnel** — a metal arbor replaces the previous vine tunnel. Cables positioned to resemble spider webs will soon be covered by newly planted kiwifruit plants as the vines grow and enclose the tunnel;
	**digging area** — an area defined by metal and wood walls provides children a space to dig with child-sized tools and learn about composting;
	**dandelion sculptures** — metal sculptures appear as oversize dandelions, with steel "seeds" attached at the tips of wires. When the wind blows, these "seeds" and wires will sway with the breeze;
	**toadstool seats** — concrete formed to look like mushrooms at various heights accommodate children of all sizes.Previously added favorites remain, such as the motion-activated misting poles, watering and planting stations with digging tools and watering cans, and small-sized fruiting plants such as banana, apple and fig.

When young children use their imaginations to relate to their surroundings, there is evidence that they are also developing a life-long affection for the natural world. Kids are invited to see what's in bloom, dig, plant, water and touch and smell the plants in the Children's Garden. Watch your kids play, discover and awaken their curiosity!

The U.S. Botanic Garden is open to the public, free of charge, every day of the year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Children's Garden is open seasonally, typically May to October. The Conservatory is located at 100 Maryland Ave., S.W., on the southwest side of the U.S. Capitol. Visitors are encouraged to use Metrobus and Metrorail. More information is available at www.usbg.gov
          
    
      Recent Stories
Related Articles
            
          Public Notice

  U.S. Capitol Cherry Blossoms Map

On the U.S. Capitol campus, the AOC Capitol Grounds and Arboretum crew cares for groups of both Yoshino and Japanese flowering cherry trees.
    Public Notice

  Volume 27 of Tholos Magazine Now Available

Highlights include articles featuring the Architect's Citation Award winner, sustainability, summer internships and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
    Public Notice

  Six Tips for Sledding Safely on Capitol Hill

This winter, sections of the U.S. Capitol Grounds West Front may be open for community sledding during daylight hours (dawn to dusk).
    Public Notice

  FY 2023 Performance and Accountability Report Available

The Architect of the Capitol's Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2023 is now available online.
    
                      More News Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

              Contact Us
                            Accountability
                            Hill Staff Resources
                            AOC Staff Resources
Utility
  

        
              Privacy Policy
                            Image Terms of Use
                            Inspector General
                            U.S. Botanic Garden
                            U.S. Capitol Visitor CenterFacebook
	Twitter
	Flickr
	YouTube
	Instagram
	Subscribe