Pinus densiflora, Japanese Red Pine, “in training” since 1795 (National Arboretum)
The National Arboretum, one of D.C.’s best-kept secrets, is home to 9 miles of winding parkland roads covering more than 450 acres. Get outdoors and enjoy a spring day at the Arboretum, during hat is usually the peak blooming time for azaleas, dogwoods, and seasonal wildflowers. The day includes a combination walking and bus tour to visit popular collections on the Arboretum grounds, a picnic box lunch on site, and special guided tours of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and the National Herb Garden.
Other highlights include the azalea collection on the hillside of Mount Hamilton; the holly and magnolia collection decorated in spring in large white, pink ,and purple flowers of deciduous magnolias against a backdrop of evergreen hollies; the sandstone Corinthian columns that were part of the original design of the Capitol building in 1828, removed in a renovation and reconstructed in their original configuration at the Arboretum; and the boxwood and perennial collection.
The tour involves extensive walking; wear shoes appropriate for unpaved paths. A boxed lunch is included.
