DC's Secret Gardens

I love all things green and I'm secretly a die-hard romantic. I believe people should stroll around these places holding hands, marvelling at the natural world, and stop only to smell the waterlilies and kiss in the shade...And yes, I'm single.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Quarles and Douglas Sts., on Anacostia Ave
Believe it or not, some parts of the Anacostia river are beautiful. If you show up when they open at 7am, you can watch the lilies unfold.

US Botanic Garden
Just below the capitol building. It's big and glass, you can't miss it!
Visit habitats the world over and learn all about medicinal and perfumery plants...or just chill out by the fountain under the banana trees.



National Arboretum
Enter at 3501 New York Ave NE or 24th & R Streets NE
Stroll about the extensive grounds and check out the eerie old Capitol collonade or some equally creepy bonzai.

Tulip Library
Near the Tidal Basin where Maine and Independence Avenues meet
In the fall it's a physical catalog of tulips, but in the other seasons the National Park services puts in random plantings and provides a little pamphlet. Stop and smell the flowers on the way to pick-up or kick ball.

Enid A. Haupt Garden
Tucked behind the Smithsonian Castle
This is the loveliest place to sit in the shade, read a book, or people watch. Nooks abound.

The Summer House
Just to the left of the front lawn of the Capitol Building.
This anachronistic, hexagonal, hut of water fountains feels straight out of the Secret Garden. Stop by and bathe with the birds.