April is National Garden Month, a time to celebrate the beauty and benefits of gardens across the country. Whether you're an avid gardener looking for inspiration or simply appreciate the tranquility of green spaces, this month offers the perfect opportunity to explore and enjoy local gardens. Here are some noteworthy gardens to visit in Washington, D.C., Frederick, Maryland, Bethesda, Maryland, Arlington County, Alexandria, Loudoun County, Fredericksburg, and Stafford, Virginia.
Washington, D.C.
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Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens is a 2-acre park, part of the United States Botanic Garden, which is just across the street from the greenhouse. A hidden gem located near the Capitol Building, this living plant museum of native flora and fauna is a tranquil oasis in the heart of D.C. Relax near the beautiful sounds of the Renaissance-style fountain designed by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who is best known for designing the Statue of Liberty, and you’ll forget you’re in the center of the nation's Capital.
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Dumbarton Oaks Garden: If you are looking for secret garden in the heart of Georgetown, this is the place for you. A 53 acre oasis originally purchased by the aptly named Bliss family, these gardens are a delight for the senses and was once singled out by National Geographic as one of the ten best gardens in the world.
Arlington County, Virginia
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Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden: Featuring over 120 varieties of roses and 24-acres of parkland, this garden is a fragrant and colorful spot that's especially stunning during the blooming season. It exemplifies Arlington's commitment to preserving natural beauty.
Fairfax County, Virginia
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Green Spring Gardens: This public park offers a horticultural center, demonstration gardens, and a historic house. It's a hub for gardening enthusiasts and provides educational programs for all ages.
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Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a 95-acre oasis offering ornamental display gardens, native plant collections, and walking trails around lakes and forests.
Alexandria, Virginia
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Winkler Botanical Preserve: A hidden gem in West Alexandria, this 44-acre preserve offers walking trails through native plant landscapes, streams, a lake and a waterfall, providing a peaceful escape from urban life.
Loudoun County, Virginia
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Oatlands Historic House and Gardens: This National Trust Historic Site features beautifully maintained formal gardens including a four-acre English terraced garden and a historic Greek Revival mansion. Visitors get a glimpse into 19th-century plantation life including America’s oldest restored propagation greenhouse.
Clark County, Virginia
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State Arboretum of Virginia (Blandy Experimental Farm)
Explore 172 acres of parkland surrounded by a historic building and you’ll discover trees and shrubs dating back to the 1930s. Strolling through these plantings may make you feel like you're walking through an exotic forest. Enjoy the largest conifer collection in the Southeast and witness the beauty of a 300-tree Ginkgo grove in the fall. Browse the largest collection of boxwoods in the United States or take a leisurely walk along the Cedar of Lebanon Allee and best of all, the park is dog-friendly.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Chatham Manor and Gardens: Situated within the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, Chatham Manor boasts beautifully restored gardens that reflect its historical significance. Visitors can stroll through the grounds and enjoy views of the Rappahannock River.
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Kenmore Plantation and Gardens: This historic site features Georgian-style gardens that have been meticulously reconstructed to mirror their 18th-century origins. The gardens complement the grandeur of the Kenmore mansion, offering a glimpse into colonial-era landscaping.
Stafford, Virginia
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Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve: This 3,115-acre preserve features mature hardwood forests and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore its trails to experience the region's native flora and fauna.
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Government Island: Historically significant as a source of Aquia Creek sandstone used in early Washington, D.C., buildings, this 17-acre park now offers trails with views of wetlands and wooded areas, showcasing native plant species.
Frederick, Maryland
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Surreybrooke Gardens: This garden center offers visitors the chance to explore beautifully landscaped gardens, providing inspiration for home gardeners and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Bethesda, Maryland
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McCrillis Gardens: Tucked into a residential neighborhood, McCrillis Gardens is a five-acre naturalistic garden known for its shady woodland walks and vibrant spring displays. Donated by William and Virginia McCrillis in 1978, it's managed by Brookside Gardens and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Visiting these gardens during National Garden Month is a wonderful way to connect with nature, find inspiration for your own gardening projects, and appreciate the diverse plant life in the region. Each garden offers a unique experience, reflecting the rich horticultural heritage of their communities.
