Washington in the spring is a truly beautiful city. Though the delicate and beautiful cherry blossoms rightly garner more than their fair share of attention in the local and national press, it is the ever-present blooming azaleas that herald spring for many Washington residents. Rare indeed is the house in the city that doesn’t have an azalea planted out in the yard; most have multiple varieties and colors gracing their landscaping...

For those of us without outdoor space of our own, the National Arboretum offers an astonishing Azalea Collection with thousands of varieties for our viewing pleasure. Though the peak bloom for most varieties has passed, the collection includes many late blooming azaleas that are just reaching perfection. Many of the azaleas on display were developed and hybridized right here at the Arboretum by former Director Benjamin Y. Morrison; drop by soon to see them in all their glory.

Located about two miles from the Capitol, the Arboretum grounds are open 8am to 5pm daily (except December 25th). The closest metro station is the Stadium Armory on the blue and orange lines, and the B2 bus (Bladensburg Road-Anacostia Line) runs right by the secondary entrance at 24th and R Streets NE.

- Colleen or Rachael? (please do tell ;-))

>>To All AT Washington Posts