In our opinion, Washington, DC, is undervalued when it comes to beautiful green spaces -- The city is a treasure trove of gorgeous gardens if you know where to look!
Wondering where to go to get your daily dose of fresh plants? When you're not checking out our collection at She Loves Me, these are the spots we recommend heading to...
National Arboretum
We know this may sound like a cheat but hear us out: Though the National Arboretum gets the most social media love for the historic (and Instagram-worthy) original U.S. Capitol columns you can find there, we recommend you take a detour once inside to visit the stunning bonsai garden which is part of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. This unique collection is a gem worth planning a visit for!
Hillwood Museum and Gardens
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Forest Hills is the Hillwood estate, which features a museum, mansion, and 25 acres of gardens adjacent to Rock Creek Park. Hillwood is a treat for the senses, with a Japanese-style garden, a French-inspired parterre, a greenhouse, a "four seasons" garden, and more! Plan to spend a whole day here to really soak up the peaceful vibes.
Summerhouse
Just a few steps from the Capitol you'll find Summerhouse, a building offering rest to weary Capitol visitors since 1874. Here you'll find stunning architecture as well as beautiful decorative vegetation, as Summerhouse provides a small escape from the bustle of the Hill. The calming central fountain was once a means for visitors to get a free drink of water -- Today it functions as a decorative piece, and modern water fountains are set up if you're feeling parched.
APA Green Roof and Labyrinth
You'll need to do a little work to get to this garden, but it's well-worth it for a free green escape from the city below. The American Psychological Association opened their green roof and labyrinth in 2008, offering it as a calm respite open to the public. The inclusion of a labyrinth is also part of its unique peaceful charm; the symbol is an ancient tool for meditation.
Apollo Building Rooftop Conservatory
Our last (and favorite!) secret garden is one you might need to get creative about visiting, as it's not open to the public. The Apollo is a luxury residential building on H Street, and it counts a gorgeous green conservatory among its many amenities. If you're looking for a spot to host a photoshoot, party, or even a tiny wedding, it's worth putting in an inquiry -- Just don't forget the flowers!
Speaking of secret gardens, we're SO EXCITED to announce our own! Wonder what we're talking about? You can learn all about She Loves Me's Secret Garden club here.
