National Arboretum

[Music4cash]

I'm planning a trip into DC tomorrow to check out the bonsai at the national Arboretum. Anything I should make sure I don't miss?

 

[Stormwater]

just know lots and lots of plants are "put away" for the winter. There were still lots out, but I'd say 1/2 were not out for display (two weeks ago).

 

[just.wing.it]

I can tell you something TO miss....rush hour ??

 

[rockm]

All the trees are likely pushed together in the Chinese Pavillion or in the overwintering facility that is off-limits to the public. There will still be a significant number of trees out, but they won't be optimally placed for viewing. The upside of the trees being all in one place and closer together in that area is that you can get a closer look at them. Typically they're behind a small fence, that tends to keep viewers a few feet away (because some people will pull leaves and snap branches believe it or not).

Don't miss the indoor exhibit building. Suieseki and other cool display stuff in there. Might be an indoor display of winter image trees (that exhibit might be over, though)

 

[just.wing.it]

because some people will pull leaves and snap branches believe it or not

I wonder if those people wipe they're greasy mitts across oil paintings in an art gallery just to feel the texture?

 

[AZbonsai]

Some people post pics to Bnut after their visit. Maybe you can do the same?

 

[Music4cash]

I wonder if those people wipe they're greasy mitts across oil paintings in an art gallery just to feel the texture?

I was at the national gallery once looking at "the scream" by Munch, when a little girl standing in front of me reached out with a pen to make an addition... fortunately I was able to snatch the pen from her, but unfortunately the little girl's mother had not been paying attention so she got very mad at me until the security guard thanked me and explained what had happened to the mom...

 

[augustine]

If you get your fill of bonsai the dwarf conifer collection is good as well as the Asian Valleys

 

[Music4cash]

Sounds like I missed most of the good stuff, it's a shame they don't keep the trees out in the winter... I'll post a report tomorrow after my visit. I go down to the national mall pretty regularly so I'll be sure to go again when they have more trees on display.

 

[just.wing.it]

Sounds like I missed most of the good stuff, it's a shame they don't keep the trees out in the winter... I'll post a report tomorrow after my visit. I go down to the national mall pretty regularly so I'll be sure to go again when they have more trees on display.

You'll still see quite a few... Like @rockm said, they over-winter them most of them in the Chinese Pavilion.....much less wind there.
Don't be bummed...I've gone this time of year and seen more than I expected...you probably will too.
Edit: and the tropical conservatory is in full swing now too! Its hot and humid AF in there....

 

[W3rk]

I'm planning a trip into DC tomorrow to check out the bonsai at the national Arboretum. Anything I should make sure I don't miss?

Collectively everything is within the walls of the museum, except for the main entryway. If you wander around, you basically can't miss anything. It's a great place to visit, I love going there when there are less people and just taking my time. The Japanese Pavilion is also quite excellent, it just recently re-opened after being closed for renovations. It will still be worthwhile to visit, even heading in to winter.

 

[rockm]

Sounds like I missed most of the good stuff, it's a shame they don't keep the trees out in the winter... I'll post a report tomorrow after my visit. I go down to the national mall pretty regularly so I'll be sure to go again when they have more trees on display.

You won't miss anything really. All the trees are just closer together and not 'on display' per se. Not a shame not to keep the trees out in winter. They need protection. Leaving them out on benches in less protected areas can lead to dead trees. The Chinese Pavilion is walled on all sides and there is a framework overhead that can be covered with heavy gauge plastic tarp that helps in really cold weather.

 

[Stormwater]

I stand corrected! Enjoy.

 

[Music4cash]

They still have enough trees out to make it worth the trip. Here are some of the trees I liked. It's worth pointing out that unlike most places in DC this is a good place to drive to. They have a large and largely empty parking lot but it's a three mile walk from the nearest metro...

 

[Music4cash]

Here are a few more

 

[rockm]

They still have enough trees out to make it worth the trip. Here are some of the trees I liked. It's worth pointing out that unlike most places in DC this is a good place to drive to. They have a large and largely empty parking lot but it's a three mile walk from the nearest metro...

THanks for posting the pics. BTW, that parking lot is NEVER empty in spring and summer. The place has to add additional parking over on New York Ave. sometimes to accommodate the crowds for the bonsai show and sale (although not so much in the last couple of years.) One of the big advantages of visiting the collection in winter is the place--like most D.C. museums and attractions--is mostly empty. Now is the best time for locals to get out and be a tourist...

 

[Music4cash]

THanks for posting the pics. BTW, that parking lot is NEVER empty in spring and summer. The place has to add additional parking over on New York Ave. sometimes to accommodate the crowds for the bonsai show and sale (although not so much in the last couple of years.) One of the big advantages of visiting the collection in winter is the place--like most D.C. museums and attractions--is mostly empty. Now is the best time for locals to get out and be a tourist...

Thanks for the heads up about spring parking. I guess the best bet might be to metro in and then get an uber.