National Arboretum in Washington DC

John Dixon

I will be in DC next week, and I was wondering if anyone has seen the National Bonsai exhibit at this time of year. I know that the Arboretum is "open", but I am mostly interested in the bonsai (go figure).

Does anyone know if the collection is, at least, partially displayed for viewing? I won't have much downtime, and I want to make the most of it. This would be my #1 priority, if it's worthwhile.

Thanks,

John

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

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I.B.

John,

Yes, by all means visit the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC! The Chinese pavilion has been recently renovated with some kind of new roof to allow the bonsai to be on display. In the past, most of the bonsai were overwintered in that pavilon, including some Japanese and American trees.

In the past I have been at the museum in the dead of winter and the bonsai were very attractively displayed.

But, in spite of the bonsai still being on display, you can visit the International Bonsai Pavilion which houses many bonsai artifacts, viewing stones, the library and much more.

There have been many new additions to the Museum in the past year and I can't wait to see all the improvements in May for the 5th World Bonsai Convention.

I hope to see you there and also at the Growing Grounds for my workshops in early March.

Let us have a report when you return, have a safe trip!

Bill

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William N. Valavanis

John Dixon

Thanks Bill,

I look forward to seeing you this spring. I'll remember to bring my Mountain Dew and peanuts.

John

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

rockm

Definitely get over there while you're in town. This is one of the best times to see the collection, as the crowds are small and the trees are in their winter silhouettes.

The staff just finished up an official winter display of some of the deciduous specimens http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html Those trees will probably still be on display, as I've found some of these "events" can last longer than the posted times.

The Nat. Arb. isn't in the most convenient location in town. There is no subway stop nearby and the buses take forever to get there. Cab's a best bet if you're staying in town. If you have a car, the facility is just off of New York Ave http://www.usna.usda.gov/Information/directions.html

John Dixon

Thanks rockm. I'll probably take the cab route. I know I'll be in uptown DC, but I don't know the hotel yet. I'll make it one way or another.

John

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

BrianBay9

John, just one warning about cabs to the National Arboretum. It's easy to get a cab out there. It's frustrating, sometimes impossible to get one to pick you up at the Arboretum. I went there one Feb by cab, and eventually gave up and walked back to the train station. It's a few miles - still within my walking distance - but through some really dicey neighborhoods. I wouldn't recommend it.

designguy

John-

The Chinese pavilion is closed for renovation at the moment. I was there just a couple of weeks ago but they could have already moved some of the trees. The tropical house does not change much, that is open as is the japanese pavilion. Its gorgeous even during a renovation in the wintertime. I would reccomend getting a ride via a colleage/friend or rent one of those cars by the hour. Its not in the city but more on the edge of it surrounding by crummy neighborhgoods. Also an important thing to know is the bonsai exhibit area is only open from 10am - 3pm. On a related note-there is no where else in the world where there are so many museums and Galleries that are free to the public. Enjoy!
Mark-

Emperor Fish

I thought DC just had the highest concentration of spies, not museums.

Regards,

Fish.

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rockm

John,

There is a way to get to the Arb without a cab or a car. There is a bus that goes to th eArb departing every 40 minutes from Union Station. Union Station is most likely going to be easily accessible on the Red line of the metro from your hotel. http://www.usna.usda.gov/Information/metrosched.html

This bus will most likely be a "slow boat to China" kind of thing and might take a while to get to and from the site.

The cab situation at the Arb CAN be a little slow on the return trip. I've seen cabs there on more than a few occasions idling waiting for fares. I've also been there on days when cabs can't be found.

I would not walk anywhere from the Arb. It's in a safe location, but to get anywhere, you will have to cross some dicey terrain.