Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Bartholdi Fountain
Created for America’s 100th anniversary, the 30-foot-tall “Fountain of Light and Water” — aka the Bartholdi Fountain — turned 150 in 2026! To celebrate this milestone anniversary, join Devin for a deep dive into the history of the fountain, how and when it joined the United States Botanic Garden, how we care for this beautiful piece of history, and the story of the sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who became internationally famous for another project, the Statue of Liberty. See historic photos from 150 years ago, 3D images, close-ups of the artistic details, and more!
Presenter: Devin Dotson, Senior Communications Specialist, United States Botanic Garden
This program was recorded May 14, 2026. Find upcoming programs at www.USBG.gov/Programs
America's National Flower: the Rose
The rose is America’s national flower, and as the national botanic garden, we have an entire Rose Garden dedicated to celebrate our national floral emblem! Learn more about the national floral emblem.
Summer Evening Hours 2026
Join us for an extended summer evening hours when we stay open until 8 pm on select dates!
Ross Iosefson
Safety and Occupational Health Manager
Fountains of golden rose flowers!
Our Lady Banks rose is full of golden blooms!
Season’s Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places
Our annual holiday show returns to celebrate the season with poinsettias and evergreens, holiday decor, and a train show that celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by showcasing national parks and historic places! For more than a century, the National Park Service has protected, stewarded, and shared the beauty and history of America’s diverse landscapes and historic sites Model trains will chug around recreations of iconic national parks and historic places made from hundreds of different plant parts. See the Grand Canyon landscape and historic buildings, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, and more. Our collection of D.C. landmarks made from natural materials returns, featuring the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and many more, surrounded by an assortment of poinsettias from heirloom to newly developed varieties.
“America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration” opens at United States Botanic Garden
Celebrate the botanical beauty of America as the United States Botanic Garden presents “America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration!” From April 10 through October 12, 2026, the Garden will showcase the official flowers for all U.S. states and territories. Find living examples of the flowering plants representing each state and territory spread throughout the Conservatory and outdoor gardens, along with accompanying signs sharing information about them. Official flowers are as varied as each state of the union – ranging from fragrant magnolias and roses to saguaro cactus, a native orchid, bluebonnets, and many dozens more!
Award Recipients Announced for Rare U.S. Trees Conservation; Next Call for Award Applications to Open in March
Ten gardens and arboreta from eight states were selected to receive funding from the first two rounds of awards ranging from US$3,000 to US$5,000 to support the collection, propagation, and safeguarding of 18 priority tree species in botanical collections.
Celebrating 30 Years of the Annual Orchid Show
“More than a Flower: The Connective Power of Orchids” Opens Jan. 30
at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
USA joins 2027 International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama, Japan
The United States of America is pleased to announce our official participation in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan. The U.S. entry will be led by the United States Botanic Garden in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association.