Top 5 Botanical Gardens in and Around Woodbridge

Located just 20 miles south of Washington D.C., Woodbridge has access to a wide variety of local attractions. Nature lovers may be interested in exploring the many scenic and botanical gardens the Woodbridge area offers. Whether you are looking for a quiet destination for a solitary outing or a family-friendly weekend adventure, we think you’ll enjoy these five botanical gardens in the Woodbridge area.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens

Mount Vernon, Virginia is the historic home of the United States’ first president, George Washington. It’s just south of Washington D.C. on the Potomac River and is within easy reach of Woodbridge. Washington’s estate is now a museum and historical park that includes the family’s mansion, a farm, historic outbuildings, a distillery and gristmill, the Washington family tombs, a museum, an education center, and four separate gardens. The smallest garden is Washington’s personal botanical garden he used to experiment with seeds and plant varieties from all over the world.

Another garden is the fruit orchard and nursery, which still maintains a variety of fruit trees that Washington’s gardeners would have cultivated, including peach, apple, and cherry trees. The two largest gardens are the upper and lower gardens on both sides of the mansion. Visiting the upper garden allows you to explore carefully cultivated flowers and elaborately trimmed hedges, plus a greenhouse. The lower garden was Martha Washington’s pet project, and she used it to grow vegetables for the kitchen. Visitors interested in Washington’s gardens can sign up for a dedicated tour led by a staff member.

Green Spring Gardens

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Green Spring Gardens is a fantastic destination for plant lovers of all ages. The park features multiple acres of carefully cultivated gardens that showcase both local plants and plants from around the world. Green Spring Gardens is divided into a series of sections that cater to different interests and feature unique landscapes. Some of these sections include the Virginia native plant garden, the ponds, the rock garden, the gazebo garden, the wildlife garden, and the edible garden. The park also includes two different children’s gardens for your family adventures.

Green Spring Gardens also gives visitors a glimpse into the past with its historic house, a two-story Georgian brick house built by farmers in 1784. Alternatively, you can browse the park’s plant shop and find something to take back to your own garden. If you’re interested in learning more about the art of gardening, Green Spring offers a variety of classes for all ages and hosts many plant-themed events during the year. Next time you’re in the Woodbridge area, make sure to take your plant-loving friends and family to Green Spring Gardens. It’s an experience they won’t forget.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Vienna, Virginia, is only about 30 minutes away from Woodbridge and is home to one of the area’s finest botanical gardens. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features 95 acres for you and your family to explore. The park’s attractions feature a botanical garden with a huge variety of native and ornamental plants from around the world. The Meadowlark property also includes three scenic lakes and acres of forest that showcase the natural beauty of Virginia. Scattered around the park, visitors can view a selection of sculptures inspired by the area’s flora and fauna.

The gardens also take an active part in educating the community. Visitors to the grounds can explore the center for environmental and horticultural education and view the facility’s outdoor classroom. If your kids are interested in learning to garden or want more information about the plants in the area, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens hosts two different summer camps, Camp Overlook and Camp Grow. The organization also hosts a variety of events throughout the year that focus on horticulture, art, and sustainability.

Smithsonian Gardens

You may not know that the Smithsonian Institution, which hosts some of the most important museums and zoos in the U.S., also has a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of Washington. The Smithsonian Gardens include over 180 acres of public space and comprise 13 public gardens. They’re also home to the Archives of American Gardens, which preserve a wealth of documentation on gardening in the U.S. throughout its history, and a collection of historical horticultural artifacts.

Besides its public gardens, the Smithsonian maintains an extensive collection of living plant specimens from all over the world. This collection is oriented towards research, education, and conservation. Like a museum, the Smithsonian Gardens maintain several permanent exhibits and host traveling exhibitions that focus on plant life and horticulture. When visiting the Woodbridge area, be sure to take at least one day to explore the Smithsonian Gardens. You’ll be glad you did.

River Farm

The River Farm is located just north of Woodbridge in Alexandria, Virginia. Its 25 acres serve as the national headquarters of The American Horticultural Society (AHS), which promotes sustainable gardening and agricultural practices across the U.S. At the River Farm, horticultural professionals and volunteers model the gardening techniques that the Society promotes and educate the public.

The River Farm property includes a variety of small perennial gardens, the children’s garden, and the garden clam, which provides a naturally shaded area. The property is also home to two historic structures: the White House Gates and the Manor House, which houses the AHS. If you’re planning an event in the area, the gardens and historical buildings are an excellent venue for weddings and retreats.

There it is, five spectacular horticultural destinations in and around the Woodbridge area. Be sure to check these gardens out and let us know which one is your favorite. Did we miss a local favorite? Contact us through our online form and we’ll add it to our list.

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Image via Flickr by neajjean

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