National Arboretum

Will and I visited the National Arboretum. This was my first visit and Will's first for several years. The Arboretum is 446 acres near the Anacostia River. It was established by Congress in 1927 and is administered by the US Department of Agriculture, and, like some most of the national sites in DC, it is free to visit!

It has several gardens: Asian Collections, Azalea Collections, Dogwood Collection, Fern Valley, Holly & Magnolia Collection, and many more. It is a fabulous place and we were thrilled to learn that doggies are allowed!

But what we went to see was the Bonsai and Penjing Museum, that showcases the Japanese art of bonsai, and its Chinese precursor of penjing.

It began with the Nippon Bonsai Association 53 bonsai to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976. There trees are absolutely amazing and several have been "in training" for several centuries. Yes, you read that correctly: centuries.
This tree has been in training since:
Yes, that says 1625.

This exhibit is stunning and here are a few samples of the trees we saw.

Willowleaf Fig, in training since 1974

Foemina Juniper, in training since 1953

Chinese Elm, age unknown

Toringo Crabapple, in training since 1905

Trident Maple, age unknown

Sargent Juniper, in training in 1905

Kurume Azalea, in training since 1962

Japanese Magnolia, in training in 1986

'Higo' Japanese Camellia, in training since 1876

Ezo Spruce, in training since 1939

Japanese Beech, in training since 1946


Chinese Elm, in training since 1988