Model Trains and Holiday Flowers in Washington DC
“Seasons Greenings” in the Conservatory at the United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC, showcases plant-based re-creations of iconic train stations from across the U.S. in a celebration of America’s railroad history. It’s open from November 22, 2018, through January 1, 2019.
Explore classic stations like New York City’s Grand Central Terminal and St. Louis’ Union Station. Thousands of blooms will be on display throughout the Conservatory, including a showcase of heirloom and newly-developed poinsettia varieties.
The collection of D.C. landmarks made from plant materials will return to fill the Garden Court, this year including a botanical version of Washington, D.C.’s Union Station.
Road Trips Gardeners take note: Due to the ongoing roof and facade project in the Conservatory, waiting time to enter this year’s holiday show may be longer than usual. The large trees are in the Garden Court and not the West Gallery, and there is no train around the tree this year. Find all the trains in the West Gallery using the Model Train Entrance.
The Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free of charge. The best times to visit “Season’s Greenings” are weekdays early in December. On select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December, the Conservatory is open until 8 p.m. with live seasonal music.
During “Season’s Greenings”, there are two entrances to the Conservatory on Maryland Avenue SW.
*The Model Train Entrance provides entry to the model train exhibit. After you’ve seen the trains, you can view the rest of the Season’s Greenings: Pollination Station exhibit throughout the Conservatory.
*The Conservatory Entrance bypasses the main train display and provides entry to the rest of the Conservatory. You’ll find seasonal plant displays throughout the Conservatory, replicas of the capital’s landmark buildings in the Garden Court and two of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington, D.C.
Again: if you want to see the model trains, please use the Model Train Entrance.
(Photo courtesy of U.S. Botanic Garden)