The Smithsonian Castle Gardens

Dear Gardeners,

The Smithsonian Castle is situated at the center of the National Mall. I took the metro which has a designated stop called Smithsonian served by the Silver, Orange and Blue lines which I find the most efficient way to get there. From the metro station, follow the signs that point to the National Mall exit.  The Castle’s distinctive tower in red brick is visible as soon as you exit the Smithsonian Metro Station.

The Castle building is surrounded by two exhibition gardens, the Enid A. Haupt Garden and Folger Rose Garden.  These gardens welcome visitors with containers of plants and fountains.  There are benches to sit whether you like to people watch or just to enjoy the beauty of the gardens.

Gardens have been a fundamental part of human life throughout recorded history.  The Roman author Cato, in his second century treatise On Agriculture, wrote that “the urban garden ideally should be planted with useful plants such as flowers for wreaths, onions, myrtle for wedding celebrations, laurel and nut trees” (Spurr, 1986).  It is well documented that “the Romans trained grape vines on garden trellises and villa gardens” (Hopkins et al., 2011). In ancient Egypt, an agrarian society, gardens supplied Egyptians with food, but also associated with divine blessings (Carroll, 2003).  In modern day America, gardens of the Smithsonian Castle certainly gives you an experience of being associated with learning.

F.K.

Works Cited and Links:

http://www.gardens.si.edu/our-gardens/smithsonian-castle.html

http://www.wmata.com/

Carroll, M. (2003). Earthly paradises: Ancient gardens in history and archaeology. Getty Publications. 

Hopkins, G., & Goodwin, C. (2011). Living Architecture: Green roofs and walls. CSIRO PUBLISHING.

Spurr, M. S. (1986). Arable cultivation in Roman Italy, c. 200 BC-cAD 100 (No. 3). Society for the promotion of Roman studies.