Beauty away from the crowds 4/2/2019

We spent Monday in town DC at the Tidal Basin and on the Mall. The crowds at the Tidal Basin had been attracted (like us) by reports that peak bloom of the cherry trees would probably be (and were) on that day. As we strolled on the path there, we were joined by throngs of selfie-takers, running children, and shouting adults. The views were, admittedly, stunning. But we were ready for, as Monty Python would put it, something completely different.

Stachyurus

So yesterday we drove the 20 minutes or so from our campground to the National Arboretum, a treasure of a place that presents thousands of species of trees, shrubs, grasses, and plants on 446 acres in northeast Washington DC. Even though the parking lots were full, the place is so large that it was easy to enjoy the peace, quiet, and serene beauty the place affords. The cherry trees of all types, redbuds, camellias, and magnolias were in bloom as well as many other species we didn't recognize, from winter hazel to Stachyurus (in winter, the pre-emergent flowers look like strings of pearls) and more. Although the oaks and other hardwoods weren't in leaf, the imposing presence of some of the larger specimens was impressive. We were struck by one giant willow oak that stood in a field. What a beauty!

This should be a must-see place to visit if you're in DC.

Photos are here.