I don’t know about you, but if it’s not going to snow again here in DC, then I want some more green please. My last warm weather vacation was to Jamaica a year ago and I’m yearning for another. So whether or not that Old Animal with a Hat sees or does not see his shadow, then I’m headed to one or more of DC’s many public Greenhouses for my own tropical fix. The Post shares with us a quick list of local greenhouses where warm-blooded Washingtonian’s can loose the hat and breathe deeply among plants, wildlife, and extreme green. Without doing the high dive at Rick’s Cafe. For now. =)
US Botanical Garden in Washington DC
National Zoo
The zoo’s Amazonia house is an Amazon rain forest under glass. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW. http://nationalzoo.si.edu. Free.
U.S. Botanic Garden
Washington’s most lavish botanic garden features a central “jungle,” with an elevated walk in the canopy. 100 Maryland Ave., SW.http://www.usbg.gov. Free.
Hillwood Museum and Gardens
The estate contains a decorative greenhouse which holds 2,500 orchids. 4155 Linnean Ave., NW. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org. Suggested donation.
Longwood Gardens
Longwoods’ conservatories cover more than four acres and includes an estate fruit house and major seasonal orchid display. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa. http://www.longwoodgardens.org. $12.
Oatlands Plantation
The historic estate contains one of the earliest propagating greenhouses in the United States. Reopens on March 22. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. http://www.oatlands.org. $10.
Mount Vernon
The estate features a rebuilt 18th-century brick greenhouse, a precursor to the glass houses of the 19th century. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria. http://www.mountvernon.org. $15.
DC DESIGN CO.OP 