Once a year the US Botanic Garden opens its greenhouse to the public for tours. It was kind of fun to get a peak at what goes on behind the scenes. The USBG receives its funding directly from Congress. They grow and deliver all the office plants for the Capitol Hill complex here. All of the seasonal plants for interior displays (like poinsettias, chrysanthemums and Easter lilies) are grown here. This is where they maintain the botanical collections that aren't currently on display at the Conservatory or Bartholdi Park (like orchids and insectivorous plants).
The greenhouse is actually 85,000 sq. ft. divided into 34 bays with 16 different environmental zones. What I found most fascinating is how the zones are all completely computer automated. The shade cloths, air flow fans, and evaporative cooling systems are all computer controlled to create the desired environment. It was really noticeable walking from a subtropical environment to a desert climate.
Being early March, not a lot was in bloom. But then, there probably isn't much in bloom here at any one time anyway since those plants are probably put on display. Here are just a few pics for you.
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