My family and I visited the US National Arboretum in Washington DC. Any garden lovers or lovers of things that grow or green thumbs or park lovers etc., should pay this place a visit.  It is totally free and amazingly beautiful. This place is huge and is covered in delightful paths and nooks and pretty places with names like Asian Collections, Fern Valley, the Gotelli Dwarf and Slow Growing Conifer Collection, and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Azalea Collection and the National Herb Garden.

A person could bring a book and a lunch and literally spend the whole day there. I really enjoyed the National Bonsai Museum. The description below is from the National Arboretum website:

The miniature masterpieces that we call bonsai and penjing are the pinnacle of gardening skill, and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum has one of the largest collections of these timeless trees in North America. The Japanese art of bonsai, and its precursor, the Chinese art of penjing, are rooted in the traditions of Asian culture. The placement of branches, styling, and the pot all convey deep symbolism and reverence for nature.

The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, established in 1976, is the most comprehensive of its kind in North America. It is dedicated to the display, education and scholarly study of bonsai and related art forms. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is undoubtedly one of Washington’s key attractions for plant lovers.