On the east side of the U.S. Capitol grounds, the massive underground Capitol Visitor Center is running three years behind schedule and $200 million over budget.
On the southwest grounds, however, the Architect of the Capitol is moving right along on the $10 million National Garden. The three-acre outdoor addition to the recently renovated U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is slated to open to the public Oct. 1, just 27 months after construction started.
What will not open later this year — or possibly ever, for that matter — is the Sen. John Heinz Environmental Learning Center, a $7.6 million facility that was to include interactive exhibits and hands-on learning programs in horticulture, botany and the environmental sciences.
The National Garden Web site still lists the center as the garden’s “most costly” phase four, “timing to be determined.” But the project is no longer an option, said Eva Malecki, AOC spokeswoman.
“It’s off the table because the [National Fund for the United States Botanic Garden] didn’t raise the money,” Malecki said. “We’ve determined that the learning center would not be built, so the garden is finished.”
When open, the site will be surrounded by limestone masonry and a wrought iron fence. The Garden will consist of several smaller gardens: the Butterfly Garden, Rose Garden, First Ladies’ Water Garden and Regional Garden.
The Regional Garden will feature plants native to the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont and Coastal Plain and an amphitheater for outdoor programs.
A lawn terrace, built adjacent to the conservatory, will connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
“I think it’s great that we’ll have a garden on the Mall,” said Jeff Wilson, founder of the Greater Brookland Garden Club. “But then somehow this needs to be extended to the greater concept of how this green city is protected, improved and maintained. It’s upsetting that they’re taking the education piece out.”
Botanic info
» U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First St. SW, traces back to 1820.
» The glass Conservatory has 4,000 plants on display.
» Nearby Bartholdi Park features an outdoor garden and fountain.
» All activities are free.
