Autumn Colors in Washington D.C.

Posted by Christine Eirschele Nov 21, 2008

I took a trip to my nation’s capitol the early part of November. It was an opportune time; given a U.S. election had just finished. I was never in Washington D.C. before and was surprised to see so many green trees and flowers still blooming.

Washington D.C prides itself on the number of street trees they have, and there is a lot for an urban city. The Ginkgo biloba trees seemed popular. They make sense because they turn a pretty yellow color and when ready to drop the leaves, it is done quickly. Along the street many of them were under-planted with lilyturf and pansies or violas.

Liriope spicata, commonly called creeping lilyturf, is an evergreen grass-like, low growing, low maintenance plant that will have light violet colored flowers in August. At the Vietnam Memorial I saw it used in big swaths instead of lawn turf.

The Andrew Mellon walkway near the Federal Triangle is a beautiful place to stop after long walks. At night, a rest on one of the benches beneath the Linden trees strung with twinkle lights was a peaceful moment.

My favorite place was Lafayette Park, across from the White House. It is canopied with trees and fountains where ducks seemed welcome. It was near there I first heard a street musician singing a lullaby to a baby sleeping in the carriage and mom standing by.

Of course, monuments were everywhere, in remembrance of a person, place or passage of time. Also, everywhere homeless people could be seen making homes out of what others discarded. It was quite a study in contrast to see people making a “bed” out of a bench sleeping across from the “people’s house,” the White House.

I saw beautiful big begonia plants, of course mums planted around the White House. Gardeners visiting the Washington D.C. area should check out the United States Botanic Garden. No matter the weather the conservatory will be worth the time.