The United States National Arboretum Garden in Washington D.C. displays 446 acres of trees, shrubs and plants. The garden is one of the largest arboretums in the country established in 1927 by an act of Congress after a campaign by USDA Chief Botanist Frederick Vernon Coville. Although the garden was established for scientific research and education, and to display plants which conserve and enhance the environment, it is open to the public and visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibits from formal landscaped gardens to the Gotelli Dwarf and slow growing Conifer Collection. The National Arboretum is most known for its bonsai collection. Other special displays include seasonal exhibits, aquatic plants, and a National Herb garden. During the early spring, the site is popular spot to see more than 70 varieties of Cherry Trees.

The character is woodland and there a number of gardens with different designs. The oldest collection in the arboretum is on Azalea Hill. In the center of the arboretum is a composition of sandstone columns which is from the old east portico of the Capitol by Russell Page, a British garden designer and author of a popular book on The Education of a Gardener. The Arboretum also features small group of public artworks including the "Split Ritual" by American sculptor Beverly Pepper. The National Arboretum also features a 40-minute tram ride with a taped narrative which highlights the history and mission of 446 acres of gardens, collections and natural areas.