beltwayandbeyondI’m embarrassed to admit that I lived in DC for 10 years before I stumbled upon Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Right off of I-395, in the heart of northeast DC, there exists a hidden world of lotus, water lilies, marshes, and wildlife. Discover DC’s best-kept secret…and be prepared to be amazed.
Fun fact, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only national park dedicated to growing aquatic plants! The second you step into the park, it feels like you are transported to another world. The city melts away as you’re surrounded by ponds filled with aquatic flowers and boardwalks that guide you through the marshlands.
Walter Shaw planted the first water lilies in DC in the 1880s, bringing them all the way from his home in Maine. Water lilies open in the morning and close in the mid-late afternoon, so be sure to get there early to see these cheerful, floating flowers at their finest.
Birds, turtles, and frogs...oh my! Everywhere you look, the gardens are teaming with wildlife. Just like me, the dragonflies, butterflies, and bees just can’t stay away from the gorgeous plants and flowers.
Holy lotus! I was awestruck the first time I walked into the gardens during peak lotus season (mid-July). Huge, beautiful pink and white flowers rise out of the ponds, towering above visitors and bringing photographers to their knees (literally and figuratively!). It’s easy to see why these flowers are considered sacred in many cultures.
