A Botanic Garden for the Nation

This beautifully illustrated book presents the first comprehensive look at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. Through historical documents and coloful photos,A Botanic Garden for the Nationtells an important story about this special place. The story begins in 1796 with the support of George Washington, who believed a bBotanic Garden would be a significant addition to the capital. Along with other early leaders, including Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, Washington understood the value of plants for the health and economic well-being of the nation, a message that still resonates today. Through sumptuous photographs,A Botanic Garden for the Nationoffers a tour of the Conservatory, starting with the formal Garden Court, with its foundations and special flower collections, and continuing through every plant environment, including the lush Jungle, colorful Orchid House, and spare World Deserts. The engaging text explores ecosystems and reveals details aobut interesting plants and plant collections.

ANNE- CATHERINE FALLEN is a writer and photographer living in Arlington, Virginia.  She has written for books, publications, and museum exhibitions on such diverse topics as Gothic architecture, the Everglades ecosystem, and satellite imagery.  Her artist book The Lively Dance is in the collections of museums and art libraries throught the U.S. and Europe.  As a landcape photographer and gardener, Ms. Fallen has been inspired for many eyars by the plant collections of the U.S. Botanic Garden.

WILLIAM C. ALLEN has been the architectural historian of the Office of the ARchitect of the Capitol since 1982.  His book History of the United States Capitol: A chronicle of design, construction, and politics is the definitive work on this iconic building.  In addition to his research adn writing, Mr. Allen supports preservation and restoration projects undertaken by the Architect's office.

KAREN D. SOLIT was the botanist for the U.S. Botanic Garden when she undertook research that led to the publication of History of the Botanic Garden, 1816-1991.  Since then she has been a garden writer and owner of a landscape contracting company.  Ms. Solit is currently writing fiction.

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a botanic garden run by the Congress of the United States. It is located in Washington, D.C., on the U.S. Capitol Grounds campus near Garfield Circle. The building itself, which includes a large Lord & Burnham greenhouse, is divided into separate rooms, each one simulating a different habitat.