Washington DC Photo Gallery
Washington DC is a beautiful place with a lot of beautiful people in its community. Our mission is to give parents, teachers, researchers, and visitors some ideas what to see in our nation's capital and surrounding area. There are over 12,000 photographs in our collection for you to explore.
Pick Your Own Strawberries at Butler's Orchard
When strawberries are in season, Butler's Orchard is a has been a family tradition. At this time of year, Washingtonians drive to the family farm to pick flats of fresh strawberries. The fruit quality at Butler's is always excellent. This is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. And fresh picked strawberries are juicy, sweet, and cheaper than buying them at the grocery store. Just try not to eat more than you pick.
22200 Davis Mill Road • Germantown MD 20876 • Telephone – 301-972-3299
National Arboretum Azalea Walk
Admirers come to the U.S. National Arboretum's Azalea Collection every spring to witness one of Washington's premier spring attractions. Thousands of azaleas cover the flanks of Mount Hamilton in a blaze of color. The first warm days bring out the flowers, and the slopes take on a surreal, almost luminescent glow. Few shrubs have more impact on the spring landscape-azaleas are an enduring favorite in gardens throughout the country.
America’s “First Mom” Hosts Mother’s Day at the Mount Vernon Estate Busy mothers might want to turn to Martha Washington to see how America’s “First Mom” enjoyed mothering – her children and her country. Join other families at the Mount Vernon Estate for a Mother's Day brunch buffet Reservations are required so please call (703) 780-0011 Hours for the buffet are 11:30 am -5:45 pm. Come and enjoy!
Cherry Blossom in Washington DC Peak Bloom
West Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin with its flowering Japanese cherry blossom trees are under the care of the National Park Service. A horticulturist by the name of Robert DeFeo is the Park Service's cherry blossom expert and according to Mr. DeFeo peak bloom time (or peak bloom period) is defined as when 70 percent or more of Cherry trees are in full bloom. This is also the time which attracts tourists (both local and worldwide) to take pictures of cherry blossom trees so they can say they were a part of the DC cherry blossom experience.
This gallery monitors the bloomming period of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The planting of cherry trees originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the United States from the people of Japan. In Japan the flowering cherry tree or "Sakura," as it is called by the Japanese people, is one of the most exalted flowering plants. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a potent symbol equated with evanescence of human life and epitomizes the transformations Japanese Culture has undergone through the ages. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions.
Every year a 350-year-old stone lantern is lit in the Thomas Jefferson Tidal Basin. This formal ceremony commemorates the 1912 gift to Washington D.C. of 3000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan. The event includes traditional Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries and the 70 Cherry Blossom princesses representing states, territories, and embassies. The lighting ceremony is held at the site of the first two cherry trees planted by Mrs. William Howard Taft and Viscountess Chinda in 1912. The Lantern ceremony is don't miss! Special thanks to Mark Rhoads of the National Conference of State Societies for his help with this gallery.
Location : Tidal Basin at Independence Ave. and 17 th St., SW.
Spring is the most anticipated season in Washington. March flower blossoms awaken our Nation's capital with bright color. The coming of the golden daffodils and forsythia urge Washingtonians to celebrate, as did Vivaldi in his Concerto in E ('Spring' in The Four Seasons) and Beethoven in his rather blustery Spring Concerto. The Biblical Song of Songs pays tribute to this glorious time of year. "See, the winter is past, flowers appear upon the earth and the season of singing birds returns."
Founded by aviation pioneer Paul E. Garber (1899-1992), the festival, one of the kite world's premier events, is sponsored by The Smithsonian Associates and the National Air and Space Museum, and features kite fliers from across the U.S. and the world.
Traditionally a part of the festivities at cherry blossom time in the Nation's Capital, the Smithsonian's colorful Kite Festival is one of the most popular annual events held on the National Mall.
In Washington, DC, Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. Lent, in most Christian denominations, is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle plays a leading role in the nation's capital as the center of its Roman Catholic community.
Washington DC St. Patricks Day Parade
Whether or not your ancestors were Irish it's fun to celebrate St Patrick's day in Washington DC. Our parade is a fun time for the lads and lasses! The Parade is an Irish community endeavor that was started by the Irish American Club and is now held in cooperation with the National Capital Park Service. The parade starts at 11:30 am until approximately 2:15 pm on Constitution Avenue.
