I was born in D.C. about 70 years ago and have experienced so many changes and evolutions in the city. One place, in particular, stands out in my mind. A place that became a haven for me in chaotic times and a place of solitude and serenity when life became too hectic and crowded. I’m talking about the National Arboretum in northeast D.C.
Situated in a secluded little neighborhood off Bladensburg and New York Avenues, it stretches southward to the golf course on Benning Road and northward to New York Avenue. Even many long-time D.C. natives aren’t familiar with this park. It’s a national research park under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in town.
I grew up in Ivy City, the northeast. A major part of my days, when not in school, was spent exploring my immediate neighborhood by bicycle and finding new places to get away from the adult world. My buddies and I decided to investigate a large cemetery a few minutes from our home, and, much to our surprise, we found we could enter the gates on West Virginia Avenue and end up on the other side of the cemetery on Bladensburg Road. From that side of the cemetery, we could look across the street and see this beautiful landscape, which we would later find out was the National Arboretum.
We searched around to find an entrance to this enticing bit of nature and found that if we went down R Street, off of Bladensburg Road, it would lead us directly into the main entrance to the park. R Street was lined with so many perfectly manicured lawns and houses that looked like they were taken right out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. There was one house in particular that resembled a large Swiss chalet. I would always tell the guys, “That’s gonna be my house when I grow up.”
Upon entering the gate, we first encountered the administration building. Surrounding the entire building was a koi pond filled with the most beautifully colored fish, also known as Japanese carp. We always made sure we brought plenty of bread to feed the fish. Next door to the administration building was the bonsai exhibit, an amazing collection of miniature bonsai trees, some of which were hundreds of years old and no more than a foot or two tall. I remember trying to think about what was happening in the world during the time some of these trees were planted. Just across the road was the herb garden. I can almost smell the gentle fragrances in the summer breezes.
Moving deeper into the park, we encountered Heart Lake. A small lake shaped like a heart. Adjacent to that was Fern Lake. Fern Lake was my favorite place. I would spend hours hanging out on the banks watching the ducks, geese, turtles, and fish. On one of the shores of the lake was a beautiful white columned little gazebo where I knew that someday I’d be married. Not far from the gazebo was a big, sprawling weeping willow tree. I would lie under its branches for hours, enjoying a brief respite from the summer heat. We’d ride down a little path through Fern Valley, a perfect place to catch frogs in the little creeks. As we continued our journey, we discovered a small pond in a grove of oak and evergreen trees. During the winter months, the pond would freeze over, and we’d use it as our little ice skating rink, pretending to have ice skates but just sliding around the ice in our shoes. Years later, I thought back to how dangerous that really was. Thank God the ice never broke.
Up through the years, I’d share this beautiful piece of nature with all my loved ones. Children, grandchildren, and even a couple of great grands. Sadly, though, the last time I was there, I could see the toll governmental cuts and neglect had taken on this special place. There were some new additions, like the columns of the original U.S. Capitol building, but the old favorites were still there, including the bonsai pavilion. The weeping willow tree was still there, so that’s where I chose to spend a couple of hours eating my lunch, napping, and reminiscing on days long passed. If ever you’d like to take a moment to escape the hustle and bustle of D.C. city life, go down and visit The National Arboretum, the best-kept secret in the city.
