Venture outside the U.S. Capitol to explore the USBG's Production Facility — home to approximately 60,000 plants.

The Architect of the Capitol manages all of the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill, but also oversees several facilities around the National Capital Regional. One of which is the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) Production Facility.

The USBG Production Facility is located in D.C.'s Anacostia neighborhood, about eight miles from Capitol Hill, and is home to some of the world's most exotic and beautiful plants. The facility opened in 1994 and is 85,000 square feet under glass divided into 34 greenhouse bays. Employees from the USBG travel to and from the Conservatory on Capitol Hill and the Production Facility on a daily basis, depending on the work needs of each site.

Introduction and overview - Production Facility at the U.S. Botanic Garden

As seasons and exhibits change, most plants reside at the Production Facility. There are 17 growing zones, each one adjusted to precise light, temperature and humidity settings to ensure the plants' optimum health. USBG employees and volunteers work day and night to fulfill each species' individual needs. The feeding, watering and fertilizing schedules are carefully maintained and recorded by staff to ensure the plants receive exactly what they need to flourish.

The USBG was formally placed under the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress in 1856 and has been administered through the Architect of the Capitol since 1934.

Find out more about the U.S. Botanic Garden at usbg.gov.