wisteria hysteria at Dumbarton Garden

One of the most beautiful gardens I have ever visited is actually located right in the middle of metropolitan DC. My family and I were recently visiting friends in the DC area for spring break and I knew our trip would not coincide with the infamous cherry blossom bloom at the Tidal Basin. But by pure accident we landed just in time for the wisteria bloom!

A friend of mine who knows I like wisteria mentioned we should check out Dumbarton Oaks Gardens. “The best place in DC to see wisteria,” she said. And although we missed the cherry blossoms, this well made up for it. The wisteria hysteria was everywhere. I couldn’t of timed it more perfectly even if I tried!

Once a home, now owned by Harvard University, Dumbarton Oaks Gardens are situated on 16 acres of land and includes the most meticulous flower beds, a cutting tulip garden, a working vegetable garden, brick and cobblestone paths lined with hundred year old maple trees, hillsides full of daffodils and hyacinths, ponds, fountains, patios made of mosaic pebbles, and endless trellises full of cascading wisteria. So much to see during spring time, that we didn’t even get to all of it.

A few tips for visiting

Dumbarton Gardens

• The gardens are only open from 2pm-6pm and I suggest getting there right at 2pm as it progressively gets more crowded as the afternoon goes on.
• Tickets are $7 for adults, free for kids, and must be purchased in advance
• The gardens are NOT stroller/wheelchair friendly so babywear if you can or just be prepared to ditch the stroller at the main house and come back for it.
• The gardens are safe for children but keep them on the designated paths or the front lawn as to not disturb any of the wildflowers.
• Check Instagram or Facebook to see if wisteria in DC is still in bloom, as it doesn’t stay around for long. Otherwise there is still plenty to see even after the wisteria.
• It is easy to get lost or miss a specific garden area so study the map before you go so you don’t miss out on anything.
• Afterwards, walk a few blocks down to Wisconsin Ave for dinner or a treat. I suggest Boulangerie Christophe for a pain au chocolate or salad Nicoise or Thomas Sweet for ice cream.