(Katie Kohler / Fourth Estate)

From Christmas decor to dinosaurs, there is something fun for everyone

BY KATIE KOHLER, STAFF WRITER

“Seasons Greenings: Dino-Mite!” is now on display at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. Each year the garden showcases their popular holiday exhibit, “Seasons Greenings,” featuring over 20 national monuments and landmarks entirely made from dried plant materials. 

“Dino-Mite!” is this year’s outdoor holiday display located outside of the greenhouse in the National Garden. The exhibit features plants, animals and dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period made out of plant material. Dinosaurs featured include the tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops, velociraptors and more. 

Surrounding these prehistoric figures, the carefully arranged environment blends natural plant life with holiday decor to create an engaging and visually rich holiday scene. The plants surrounding the display include ferns, marigolds and cycads. Holiday lights and a model train are also incorporated into the display. 

Inside, the conservatory is filled with thousands of poinsettias grown by the garden’s horticulture team that surround detailed models of the U.S. Capitol and White House. The poinsettias not only create a festive atmosphere but also draw attention to the displayed landmarks.  

A closer look reveals the intricate details and craftsmanship behind each display. The small scale models distinctly represent the architecture of the monuments. Each one is crafted out of various natural materials such as bark, pine cone scales, sticks and leaves held together with twine.  

(Katie Kohler / Fourth Estate)

The Botanic Garden is a living museum that has 10 rooms ranging from desert to tropical environments, each filled with plants curated to their ecological climate. The garden preserves plant species, supports conservation and educates visitors on the array of plants from the U.S. and around the world. 

Beyond its educational and environmental missions, the garden also plays a significant institutional role within the nation’s capital. Established by Congress in 1820, the garden is the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the United States and is managed by the Architect of The Capitol, which is responsible for the design, maintenance and preservation of the Capitol campus.  

The garden offers a unique experience through a botanical lens while viewing iconic American architecture. Visitors are encouraged to experience the U.S. Botanic Garden firsthand by exploring its diverse environments and seasonal exhibits. 

The U.S. Botanic Garden is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; admission is free of charge and tickets are not required. The “Seasons Greenings: Dino-Mite!” exhibit is on display until Jan. 4, 2026. 

(Katie Kohler / Fourth Estate)

Steps away from the Botanic Garden is the National Christmas Tree located on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year’s tree, nicknamed “Silver Bell,” is a red fir from Nevada and is decorated with handmade ornaments made by Nevadans. Check it out if you plan to visit the Botanic Garden this holiday season.