Greenhouses to shelter and propagate plants have been part of the U.S. Botanic Garden since the 1850s.

Our Production Facility in Southwest Washington, D.C.,  completed in 1993, includes 85,000 square feet under glass divided into 34 greenhouse bays and 17 environmental zones. Its computerized environmental controls provide the flexibility to grow a wide variety of plants for public display.

The Production Facility supports foliage, nursery crops and seasonal displays and exhibits. In addition, it contains all of the U.S. Botanic Garden collection not currently on display, including orchids, medicinal plants, insectivorous plants and rare and endangered species.

The Production Facility is not usually open to the public, but each spring the U.S. Botanic Garden hosts an open house at the Production Facility. This open house allows visitors a unique opportunity to meet the gardeners, ask questions and explore this working wonderland of plants. See upcoming programs on our Programs and Events calendar.