We went with some friends to the last day of the Holiday
Train exhibit at the United States Botanical Gardens. It was amazing.
Apparently, they change the theme every year and this year it was “The World’s
Fair.”
All of the buildings and tracks are made from natural
materials (vines, sticks, mulch, acorns, etc). Boasting of 70 different plants
in all. The details are so fine it is amazing. They said that it took over 600
hours to make the Capitol Building alone.
In the main entry to the exhibit there was a small scale
replica of the National Mall. Complete with the Capitol, the Supreme Court,
several Smithsonians and the most famous monuments.
 |
| The White House |
In the next rooms there are several train sets circling
around displays to represent World Fairs of the past. Again, the details are
astounding—especially when you realize all the materials are recycled plants.
The only bad thing I heard was a little boy looking at the replica statues of
mermaids in a fountain and he said, “Mommy, those are scary!” I had to admit
that they are kind of creepy.
One of my favorite rooms in the entire gardens is the orchid
room. They have some really exotic flowers. In my list of favorites, the Hawaii
room is close in second. Birds of Paradise, Anthurium, and other native plants
in Hawaii grow in their true spectacular color. The one I found the most
interesting was called the “Cabbage on a stick” and the note next to it said it
ONLY grows in Hawaii and there is only one wild plant left. All the others are
in captivity. Who knew? I had never seen
it before. If we ever move back I may just have to get me one.
So look out for the exhibit next year. Kids especially love
it.
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