While in Washington D.C. on a business trip, I was finally able to visit the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. We have a small koi pond and so I was very interested to see the park. The park has 14-acres devoted to the propagation and display of water lilies. Surrounding the park on three sides is the 77-acre Kenilworth Marsh, a restored tidal wetland. I also knew that the gardens and the marsh offer excellent birding opportunities and a chance for me to cross off a few more birds in my North American Bird Guide. The park was beautiful and very serene with walkways all through the holding ponds. There were tons of frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, huge crayfish and birds.
The Lotus and Waterlily Festival on July 18th this year from 10-3 is their biggest event. There are workshops, greenhouse tours and garden tours. It also features Asian cultural events focused on the lotus.
As a word of caution, this is not the place to visit in the early evening without a lot of bug spray, nor would it be very interesting in the winter unless you are really into birding as all the lilies and lotuses are dormant. The park is also in a very urban tough part of town. Make sure your car is locked, valuables are out of site, and you are aware of your surroundings. While I love the Metro, this is a place I would drive to.
