After touring the historic Washington monuments display and the NPS tribute, we (or more correctly, I) decided to also see the model train exhibit, which in reality was a series of re-creations of iconic national parks and sites in the National Register of Historic Places, all made from plants and other natural materials, with some model trains running through, around or above them. I must add that this exhibit was staged in a darkened gallery, and the lighting was in very unusual colors.

In the distance is the Theodore Roosevelt Home in New York. I hope this photo gives an idea of the complexity of this exhibit in that it not only had models of national landmarks and parks but also several model trains running throughout. Also, since several people have asked, according to the botanic garden, the most commonly used plant materials to make the models and displays were pine cone scales, willows, cinnamon sticks, grape tendrils and acorn caps.

Tharp’s Log, posted earlier: