The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only National Park Service site devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants. Situated on 14 acres along the east bank of the Anacostia River, the Gardens were begun as the hobby of Civil War veteran W.B. Shaw in 1882. It has many varieties of water lilies and lotus on display and is also great place to see birds, frogs, turtles, butterflies, and dragonflies. Late May through September is the best time of year for viewing the flowering aquatic plants in the historic area.