A Commanding View
The reflecting pool and fountains in the Senate gardens are laid out on the north-south axis of the U.S. Capitol.
Image: Liz Guthrie
Entering the Lower Senate Gardens
A colorful mix of perennials flank a walkway to the lower Senate Gardens.Ìý
Image: Liz Guthrie
Movers and Shakers
Gnarled trunks of mature cherry trees seem to dance along the edges of Lower Senate Garden.Ìý
Image: Liz Guthrie
The Lower Garden's Fountain
A trio of scalloped fountains are flanked by steps leading to the upper fountain and plaza.
Image: Liz Guthrie
The Upper Garden's Fountain
A notable feature of the site is the Senate Garage Fountain, which deserves a more creative name. Constructed from Minnesota pink and green granite and Mt. Airy granite, this ornate water feature was built atop the parking garage for members and staff of the Senate.
Image: Liz Guthrie
A Sense of Scale
Surrounding the central fountain is a large expanse of paved surface which seems to overtake the space, and the lack of ample seating detracts visitors from lingering here.
Image: Liz Guthrie 
A Destination?
Colorful gestures of well-maintained flower beds and planting areas contrast with the cracked, faded paving and disjointed materials. It feels like this space is used more as a place for passing through than a destination in itself. Certainly its location, directly in the commuter’s path between the Capitol and Union Station, provides an opportunity for more of a design impact.
Image: Liz Guthrie
Contrasting Materials
A speckled granite bench and orderly plantings sharply contrast with the carelessly-patched paving in the foreground.
Image: Liz Guthrie
History Marker
Today, despite some attractive features in a park-like setting, the site still reflects a sense of ambiguity about its identity and shows little trace of its past history, other than this marker in the upper portion of the site.
Image: Liz Guthrie
View of the Upper Senate Garden
A large mature tree canopy provides a shaded seating area over the upper lawn panel and helps reduce the urban heat island effect. Other environmental benefits include the use of recirculating water in the fountains and the absorption of stormwater runoff from surrounding buildings into planted areas.
Image: Liz Guthrie