Save the Smithsonian's Enid Haupt Garden!

This enid a. Haupt Victorian designed garden is a peaceful retreat for me. It's a feast for the eyes. I can't understand why it would be interfered with. Let's not let it happen.

Please retain this lovely outdoor space. There already are far too many areas such as this. I have enjoyed the Haupt Garden for many, many years. Thank you!

These are beautiful gardens that deserve to be preserved. I am disappointed by the process and expense of this project.

A true refuge, a place of peace and contemplation, a living mosaic of dazzling geometric beauty: please do not deprive residents and visitors of this treasure.

This garden is one of the few truly peaceful and relaxing spot in an otherwise highly congested area. It is a cultural highlight to tourists and locals alike. To take it away would be an assult on the integrity of what the Smithsonian institution has become - a representation of all that is beautiful. Please leave the garden.

Every time we go to Washington, we walk through this beautiful garden. I cannot imagine anything that would cause more joy to people.

This garden is a jewel. Destroying it or changing it in any significant way would be a travesty. Keep the garden as is!

One of the few quiet places to stop in the middle of the busy National Mall. Save this lovely oasis!

This garden is a treasure that needs to preserved. It is an oasis of beauty in a busy part of town.

As a DC resident and frequenter of the Mall, I'd be disturbed to see a modernist, faddish, streamlined landscape replace the charm, horticulture, and historical reference of the Haupt Garden. The proposed design reminds me of how the International Style stripped architecture of its humaneness after WW II.

Please keep the traditional gardens. The modern designs presented don't blend with the castle and Arts and Industries well. I agree that the foundation of those buildings needs to be repairs as necessary or improved. Also, I worked at DOE across Independence Avenue from 1984-2004, and looked down at the gardens. I also thought the sign-down restaurant in the Castle was wonderful and I always took guests there and saw my colleagues and tourists. It's a wonderful way to use that space.

The Enid Haupt Garden is a treasure. I frequently wander is meandering pathway to observe the amazing variety of plants condensed into this sliver of space among the Smithsonian museums. Tourists from around the world amble through this tiny precious glade and admire the wonderous flora stopping frequently to memorialize their visit before the trickling fountain. I have often assisted such tourists by offering to take their pictures with their own cameras. Our nation's treasures includes its horticultural and botanical heritage. This passageway which is centrally located offers as much visitor exposure at the enclosed Botanical just a few blocks away and is a delightful sanctuary for visitors. In music it takes both the notes and the absence of notes to fulfill the composer's magical musical effects. The Enid Haupt Garden is one of these wonderful interruptions which enhances the whole. Robert Samis

I recall reading in Victoria Magazine back in the late 80s about this new garden at the Smithsonian's castle do my husband, children and I drove down from NY to visit this new garden named after Haupt. Enid Haupt was a great patron to American Horticulture and she donated the funds for this garden. She was incredibly generous and donated the beautiful, Grorge Washington-owned River Farm to the American Horticultural Society. I believe there is something rather unethical about destroying a garden paid accepted and paid for by recent past benefactors (probably millions of dollars) in the name of someone's new master plan without taking the reasons for past generosity. I say no!

Please keep this wonderful garden. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the mall every spring with the weeping cherry tree, magnolias, tulips and pansies.

I spent many pleasant afternoons enjoying the beauty and serenity in the middle of frantic Mall activity. It calmed me to continue my work day with renewed ability.

Please do not destroy. It is most beautiful.

Keep this lovely historic garden.

Please do not destroy this beautiful, tranquil, spot on the Mall - my favorite garden in the city. I've used it as a respite, 40 years ago, as a government worker, and now, regularly, as I volunteer at The Smithsonian.

The Enid Haupt Garden is my favorite spot on the Mall.

Loss of more green space and an oasis of contemplative, tranquil space! A crying shame!