Plaza Garden Keeps Growing

Frank Leone
4 days ago
2 min read

By Denise Vogt

The red brick plaza area on 26^th Street now enjoys a larger garden thanks to D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation. This fall, the island bed was extended about 4 feet for the addition of evergreens, a tree, and groundcover. Many of the existing plants were relocated to the corner bed by The Griffin.

The last time the garden was modified was in 2003, by now Historic District resident, Denise Vogt, (retired landscape designer) at the request of garden enthusiast Susan Lampton. Until she moved a few years ago, Susan was a longtime Historic District resident and active member of the Foggy Bottom Association’s Garden Committee.

The extended garden bed allows for a variety of new plantings. Other plaza changes include a wooden ramp and steps to the dog park and bike racks. Seating in the park has been reduced, but is expected to be upgraded. (P. Maye Oct. 2025)

A bit of park history: Park cleanups had been led by Historic District residents Ellie Becker and Rita Champagne since at least 1998. In 2001, Bob and Norrene Vogt, also Historic District residents, led the newly established 26^th Street Park Committee. The committee organized the installation of new fencing for the dog and kids’ parks, new plantings, and new playground equipment. The April 2001 issue of the Foggy Bottom News provides before and after pictures of the park. For many of their 30 years in the neighborhood, the Vogts coordinated the FBA’s bi-annual park clean-ups, with help from the city with tools and materials, working with neighborhood and area university student volunteers. The FBA continues the tradition today.

Bob and Norrene Vogt pose next to the bed designed by Denise Vogt (their daughter) in spring 2001. (D. Vogt April 2001)

Today, resident Peter Maye, former FBA Board member and Chairman of its Garden Committee, coordinates maintenance with a professional landscaping crew and neighborhood volunteers to maintain the FBA’s Historic District’s garden spaces. He spends countless hours keeping these green spaces healthy and attractive. Donations of time or money to the Garden Committee are always welcomed.