DCTropics originated in April 2004 as a group of gardeners in the Washington, DC area who were interested in growing hardy palms and other subtropical and tropical plants outdoors. We now have members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. We meet several times each year to swap plants, tour public gardens, and share our own gardens with each other. We are a loosely organized group, communicating entirely by email, and have no bylaws, officers, or dues. DCTropics is not affiliated with any other organization or gardening club.

Photo: windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) growing in a private garden in Takoma Park, Maryland.