VOA标准英语2009年-Holidays Bring Magic to Botanic Garden（在线收听）

Nine garden trains tantalize children and adults

Zulima Palacio | Washington, DC 09 December 2009
Children are amazed by the trains and the characters from children's stories and fables

"Holiday Magic" is the title of this year's holiday exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden in the nation's capital. While the trains meander, the magic of children's literature comes alive in the gardens, mesmerizing young and old.

Holiday joy comes through loud and clear in the faces of children.  There are many joyful faces here,  at the annual holiday exhibit of the National Botanic Garden.

The rich colors, the magical buildings -like this teddy bear factory- and the mini trains, win the undivided attention of young and old.

Behind the scenes, Jack Frost is in charge of keeping all nine trains running.  "We control four from here.  This is the big transformer for the big passenger train up there," he explained.

He says everything --including speed and lights-- can be controlled from here, except the whistle.  "There are little magnets in the track, when the train goes over the magnet, it blows the whistle," he said.

Frost has loved miniature trains since childhood.  He has a large collection at home. During the holidays at the Botanic Garden, he makes sure the trains keep running.

Frost says his efforts are rewarded when he sees how amazed the children are by the trains and the characters from children's stories and fables.
  
Lindsey has visited the train exhibit two years in a row with her children. "It is wonderful to be here, the trains are beautiful and its magical," she said. "We love it!"

Near the train exhibit, the garden court displays miniature replicas of Washington monuments such as the Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial and the Smithsonian Castle. 

Botanic Garden director Holly Shimizu says the replicas are unique. "They are all made out of natural plant parts, plant material, so the amazing use of things like egg corn and grape leaves and vines and pinecones and they are one of a kind, you cannot see these anywhere else," she said.

This year, artist Paul Busse made some changes to the building collection -- especially the White House. 

"The new vegetable garden that we are so proud to show, and the swing set the Obamas put in for their children," Shimizu said.

With thousands of visitors every day, this is the busiest time of the year for the U.S. Botanic Garden. The beauty and exuberance of the annual holiday exhibit has turned the Botanic Garden into another Washington monument.