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January

Eternal Rhythms: Seasons & Time
January 1-June 17, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion

This small exhibit features thematic arrangements of North American viewing stones from the James and Alice Greaves Collection. Free.

Winter, Anticipating Spring
January 1-February 22, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Members from the Potomac Viewing Stone Group, a regional organization dedicated to stone appreciation in the Asian traditions, will display viewing stones, suiseki, and scholar’s rocks from their private collections. Free.

February

Winter, Anticipating Spring
February 1-February 22, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Members from the Potomac Viewing Stone Group, a regional organization dedicated to stone appreciation in the Asian traditions, will display viewing stones, suiseki, and scholar’s rocks from their private collections. Free.

Full Moon Hike
February 7, 7:00pm-9:00pm     FULL   
February 8, 7:00pm-9:00pm     FULL  
February 9, 7:00pm-9:00pm   
Arboretum Grounds

This five-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike is a magical trip through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Discover how the striking landscape of the arboretum changes under the moon and stars of the night sky. Your guide will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. This is a brisk walk over often hilly and uneven terrain, so wear good walking shoes. Held rain or shine. Not recommended for children. Fee: $19 ($15 FONA) Registration required.

Suiseki from the Keystone State
February 28-March 29, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Suiseki are viewing stones in the tradition of scenic landscape stones from Japan. This exhibit will feature stones from the rivers and hills of Pennsylvania, collected by long-time suiseki enthusiasts Jim Hayes and Sean Smith. Free.

March

Full Moon Hikes for March, April, May, and June will be posted in early February.
We do not hold hikes in July and August. Thank you for your interest.

Suiseki from the Keystone State
March 1-March 29, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Suiseki are viewing stones in the tradition of scenic landscape stones from Japan. This exhibit will feature stones from the rivers and hills of Pennsylvania, collected by long-time suiseki enthusiasts Jim Hayes and Sean Smith. Free.

Annual Orchid Auction
March 7, 11:00am-4:30pm
Administration Building Auditorium

This live auction offers hundreds of orchids from well-known growers and private collections, including many rare and unusual varieties. This event is entertaining and beneficial for beginners as well as serious collectors. Sponsored by The National Capital Orchid Society. Preview begins at 10:00 am. Free.

Environmental Film Festival
March 18, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Administration Building Auditorium

“Aigoual, la Forêt Retrouvée”
“Aigoual, the Forest Found”
This film tells the story of the incredible reforestation of a mountain in France whose forests were devastated by misuse in the late 1800’s. Two men devoted their lives to the cause, facing many challenges which were remarkably similar to today’s. The film gives a vivid picture of an exceptional pro-nature fight that is nowadays more urgent than ever. Deborah Gangloff, Executive Director of American Forests will discuss the film and answer questions. Light reception following. Presented as part of the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital. Film is in French with subtitles. Free. Registration required.

Lahr Native Plant Symposium and Plant Sale
March 28, 8:30am-3:30pm
Arboretum Building Auditorium and Grounds

This year’s symposium, “Native Plants: In Design” features an exciting group of speakers who will present an array of topics related to designing landscapes with native plants. The annual Friends of the National Arboretum Native Plant Sale will run concurrently, featuring a collection of local native plant nurseries offering an extensive selection of plants. Fee: $85 ($68 FONA). Registration required. Registration information will be available here in mid-January.

Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherries
March 28-April 12, 8:00am-4:30pm daily
Arboretum Grounds

This self-guided tour will introduce you to the arboretum’s diverse collection of flowering cherries to show you the range of sizes, shapes, colors, and bloom times of these spring beauties. The tour includes cherry trees that have been created by the arboretum’s research unit. Note: The tour covers several miles of arboretum roads. Free.

April

Full Moon Hikes for March, April, May, and June will be posted in early February.
We do not hold hikes in July and August. Thank you for your interest.

Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherries
March 28-April 12, 8:00am-4:30pm daily
Arboretum Grounds

This self-guided tour will introduce you to the arboretum’s diverse collection of flowering cherries to show you the range of sizes, shapes, colors, and bloom times of these spring beauties. The tour includes cherry trees that have been created by the arboretum’s research unit. Note: The tour covers several miles of arboretum roads. Free.

Ikebana International Exhibit
April 3-April 12, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

The Washington D.C. Chapter of Ikebana International will exhibit flower arrangements representing a variety of ikebana schools and styles. The installation will change once during the 10-day exhibition, so plan two visits to see everything. Master teachers will give free ikebana demonstrations in the museum’s Lecture/Demonstration Center on Saturdays and Sundays, April 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 1:00pm. Free.

Camellia Show
April 4, 1:00pm-5:00pm
April 5, 12:00pm-4:00pm
Administration Building Auditorium

Expert camellia growers will display their finest blooms representing a multitude of colors and varieties in this judged show. Growers will be present to share their knowledge with visitors. Sponsored by the Camellia Society. Free.

Discovering the Diversity of Flowering Cherries
April 5, 3:00pm-4:30pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center

Dr. Margaret Pooler, a National Arboretum research geneticist, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the arboretum’s breeding programs creates new vairieties of flowering cherries with improved qualities for growing in a wide range of landscapes. A brief walking tour of some of the trees will follow the talk. Free. Registration required.

18th Annual Friends of the National Arboretum Garden Fair and Plant Sale
April 24, Members-only day (Friends of the National Arboretum)
April 25, 9:00am-4:00pm

All types of garden supplies for all types of gardeners are on hand at the annual Garden Fair. You'll find unusual plants, tents full of garden supplies, live family entertainment, and food vendors. National Arboretum staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer all of your garden questions. While you’re here, take advantage of thousands of azaleas in peak bloom. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum. Free.

Walk & Talk: Azalea Collection Tours
April 24, 10:00am-12:00pm
April 27, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Azalea Collections

Join our knowledgeable, long-time curator of the Azalea Collection for this special tour through thousands of blooming azaleas. Pick up expert growing tips, learn about all aspects of azaleas, and find out how the arboretum has developed new varieties for gardeners worldwide. Fee: $19 ($15 FONA) Registration required.

May

Full Moon Hikes for March, April, May, and June will be posted in early February.
We do not hold hikes in July and August. Thank you for your interest.

Bonsai Festival
May 1-3, 8:00am-5:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Arboretum Grounds and Visitor Center

The second annual Potomac Bonsai Festival features something for everyone, from the interested beginner to the accomplished bonsai artist. The festival offers exhibits, vendors, demonstrations, and free and fee-based lectures and workshops. PBA members and prominent visiting bonsai artists David DeGroot and Dave Kreutz will offer their expertise at a number of programs. Co-sponsored by the Potomac Bonsai Association, the National Bonsai Foundation, and the National Arboretum. Free. A complete schedule of events and registration information will be available in early February.

Walk & Talk: Azalea Collection Tours
May 5, 10:00am-12:00pm
May 10, 10:00am-12:00pm (Bring Mom – it’s Mother’s Day!)
Azalea Collections

Join our knowledgeable, long-time curator of the Azalea Collection for this special tour through thousands of blooming azaleas. Pick up expert growing tips, learn about all aspects of azaleas, and find out how the arboretum has developed new varieties for gardeners worldwide. Fee: $19 ($15 FONA) Registration required.

Northern Virginia Bonsai Society Exhibit
May 9-17, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Local bonsai enthusiasts display their creations during this exhibition of trees from their private collections. On Sunday, May 17 at 1:00pm, a club member will give a free demonstration and answer questions about how bonsai are created and trained. Free.

Art Blooms: Satsuki Azalea Bonsai
May 23-June 17, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Breathtaking blossoms cover these late-blooming azaleas, miniature in form, but covered with full-sized flowers. This annual spring exhibit showcases the most spectacular examples. Free.

June

Full Moon Hikes for March, April, May, and June will be posted in early February.
We do not hold hikes in July and August. Thank you for your interest.

Art Blooms: Satsuki Azalea Bonsai
June 1-June 17, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Breathtaking blossoms cover these late-blooming azaleas, miniature in form, but covered with full-sized flowers. This annual spring exhibit showcases the most spectacular examples. Free.

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Last Updated   January 14, 2009 10:55 AM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html