Many arboretum
programs require advance registration. Please refer to complete program
descriptions.
You can now register either online or by mailing in a completed form.
Click here to begin the registration process.
For registration information, call 202-245-4521; or use this form.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last Updated January 14, 2009 10:55 AM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html