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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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-3:00pm
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.
Full Moon Hike
March 8, 7:00pm-9:00pm FULL
March 9, 7:00pm-9:00pm FULL
March 10, 7:00pm-9:00pm FULL
Arboretum Grounds
Five-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Guides share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. The two-hour walk over hilly and uneven terrain is more of a brisk hike than a tour so wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Not recommended for children. Fee: $19 ($15 FONA) Registration required.
Bonsai Repotting Workshop
March 14, 1:00pm-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
Is it time to repot your bonsai? Learn how to do this important procedure correctly and get expert guidance. The bonsai museum curator will teach repotting concepts and skills, and give individual attention to each tree that the student brings in. Limit of one large or two small bonsai per student. All materials and tools provided. Fee: $29 ($24 FONA/NBF) Registration required. Note: Many bonsai will be repotted into the same container. For questions, call 202-245-5898.
Solar Installation Workshop
March 16, 17, 18 & 19, 9:00am-3:00pm
Administration Building Classroom and Grounds
This unique workshop will provide you with an opportunity to take part in a solar power system installation from beginning to end. Participants will learn the fundamentals of planning, installing, operating and maintaining a battery-based Photovoltaic (PV) system. The workshop includes lectures and hands-on components, including instruction time each day on the proper sizing, operation, calculations, and maintenance of the system. Instructors and students from Alfred State College will lead the installation of this system, which will provide power for an irrigation system on the arboretum grounds. All levels of knowledge are welcome, from interested beginners to experienced installers. Fee: $200 ($160 FONA) Includes all four days of the workshop and informational materials. Lunch is not provided. Registration required.
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
“Native Plants: In Design”
March 28, 8:30am-3:30pm FULL
Administration Building
The 23rd annual Lahr Symposium features a group of experts from several fields who will present an array of topics exploring the use of native plants in designed landscapes. For complete program information including the schedule, speakers, and topics click here. Lunch and early admission to the Native Plant Sale included. Fee: $85 ($68 FONA). Registration required.
Native Plant Sale
March 28, 9:30am-2:00pm
Arboretum Grounds near the Administration Building
The annual Friends of the National Arboretum Native Plant Sale features a collection of local native plant nurseries offering an extensive selection of plants. Many experienced growers will be present to offer expert advice. Most vendors accept cash or checks only. Free admission.
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.
Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing
Other Great Flowering Cherries
April 1-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.
Full Moon Hike
April 7, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
April 8, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
April 9, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
Arboretum Grounds
Five-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Guides share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. The two-hour walk over hilly and uneven terrain is more of a brisk hike than a tour so wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Not recommended for children. Fee: $19 ($15 FONA) 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.
Bonsai Festival
May 1-3, 10:00am-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. Click on the events below for a full description of the event.
Friday, May 1
Design Workshop with David DeGroot, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Fee.
Saturday, May 2
Workshop: Create a Satsuki Azalea Shohin Bonsai,
9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Fee.
Harry Hirao Demonstration, 10:00 am – 12:00
pm, Free.
Demonstration: Creating a Bonsai from a Collected
Tree, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Free.
Exhibit Critique, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm, Fee.
Sunday, May 3
Potomac Bonsai Association Regional Juried Show
Critique, 9:00 am – 10:00 am, Fee.
Workshop: Create a Large Satsuki Bonsai, 9:00
am – 12:00 pm. Fee.
Lecture: “Bonsai, Art, and Aesthetics,”
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Fee.
Lecture/Demonstration: The Care and Development
of Satsuki Bonsai, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Free.
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.
Full Moon Hike
May 6, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
May 7, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
May 8, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
Arboretum Grounds
Five-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Guides share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. The two-hour walk over hilly and uneven terrain is more of a brisk hike than a tour so wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Not recommended for children. 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.
Bonsai Basics Workshop
May 16, 9:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
Create your own bonsai in this all-day class designed for the beginner and taught by the museum curator. You will learn the horticultural, aesthetic, and cultural elements of bonsai and then apply your new knowledge during the hands-on workshop. All necessary materials, including plant, pot, soil, and wire are provided, and some tools will be available. Please bring tools if you have them. Students should have access to an outdoor space to grow their tree at home. Bring lunch for a noon break. Fee: $129 ($103 FONA/NBF) Registration required.
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.
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.
Back to the Arboretum Home Page
Last Updated March 9, 2009 4:02 PM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html