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.
To view and print the PDF files you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have Acrobat Reader installed as a web plugin, or if you don't know whether or not you have it installed -- please visit our PDF Help Page for information, instructions and links to your free Acrobat Reader.
Program FULL? If a program is marked FULL, registration is closed, and we do not keep waiting lists. If there is a cancellation, we will remove the FULL marking and re-open registration. However, if the program is scheduled to occur within 10 calendar days, the cancellation period is over and we will not re-open registration. We do not keep waiting lists for any programs. For questions, please call 202-245-5898.
Cell Phone Tour
A free* tour of all of the major collections and research areas is available when you
bring a cell phone to the arboretum. Look for the signs in the gardens and
follow the directions. More information is available in the lobby.
* You will use your minutes.
Full Moon Hike
February 6, 7:00 to 9:00 pm FULL
February 7, 7:00 to 9:00 pm FULL
February 8, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Center trailer
This four-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. The two-hour walk over hilly and uneven terrain is a hike, not a tour, so wear good walking shoes. Not recommended for children under 16. No pets, please. Fee: $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required.
Full Moon Hike for Group
February 6, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Center trailer
Book our popular Full Moon Hike for your private group! Gather friends, family, co-workers, and others to enjoy this unique experience that is considered by many to be one of DC’s best outings. See description of Full Moon Hike, above. Maximum 25 per group. Fee: $550. Registration required.
Conifer Workshop: Chamaecyparis or Calocedrus?
February 25, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Center trailer
Can you distinguish Chamaecyparis from Calocedrus or juniper from arborvitae? Some of the best adapted and most popular conifers for D.C. area gardens have tiny scale-like leaves. Identifying this group of conifers is challenging for even the most experienced gardeners. This program provides an in-depth look at these valuable landscape plants, focusing on identification. Start with a classroom presentation about the range of conifers with scale-like leaves. Then participate in a hands-on lab, where you will use cut branch specimens to look closely at the tiny leaves and learn how to use factors including leaf shape, color, texture, branch arrangement, and cone shape to zero in on the correct identification. Finish with a tour of the Gotelli Conifer Collection with the conifer staff to practice your skills and see how these plants enhance the winter landscape. Fee: $19 (FONA $15) Registration required.
Private Full Moon Hike for Group
March 6, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Information center
Gather a group of friends, family, co-workers, and others to enjoy a unique experience considered by many to be one of DC’s best outings. Not recommended for children under 16. No pets, please. See the description of Full Moon Hike, below. Maximum 25 per group. Fee: $550 Registration required.
Full Moon Hike
March 6, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
March 7, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
March 8, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Information center
This four-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. The two-hour walk over hilly and uneven terrain is a hike, not a tour, so wear good walking shoes. Not recommended for children under 16. No pets, please. Fee: $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required.
Tour: Spring in the Asian Collections
March 11, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
April 1, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
April 22; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in the Asian Collections parking area
The Asian Collections are some of the Arboretum’s most dramatic and diverse. The steep terrain slopes sharply downhill from the heights of Hickey Hill to the quiet banks of the Anacostia River, where plants from China, Japan, and Korea cover 13 acres of hillside. Horticulturist Chris Upton leads three tours to reveal and identify the rapidly changing spring flora. The walks include steep and unpaved trails. Fee: $15 ($12 FONA) Note: Each tour date requires a separate registration and fee. Registration required.
Tour highlights:
March 11: Early Spring: The line between late winter and early spring is different each year, making this an especially interesting time in the garden. If winter still prevails, there will be pheasant’s eye, wintersweet, panda flower, Helleborus thibetanus, plus a variety of woodland wildflowers, early shrubs, and a fewmagnolias. If spring comes early, see all those plus more – maybe Magnolia zenii, a rare Chinese species, or hepaticas in the Japanese Woodland.
April 1: Mid spring: The magnolias and cherries will add masses of pink throughout the garden; camellias will be flowering along with corylopsis and many perennials, including irises, primroses, and columbines.
April 22: Late spring: Now the garden is alive with color, including roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, redbuds, and loropetalum. Perennials in bloom include Asian Jack-in-the-pulpits, peonies, and irises. It is likely that the rare dove tree, Davidia involucrata, will be flowering this weekend.
Bonsai Repotting Workshop
March 18, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture & Demonstration Center
Is it time to repot your bonsai? Learn how to do this important procedure correctly with expert guidance. A bonsai museum curator will teach repotting concepts and skills, giving individual attention to each tree the student brings in. Limit of one large or two small bonsai per student. Soil and tools provided. (Note: Often bonsai will be repotted into the same container. For repotting questions, call 202-245-5307.)National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Fee: $29 ($23 FONA/NBF) Registration required.
Self Guided Tour: Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherries
March 20 – April 27, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Arboretum Grounds
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan to Washington with this self-guided tour of the Arboretum’s diverse collection of flowering cherries, including two new varieties developed by Arboretum scientists. The featured trees exhibit a range of shapes, sizes, flower colors, and bloom times. The tour covers several miles of Arboretum roads and can be driven, biked, or walked. Pick up a brochure in the Visitor Information Center or download one at the Arboretum website. Free.
Bonsai Repotting Demonstration
March 24 & 25, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture & Demonstration Center
Watch as a museum curator repots a tree from the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s permanent collection. This procedure, which is usually done behind-the-scenes, will be performed for visitors as an informal drop-in demonstration. Free.
Lecture: All about Azaleas
March 25, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Visitor Information center
Few shrubs have more impact on the spring landscape than azaleas, and the Arboretum’s renowned collection is one of Washington’s premier spring attractions. Azalea curator Barbara Bullock will share her extensive knowledge and experience at this in-depth presentation that covers everything from the history of azalea cultivation, to the taxonomy, botany, pests and diseases, propagation, and all aspects of care. Fee: $15 ($12 FONA) Complement this event by registering for one of Barbara’s Azalea Collection Tours in April and May. Registration required.
Native Plant Sale
March 31, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Beltsville Area Research Center
Save time and travel by shopping at this annual sale that features an extensive collection of native plants offered by several local area nurseries. Growers will be on hand to provide gardening information. This year the sale will be held at the Beltsville Area Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum. Free admission.
Lahr Native Plant Symposium: Native Plants: Inspiring New Directions
March 31, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Beltsville Area Research Center
The 26th annual Lahr Symposium explores the work of landscape architects, authors, and gardeners who were inspired by native plants to change their career paths to pursue unique callings. From journalist turned naturalist to researcher turned native fruit aficionado, these individuals explain how native plants have influenced their work. Learn how native plants can foster creativity in the garden and inspire new insights into nature and landscape design. Registration fee includes lunch and early access to the Native Plant Sale. Fee: $89 ($71 FONA) Registration required. For complete program details, including a map and directions, see the Lahr Symposium brochure or call 202-245-4523.
Note: This year the symposium will be held at the Beltsville Area Research Center at 1033 Baltimore Blvd, Beltsville, MD.
Self Guided Tour: Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherries
March 20 – April 27, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Arboretum grounds
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan to Washington with this self-guided tour of the Arboretum’s diverse collection of flowering cherries, including two new varieties developed by Arboretum scientists. The featured trees exhibit a range of shapes, sizes, flower colors, and bloom times. The tour covers several miles of Arboretum roads and can be driven, biked, or walked. Pick up a brochure in the Visitor Information Center or download one at the Arboretum website. Free.
Tours: Spring in the Asian Collections
April 1, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
April 22; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in the Asian Collections parking area
The Asian Collections are some of the Arboretum’s most dramatic and diverse. The steep terrain slopes sharply downhill from the heights of Hickey Hill to the quiet banks of the Anacostia River, where plants from China, Japan, and Korea cover 13 acres of hillside. Join horticulturist Chris Upton on the tours, where he will reveal and identify the rapidly changing spring flora. The walks include steep and unpaved trails. Fee: $15 ($12 FONA) Note: Each tour date requires a separate registration and fee. Registration required.
Tour highlights:
April 1: Mid spring: The magnolias and cherries will add masses of pink throughout the garden; camellias will be flowering along with corylopsis and many perennials, including irises, primroses, and columbines.
April 22: Late spring: Now the garden is alive with color, including roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, redbuds, and loropetalum. Perennials in bloom include Asian Jack-in-the-pulpits, peonies, and irises. It is likely that the rare dove tree, Davidia involucrata, will be flowering this weekend.
Private Full Moon Hike for Group
April 4, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Information center
Gather a group of friends, family, co-workers, and others to enjoy a unique experience considered by many to be one of DC’s best outings. Not recommended for children under 16. No pets, please. See the description of Full Moon Hike, below. Maximum 25 per group. Fee: $550 Registration required.
Full Moon Hike
April 4, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
April 5, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
April 6, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Information center
This is a four-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike through moonlit gardens, meadows, and woods. Your guide will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights. The two-hour walk over hilly and uneven terrain is a brisk hike, not a tour so wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Not recommended for children under 16. No pets, please. Fee: $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required.
Ikebana International Exhibition
April 6 – April 22, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing
Enjoy spring flowers with a Japanese twist! The Washington D.C. Chapter of Ikebana International exhibits flower arrangements representing a variety of ikebana schools, from traditional to contemporary. This year’s exhibition honors the centennial of the 1912 Tidal Basin cherry tree planting with arrangements that include flowering cherry branches. The installation will change three times during the exhibit, so plan return visits to see them all. Master teachers will give free ikebana demonstrations from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on April 14, 15, 21, and 22. See Ikebana International Demonstrations. National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Free.
.jpg)
Camellia Collection Talk and Tour
April 7, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Visitor Information center
Learn about the two main types of camellias that perform well in the mid-Atlantic region and tour the National Arboretum’s extensive camellia collection with horticulturist Carole Bordelon. Her illustrated lecture will explore the spring- and fall-blooming types and cover flower and plant forms, growing requirements, bloom periods, pests and diseases, and the Arboretum research that led to the development of cold-hardy camellias for our area. Tour the two-acre collection, which includes both types of camellias and over 100 varieties, and see the spring-flowering types in bloom. Fee: $15 ($12 FONA) Registration required.
Talk and Tour: Flowering Cherries: From Ancient Japanese Forests to Modern American Landscapes
April 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Visitor Information center
National Arboretum botanist Dr. Alan Whittemore tells the fascinating story of how a series of events involving Japan’s early warlords, a 5th century wave of immigration, and political upheavals contributed to the flowering cherry tree becoming Japan’s official symbol of spring, renewal, and rebirth. Dr. Margaret Pooler, Arboretum geneticist, continues the story with a discussion of the USDA’s role in receiving the gift of the trees from Japan in 1912, establishing them at the Tidal Basin, and conducting research to create new and improved varieties for the American landscape. Horticulturist David Kidwell-Slak leads a brief tour and discusses how to select, plant, and care for one of these distinctive trees in the home landscape. Fee: $15 ($12 FONA) Registration required.
Ikebana International Demonstrations
April 14, 15, 21, & 22; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture & Demonstration Center
Master teachers from the Washington, DC chapter of Ikebana International demonstrate four different schools of ikebana at these demonstrations in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum: April 14, Ikenobo; April 15, Ohara; April 21, Ichiyo; April 22, Sogetsu. For more information, see Ikebana International Exhibition. Free.
Master Gardener Plant Clinic
April 21, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Near Visitor Information center
Bring your lawn and garden questions to the Arboretum where D.C. Master Gardeners will assist you with diagnosis of and solutions to plant problems. For best results with disease, pest, and identification questions, bring in a good-sized, live sample of the plant material. Additional clinics will be held on June 9 and September 15. Free.
Azalea Collections Tour
April 25, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
April 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Information center
Amid a brilliant spring display of hundreds of blooming azaleas, learn about the origins and culture of these popular shrubs from Barbara Bullock, the long-time curator of the Azalea Collections. Get expert advice on all aspects of growing azaleas in your landscape and learn how an Arboretum scientist developed hundreds of varieties for the mid-Atlantic area. Fee: $15 ($12 FONA) Registration required.
Garden Fair and Plant Sale
April 27, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Friends of the National Arboretum members only
April 27, 1:00 – 4:00 pm; Open to the public
April 28, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Open to the public
New York Avenue parking lot
The 22nd annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale features new, rare, and hard-to-find plants, garden supplies, used books, children's activities, refreshments, entertainment, and more. Bring your garden questions to National Arboretum staff members for expert advice. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum. Free admission.
Azalea Collections Tour
May 2, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
May 13, Mother’s Day! 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Information center
Amid a brilliant spring display of hundreds of blooming azaleas, learn about the origins and culture of these popular shrubs from Barbara Bullock, the long-time curator of the Azalea Collections. Get expert advice on all aspects of growing azaleas in your landscape and learn how an Arboretum scientist developed hundreds of varieties for the mid-Atlantic area. Fee: $15 ($12 FONA) Registration required
Private Full Moon Hike for Group
May 3, 7:00 – 9:00 pm FULL
Meet in the Visitor Information center
Gather a group of friends, family, co-workers, and others to enjoy a unique experience considered by many to be one of DC’s best outings. Not recommended for children under 16. No pets, please. See the description of Full Moon Hike, below. Maximum 25 per group. Fee: $550 Registration required.
Full Moon Hike
May 3, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
May 4, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
May 5, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Information center
This four-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. The two-hour walk over hilly and uneven terrain is a hike, not a tour, so wear good walking shoes. Not recommended for children under 16. No pets, please. Fee: $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required.
Potomac Bonsai Festival
May 4 – 6, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Arboretum Grounds
Come to the annual Potomac Bonsai Festival for bonsai activities that entertain everyone from the interested observer to the accomplished artist. Each day features demonstrations, workshops, exhibits, vendors, and the renowned collections of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Get hands-on experience in workshops and expand your knowledge at informative and entertaining demonstrations. Visiting bonsai artists Harry Hirao and Suthin Sukosolvisit will share their expertise at workshops and demonstrations. All events will be held rain or shine. Free festival admission.
2012 Festival Highlights:
Quick Links: Workshops and Demonstrations, Free Ongoing Activities, Artist Bios, Tools List
Free ongoing activities: Demonstrations, Potomac Bonsai Association Exhibit and Show, Vendors, Children’s Activities, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum Permanent Collections
Workshops: New Talent Competition, Intermediate/Advanced Shohin Workshop, Advanced Workshop with Harry Hirao, Advanced Workshop with Suthin
The Potomac Bonsai Festival is co-sponsored by the Potomac Bonsai Association, the National Bonsai Foundation, and the U.S. National Arboretum.
Bonsai Basics Workshop
May 19, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or
May 20, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture & Demonstration Center
Create your own bonsai in this all-day class designed for the beginner. Learn the horticultural, aesthetic, and cultural elements of bonsai and then apply your new knowledge during the hands-on workshop. All necessary materials, including the plant, pot, soil, and wire are provided, and some tools will be available. Please bring tools if you have them. Bring lunch for a noon break. National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Fee: $129 ($103 FONA/NBF) Registration required.
Azalea Bonsai Exhibit: Putting on the Glitz
May 26 – June 10, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing
In Japan, it is said that the beauty of an azalea bonsai in bloom is like the beauty of a courtesan dressed in her finest brocade kimono. Breathtaking blossoms cover these late-blooming Satsuki azaleas, miniature in form, but covered with full-sized flowers. This annual spring exhibit showcases the most spectacular examples. National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Free.
World Bonsai Day Open House
May 12, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum celebrates the second annual World Bonsai Day with continuous demonstrations by Potomac Bonsai Association members, drawings for the demonstration trees, curator-led tours hourly from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and an exhibit about Mr. Saburo Kato. World Bonsai Day was created by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation (WBFF) to honor the memory of Mr. Kato, the founder of WBFF, who believed that bonsai has the power to unite people by acting as a bridge to international friendship and peace. Admission and all events are free.
Suggestions for family-oriented activities for spring:
FONA/NBF refers to members of the Friends of the National Arboretum or the National Bonsai Foundation, who receive a discount on many programs. For membership information for FONA, call 202-544-8733 or visit www.fona.org . For information on NBF, call 202-396-3510 or visit www.bonsai-nbf.org.
Back to the Arboretum Home Page
Last Updated February 3, 2012 3:26 PM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html