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.
Power Plants Exhibit
Through mid-October
Arboretum Grounds
On Saturday, June 21, the Arboretum opened Power Plants, a walk-through garden showcasing a variety of plants offering a diverse array of alternative energy possibilities. Visitors will learn about sustainable agriculture-based renewable energy sources during their tour of the exhibit. Power Plants will continue to be on display at the Arboretum through the fall. If you can't make it to the arboretum, be sure to visit our online Power Plants Garden Virtual Tour.
Power Plants Exploration Game
Discover our new Power Plants Garden (see article above) and bring your school-aged children to
play a game of plant exploration designed for just them. The game will lead them through the
exhibit and illustrate the different ways plants play a role in creating new sources of fuel.
Pick up the game brochure in the Visitors Center, walk across the street to the garden, and
return your game card to the front desk when complete. A small prize will be awarded to those
who answer the questions. Children age ten and under might need adult assistance.
Free. No registration required.
Baltimore Bonsai Club Exhibit
August 23-31, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
Trees from the private collections of this regional organization will be featured. See what local bonsai enthusiasts are creating. Sunday, August 31 at 1:00, a club member will give a free demonstration. Time will be available to ask questions about how bonsai are created and trained. Free.
Power Plants Exhibit
Through mid-October
Arboretum Grounds
On Saturday, June 21, the Arboretum opened Power Plants, a walk-through garden showcasing a variety of plants offering a diverse array of alternative energy possibilities. Visitors will learn about sustainable agriculture-based renewable energy sources during their tour of the exhibit. Power Plants will continue to be on display at the Arboretum through the fall. If you can't make it to the arboretum, be sure to visit our online Power Plants Garden Virtual Tour.
Power Plants Exploration Game
Discover our new Power Plants Garden (see article above) and bring your school-aged children to
play a game of plant exploration designed for just them. The game will lead them through the
exhibit and illustrate the different ways plants play a role in creating new sources of fuel.
Pick up the game brochure in the Visitors Center, walk across the street to the garden, and
return your game card to the front desk when complete. A small prize will be awarded to those
who answer the questions. Children age ten and under might need adult assistance.
Free. No registration required.
Beyond the Black Mountain:
An Appreciation of Color, Pattern and Form in American Viewing Stones
September 4-October 13, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
This exhibition features viewing stones on loan from California collectors Jim and Alice Greaves. We are privileged to host the first East Coast exhibition of stones from one of the largest and finest private collections in this country. Please join the collectors for lectures, gallery talks, and a children’s workshop. Free.
Lecture: The Art of Stone Appreciation
September 7, 1:00pm-2:30pm
Administration Building Auditorium
Jim Greaves presents A Collector's Passion: From "Catching the Stone" to Sharing the View. I n this lecture, he will share his insights on collecting, displaying, and appreciating viewing stones. See September 4 entry for Beyond the Black Mountain for information about Jim Greaves' exhibit. Free. Reservations recommended. Please call 202-245-4521.
Full Moon Hike
September 13, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
September 14, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
September 15, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
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.
Workshop: Ikebana I
September 20, 10:00am-12:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
Noted ikebana teacher Sachiko Furlan will teach this introductory workshop on Japanese flower arranging. All materials will be provided. Fee: $34 (FONA/NBF $30) Registration required.
Curator Tour: Bonsai Museum
September 21, 2:00pm-3:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Learn about the history of the museum and the individual trees on this staff-led tour. Horticultural principles and aesthetic considerations will be emphasized. Free.
Workshop: Ikebana II
September 27, 10:00am-12:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
Prerequisite: At least one previous lesson in Japanese flower arranging. All materials will be provided. Fee: $34 (FONA/NBF $30) Registration required.
"Under The Arbor"
Harvesting and Using Lemon Herbs
September 27, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
National Herb Garden
Join us "under the arbor" in the National Herb Garden for this drop-in demonstration featuring lemon scented and flavored herbs. These garden favorites are beautiful, fragrant, delicious, and useful in a variety of ways. Members of the South Jersey Unit of the Herb Society of America will demonstrate ways to use herbs such as lemon thyme, lemon verbena, lemon balm, and many others in teas, cooking, arrangements, and more. Free.
Power Plants Exhibit
Through mid-October
Arboretum Grounds
On Saturday, June 21, the Arboretum opened Power Plants, a walk-through garden showcasing a variety of plants offering a diverse array of alternative energy possibilities. Visitors will learn about sustainable agriculture-based renewable energy sources during their tour of the exhibit. Power Plants will continue to be on display at the Arboretum through the fall. If you can't make it to the arboretum, be sure to visit our online Power Plants Garden Virtual Tour.
Power Plants Exploration Game
Discover our new Power Plants Garden (see article above) and bring your school-aged children to
play a game of plant exploration designed for just them. The game will lead them through the
exhibit and illustrate the different ways plants play a role in creating new sources of fuel.
Pick up the game brochure in the Visitors Center, walk across the street to the garden, and
return your game card to the front desk when complete. A small prize will be awarded to those
who answer the questions. Children age ten and under might need adult assistance.
Free. No registration required.
Beyond the Black Mountain:
An Appreciation of Color, Pattern and Form in American Viewing Stones
September 4-October 13, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
This exhibition features viewing stones on loan from California collectors Jim and Alice Greaves. We are privileged to host the first East Coast exhibition of stones from one of the largest and finest private collections in this country. Please join the collectors for lectures, gallery talks, and a children’s workshop. Free.
Chrysanthemums in the Courtyard
October 1-November 15, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Visit the Museum courtyard to see potted chrysanthemums specially cultivated and trained to display large blooms. Attend a free lecture on Saturday, November 1 at 1:00, where the horticultural process will be revealed. Free.
"Under The Arbor"
Chile Peppers
October 4, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
National Herb Garden
Members of the Tidewater Unit of the Herb Society of America will present a variety of ways to "spice up your life" using chile peppers ranging from sweet to mild to scorching. "Under the Arbor" is an informal, drop-in program held periodically in the National Herb Garden. Free.
Workshop For Kids: Viewing Stones
October 11, 10:00am-12:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
This workshop will be taught by Jim Greaves, a stone collector and master of viewing stone display. Participants will learn about stone appreciation and create their own display to take home. All materials provided. Limited enrollment, ages 8 – 14. Fee: $19 (FONA/NBF $16). Registration required.
HerbDay 2008: Seed Giveaway
October 11, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
National Herb Garden
HerbDay is a celebration of the great variety of herbs and their many uses. This year, members of the Herb Society of America will share a variety of herb and perennial seeds from their gardens and provide gardening advice about how to produce healthy plants. This is an informal, drop-in event, so come early to get the best choice of seeds. Free.
Got pets? Members of the North Carolina Unit of the Herb Society of America will present a display on gardening for people with pets, including good plant choices and pet-friendly garden design. Free.
Gallery Talk: Viewing Stones & the Art of Display
October 11, 2:00pm-3:30 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
Join the collectors, Jim and Alice Greaves, in the exhibition space for a discussion of their stones on display. Free.
61st Annual Orchid Show and Sale
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 12, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, October 13, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Arboretum Grounds
Thousands of orchids in bloom, educational exhibits, orchid art competition, and free lectures each day are all featured at this popular annual show sponsored by the National Capitol Orchid Society. Free.
Full Moon Hike
October 13, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
October 14, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
October 15, 8:00pm-10:00pm FULL
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.
Autumn Ikebana Exhibit: Sogetsu School, Washington
DC
October 18-19, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
Sogetsu ikebana style is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, yet embraces the modern age. Sogetsu promotes an ikebana of no limits in which plant materials of any type are used to create sculptural compositions. A free demonstration will be held on Saturday, October 18, 1 – 2:30. Free.
Autumn Bonsai Exhibit
October 25-November 16, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
Bonsai – trees growing in containers – go through the same annual cycle as trees growing in the ground. See the beauty of their colorful fall transition on formal display in this exhibition. Free.
Autumn Bonsai Exhibit
October 25-November 16, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
Bonsai – trees growing in containers – go through the same annual cycle as trees growing in the ground. See the beauty of their colorful fall transition on formal display in this exhibition. Free.
Full Moon Hike
November 12, 7:00pm-9:00pm FULL
November 13, 7:00pm-9:00pm FULL
November 14, 7:00pm-9:00pm FULL
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.
Seasonal Centerpiece Workshop
November 15, 10:00am-12:00pm
Meet in Visitors Center Lobby
Learn from a professional floral designer how to create seasonal centerpieces and apply your new skills to create arrangements all year round, especially at holiday time. All supplies are furnished. Fee $30 (FONA $24). Registration required.
Workshop: Holiday Wreath-Making
December 6, 9:00am - 12:00pm
December 7, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meet in Arboretum Lobby
Create a designer-quality wreath with instruction and inspiration from the arboretum's expert floral designers. You will learn the techniques you need to create a unique, long-lasting wreath, and be able to use your skills for many years and wreaths to come. We supply an extensive selection of fresh cut plant materials and other supplies. Please bring pruning shears if you have them. Fee: $59 (FONA $47). Registration required.
Winter Silhouettes: Bonsai/Penjing Exhibit
December 6-December 14, 10:00am-4:00pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
International Pavilion & Special Exhibits Wing
Before going into winter storage, deciduous trees selected from the permanent collection will be featured in a formal display. Without the cover of leaves, the elegant lines of the trees will be prominent. Enjoy an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature in the indoor comfort of the Special Exhibits Wing. Free.
Back to the Arboretum Home Page
Last Updated August 25, 2008 11:11 AM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html