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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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.
Full Moon Hike
The hikes sell out quickly and the best chance for reserving a spot is to register soon after we post them here on our Current Events and Programs page.
We post them quarterly, by season. Below are the dates that they will be posted and open for registration.
Spring hikes (March, April, and May) will be posted February 4.
Summer hikes (June) will be posted May 1. We do not hold hikes in July and August.
Fall hikes (September, October, and November) will be posted August 1.
Winter hikes (December, January, and February) will be posted November 1.
Note: If the date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the posting will be done the following work day.
Exhibit: Satsuki Bonsai Azaleas of Old Japan
May 25 – June 2, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing
Don’t miss these stunning bonsai, miniature in form, but covered with multicolored, full-sized flowers. Late-blooming Satsuki azaleas have been hybridized in Japan for hundreds of years; many of the Museum’s azalea bonsai were started from cuttings collected in Japan in the last century. This annual exhibit showcases our most spectacular examples in a formal display. Based on individual bloom times, trees may be on display in the outdoor pavilions before and after the week-long indoor exhibit. Free.
Under the Arbor Series: Garden Classics—Lavender and Roses
June 1, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
National Herb Garden
Immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance of two garden classics in full bloom: Discover the garden’s collection of over 60 types of lavender and explore the Antique and Heritage Rose Garden, filled with vintage varieties. Enjoy demonstrations, food samples, crafts, and expert information about growing these two useful and popular herbs. Presented by members of the Connecticut, Philadelphia, Potomac, and Tidewater Units of the Herb Society of America. Free.
Full Moon Hike for Private Group FULL
June 19, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Center
Gather a group of friends, family, co-workers, and others to enjoy this unique experience considered by many to be one of DC’s best outings. See the description of Full Moon Hike, below. Maximum 25 per group. Fee: $550. Registration required.
Full Moon Hike
June 19, 8:00 – 10:00 pm FULL
June 20, 8:00 – 10:00 pm FULL
June 21, 8:00 – 10:00 pm FULL
Meet in the Visitor Center
This four-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike leads you 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 garden 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.
Note: Full Moon Hikes are not held in July and August. Hikes in September, October, and November will be posted here August 1.
Workshop: Bonsai Basics with Tropicals
June 22, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm FULL
July 13, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm FULL
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
Create your own bonsai in this one-day class designed for the beginner. 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 tools will be available. The material used for this class will be tropical ficus, which can be grown indoors year-round and must be grown indoors during the winter. Bring lunch for a noon break. Fee: $129 ($103 FONA/NBF) Registration required
Exhibit: Becoming a Bonsai
June 16 – October 14, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing
How do they do that? Pictures and text illustrate the principles and steps involved in transforming a common crapemyrtle into a charming bonsai through pruning, wiring, styling, and repotting. Artifacts from the Museum’s collection will also be displayed, including tools used by renowned bonsai masters Toshio Kawamoto, John Naka, and Yuji Yoshimura. Free.
Exhibit: Becoming a Bonsai
June 15 – September 29, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing
How do they do that? Pictures and text illustrate the principles and steps involved in transforming a common crapemyrtle into a charming bonsai through pruning, wiring, styling, and repotting. Artifacts from the Museum’s collection will also be displayed, including tools used by renowned bonsai masters Toshio Kawamoto, John Naka, and Yuji Yoshimura. Free.
Workshop: Bonsai Basics with Tropicals
July 13, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm FULL
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
Create your own bonsai in this one-day class designed for the beginner. 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. The material used for this class will be tropical ficus, which can be grown indoors year-round and must be grown indoors during the winter. Bring lunch for a noon break. Fee: $129 ($103 FONA/NBF) Registration required
Workshop: Bonsai II
July 14, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture/Demonstration Center
Take your skills and your tree to the next level at this workshop designed for those who have taken a beginner’s class and are ready for the next step. Bring your tree in to learn how to properly prune, wire, and apply design elements that will improve its overall design and health. The Museum curator will teach the principles and give individual attention to each participant. Limit of one large or two small bonsai per student. Bring your own tools.Fee: $39 ($31 FONA/NBF) Registration required.
TreeWise Summer Program (for Youth Groups Only)
July 22 – August 9, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
TreeWise, Casey Trees’ nature-based summer education program for youth groups comes to the grounds of the National Arboretum this summer. The goal of the program is for youth ages 6-10 to spend a morning enjoying the outdoors and gaining appreciation and understanding of trees through fun, hands-on activities. Activities focus on tree biology and care, and include scavenger hunts, leaf and bark rubbings, tree identification, measurement, watering exercises, and more. All activities are tailored to be age and/or grade appropriate. Applicants must have an organized summer youth program and confirm a date to participate. Click here for complete details. Free.
All Aboard: Crapemyrtle Tram Tour
July 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in the Visitor Center
Crapemyrtles light up the landscape with brilliant color in the heat of the summer when few other plants are blooming. Many also feature colorful fall foliage and striking bark color, making them one of the most beautiful and versatile trees for our area. Learn all about this garden gem, from breeding and research to how to choose and grow them at home. Start in the classroom with geneticist Dr. Margaret Pooler, who will discuss the National Arboretum’s famous breeding program, then board the open-air tram for a scenic and informative tour highlighting the most remarkable specimens and the results of the Arboretum’s research program. Stops include short walks into the research fields and the conifer collection, where specimen crapemyrtles grow, for exploration, identification, and your questions. Fee $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required
TreeWise Summer Program (for Youth Groups Only)
July 22 – August 9, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
TreeWise, Casey Trees’ nature-based summer education program for youth groups comes to the grounds of the National Arboretum this summer. The goal of the program is for youth ages 6-10 to spend a morning enjoying the outdoors and gaining appreciation and understanding of trees through fun, hands-on activities. Activities focus on tree biology and care, and include scavenger hunts, leaf and bark rubbings, tree identification, measurement, watering exercises, and more. All activities are tailored to be age and/or grade appropriate. Applicants must have an organized summer youth program and confirm a date to participate. Click here for complete details. Free.
Exhibit: Becoming a Bonsai
June 15 – September 29, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing
June: Satsuki azaleas, southern magnolias, mountain laurels, southern catalpa, fringe tree, arrowwood viburnum, lilies, daylilies, herbs, annuals, water lilies, Chinese dogwood, firethorn, linden, rosebay, golden rain tree, and container gardens
July: Butterfly weed, water lilies, annuals, hydrangeas, hibiscus, crapemyrtles, daylilies, boxwood, herbs, sweet pepperbush, pepper collection, meadow wildflowers, hostas, and container gardens
August: Hibiscus, crapemyrtles, boxwood, herbs, annuals, sweet pepperbush, pepper collection, meadow wildflowers, cardinal flower, plum leaf azaleas, hostas, hydrangeas, and container gardens
For more information on what’s blooming, click here to see the Average Blooming Dates page.
Note: The administration building pool where the koi live is empty while we renovate the pool area. We hope the project will be complete by the spring of 2014.
COMING UP
Fall Events
September, October, and November programs, including Full Moon Hikes, will be posted here on August 1.
The 66th Annual Orchid Show and Sale will be October 12 – 14. Mark your calendar for this special event that features vendors, exhibits, and free classes.
FONA/NBF
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 June 4, 2013 2:10 PM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html