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February

Power Plants Exhibit
through 2010, 8:00am-5:00pm
Adjacent to the National Herb Garden

Walk through Power Plants to discover the wide variety of plants that offer alternative energy possibilities. This garden exhibit showcases living plants and provides educational signage about how they can serve as sustainable agriculture-based energy sources (note that during the winter, most of the crops are dormant or, if annuals, gone for the season). A scavenger hunt activity available at the information desk in the administration building will help school-aged children explore the exhibit. Free. No registration required.

Asian Tradition of Stone Appreciation Exhibit and Lecture
Exhibit: December 26-February 7, 10:00am-4:00pm
Lecture: February 7, 1:00pm-2:30pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

For centuries in Asia, certain stones have been revered and appreciated as natural works of art. Members from the Potomac Viewing Stone Group, a regional organization dedicated to stone appreciation, present an exhibit of Chinese and Japanese stones from their collections. A member of their group offers a lecture on traditional stone appreciation on Sunday, February 7, from 1:00-2:30pm in the Lecture/Demonstration Center. Free.

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. 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: $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required.

Full Moon Hikes for Groups
February 26, 8:00pm-10:00 pm FULL
Arboretum Grounds

Our popular Full Moon Hikes are now available for your group! Gather a group of 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.

March

Exhibit: American Stone Appreciation
Through March 28, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

How do North American viewing stones differ from the traditional Chinese and Japanese stones? Compare the two styles by viewing both on display in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The North American stones on exhibit are from private collections of the members of the Potomac Viewing Stone Group. Join members on Sunday, March 28, at 1:00 pm for an informal tour of the exhibit. Free.

Annual Orchid Auction
March 6, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Administration Building

This live auction offers many rare and unusual orchid varieties from well-known growers and private collections. The sale is entertaining and beneficial for beginners as well as serious collectors. Sponsored by The National Capital Orchid Society. Preview at 10:00, sale at 11:00 am. Free admission.

Conifers: Where in the World Did That Come From? Talk and Tour
March 7, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Auditorium and Grounds

Some gardeners see the more outlandish conifers and wonder where they could possibly have come from. They might be surprised to learn that some of them are from their own backyard. Take a tour of the Gotelli Collection of Dwarf and Slow-Growing Conifers with the arboretum’s conifer expert who will focus on the origins of these plants and emphasize those that are native to North America. She will also visit some wild-collected plants and discuss their origins, pointing out those that are particularly well adapted to our area. Rain date February 7.  Fee: $12 ($10 FONA) Registration required.

Gesneriad Show and Sale
March 13, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
March 14, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Administration Building

Don’t miss this show and sale of members of the Gesneriad family, including many rare and unusual varieties of African violets, Streptocarpus and florist gloxinias. The vibrant flower colors and rich textures of these blooming plants make them especially popular houseplants. Enjoy creative plant and flower designs, crafts, environmental displays, and free lectures on growing Gesneriads. Lectures are Saturday at 2:30 pm, and Sunday at 1:30 and 2:30 pm. For lecture details, see our website or call 202-245-2726. Free. Registration required for lectures.

Workshop: Bonsai Repotting
March 13, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture and Demonstration Center

Is it time to repot your bonsai?  Learn how to do this important procedure correctly and get 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.) Fee: $29 (FONA/NBF $23) Registration required.

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital: A Man Named Pearl
March 22, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Auditorium

The inspiring story of self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar demonstrates how one man and his garden can affect an entire community. This subtle and intriguing film will open hearts and minds and demonstrate the effect of respect for self and others. Mr. Pearl Fryar, the subject of the film, will be present for a discussion following the showing. Mr. Fryar's presence is courtesy of the Friends of the National Arboretum’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Free. Registration required; seating is limited. Call 202-245-4521 to register.

Lahr Native Plant Symposium: Native Plants: Now
March 27, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Auditorium

An internationally regarded line up of presenters will share their current native plant projects and insights from the worlds of eco-savvy design, horticulture, botany, and wildlife conservation. Within these topics, you will be able to explore pollinators, mosses, home rain gardens, nomenclature, garden design, and the newly renovated Fern Valley Native Plant Collection. Note: Registration fee includes lunch and early access to the Native Plant Sale. Fee: $89 (FONA $71) Registration required.

Native Plant Sale
March 27, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Sales tent area across from Bonsai Museum

Streamline your spring plant shopping by coming to the Friends of the National Arboretum Native Plant Sale.  This group sale features regional nurseries offering an extensive selection of native plants, and growers will be on hand to offer garden information. Most vendors accept cash or checks only. Free admission.

Full Moon Hike
March 27, 28, & 29, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Arboretum Grounds and Lobby

Four-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Your guide will share several 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 under 16. Fee: $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required.

Group Hike
March 27, 8:00 – 10:00 pm FULL
Arboretum Grounds and Lobby

Our popular Full Moon Hikes are now available for your group! 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. See description of Full Moon Hikes, above. Maximum 25 per group. Fee: $550. Registration required.

Self-Guided Tour: Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherries
March 27 – April 11, 8:00 am-4:30 pm daily
Lobby and grounds

Take this self-guided tour to explore the arboretum’s collection of flowering cherries of various shapes, sizes, flower colors, and bloom times, including trees that have been created by arboretum scientists. Note: The tour covers several miles of arboretum roads, and can be driven, biked, or walked. Pick up a brochure in the Administration Building. Free.

Talk & Tour: Creating Diversity in Flowering Cherries
March 28, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture and Demonstration Center

Dr. Margaret Pooler, a National Arboretum research geneticist, will begin this program with the story of how flowering cherry trees came to be Washington’s celebrated symbol of spring. She will then share a behind-the-scenes look at how arboretum scientists have created new varieties of flowering cherries with improved qualities, such as size, shape, and flower color. A brief walking tour of some of the trees will follow the talk. Free. Registration required. Call 202-245-4521 to register.

April

Exhibit: Ikebana International
April 2 – April 25, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Enjoy spring flowers with a Japanese twist! April is ikebana month at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The Washington D.C. Chapter of Ikebana International will exhibit flower arrangements representing a variety of ikebana schools and styles. The installation will change several times during the 24-day exhibit, so plan many visits to see everything. Master teachers will give free demonstrations on Sundays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 1:00 pm.

Camellia Show
April 10, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
April 11, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Auditorium

Blooms of every color, form, and type fill the display room at this judged show sponsored by the Camellia Society of the Potomac Valley. Meet expert growers, browse educational exhibits, and attend a free lecture about the dramatic changes in camellia culture. Lecture: Sunday, 2:00 pm. Free.

Tour: Camellia Collection
April 10, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Meet in Asian Collection parking lot

Camellia expert Carole Bordelon will lead your through the arboretum’s celebrated collection of over 275 plants, focusing primarily on cold-hardy cultivars that grow well in the mid-Atlantic region. You will see examples of japonicas, sasanquas, and hybrids and learn about camellia culture, history and breeding. Fee: $12 (FONA $10) Registration required.

Koi Sale
April 17, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Administration Building Terrace

Purchase koi from the arboretum’s extensive collection or come to watch and learn more about these popular arboretum residents. The population in the pool is being thinned and surplus fish of all sizes, colors, and prices will be available for sale. Experts will be on hand to help make selections and provide information. Sale proceeds support the arboretum’s Gardens Unit. Free admission.

Arboretum Book and Art Sale
April 17, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Auditorium and lobby

We are cleaning house to move out of the building this fall for a major renovation. Surplus books and art will be offered for sale; titles and descriptions will be posted on the website as they become available. Free admission.

Tour: Azalea Collection
Friday, April 23, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, April 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Friday, April 30, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 9, Mother’s Day! 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in the lobby

Join Barbara Bullock, the knowledgeable, long-time curator of the Azalea Collection for this special tour through thousands of blooming azaleas. Learn about all aspects of azaleas, including growing tips, history and the arboretum’s renowned breeding program and scientists. Fee: $12 ($10 FONA) Registration required.

Rhododendron and Azalea Show
April 24, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Auditorium

Rhododendron and azalea blooms artfully displayed by members of the Potomac Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.  All entries are types that grow well in our area, and are labeled and identified. Meet with expert growers who will share information and help identify a truss or spray from your garden. Educational presentations run throughout the day. See website or call 202-245-2726 for details. Free.

Garden Fair
April 24, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
New York Avenue parking lot

The 18th annual Garden Fair offers an extensive selection of unusual plants, garden supplies, books, art, family activities, and more. National Arboretum staff members will answer your garden questions. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum. Free admission.

Full Moon Hike
April 25, 26, & 27, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Arboretum Grounds and Lobby

Four-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Your guide will share several 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 under 16. Fee: $22 ($18 FONA) Registration required.

Group Hike
April 25, 7:00 – 9:00 pm FULL
Arboretum Grounds and Lobby

Our popular Full Moon Hikes are now available for your group! 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. See description of Full Moon Hikes, above. Maximum 25 per group. Fee: $550. Registration required.

Potomac Bonsai Festival
April 30, May 1 and 2, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Administration building and grounds

This annual festival features something for everyone, from the casual observer to the accomplished bonsai artist, including demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, lectures, and workshops. Potomac Bonsai Association members and prominent visiting bonsai artists will share their expertise at several programs. Co-sponsored by the Potomac Bonsai Association, the National Bonsai Foundation, and the National Arboretum. Program schedule details and will be available in early March. Free festival admission. Some programs have fees.

May

Potomac Bonsai Festival
April 30, May 1 and 2, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Administration building and grounds

This annual festival features something for everyone, from the casual observer to the accomplished bonsai artist, including demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, lectures, and workshops. Potomac Bonsai Association members and prominent visiting bonsai artists will share their expertise at several programs. Co-sponsored by the Potomac Bonsai Association, the National Bonsai Foundation, and the National Arboretum. Program schedule details and will be available February 15. See the website or call 202-245-2726. Free festival admission. Some programs have fees.

Exhibit: Potomac Bonsai Association
Exhibit May 8 – 16, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Special Exhibits Wing

Bonsai enthusiasts from three local clubs display their creations during this exhibition of trees from their private collections. On Sunday, May 16 at 1:00 pm, a club member will give a free demonstration and answer questions about how bonsai are created and trained. Free.

Workshop: Strawberry Jar Herb Garden
May 8, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 
Meet in arboretum lobby

Back by popular demand! Grow fresh herbs for all your favorite recipes right outside the door. Chrissy Moore, curator of the National Herb Garden, will guide you through the process of planting an herb garden in a strawberry jar. Select ten herbs from a mix of annuals and perennials, and create your own perpetual herb garden. Great for a small space, and makes an excellent Mother’s Day gift. Fee covers all plants and materials. Fee: $69 (FONA $55). Registration required.

Workshop: Summer Proof Container Garden
 May 8, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Meet in arboretum lobby

Choose from a dazzling mix of heat and drought tolerant succulents to create your own container garden that will thrive on neglect and reward you with colorful foliage and unusual forms. Bradley Evans, arboretum horticulturist and container specialist, will teach you how to mix the special growing media, plant the terra cotta container, and care for the garden year round. Fee: $45 (FONA $36). Registration required.

Tour: Azalea Collection
Sunday, May 9, Bring Mom, it’s Mother’s Day! 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meet in arboretum lobby

Join Barbara Bullock, the knowledgeable, long-time curator of the Azalea Collection for this special tour through thousands of blooming azaleas. Learn about all aspects of azaleas, including growing tips, history and the arboretum’s renowned breeding program and scientists. Fee: $12 ($10 FONA). Registration required.

Workshop: Bonsai Basics
May 22, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Lecture and Demonstration Center

Create your own bonsai in this all-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. Please bring tools if you have them. At home, your tree will need a sunny outdoor spot. Bring lunch for a noon break. Fee: $129 (FONA/NBF $103). Registration required.

Exhibit: Art Blooms: Satsuki Azalea Bonsai
May 29 – June 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
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.

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Last Updated   February 5, 2010 10:55 AM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/events.html