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N° 142 — March 22, 2023
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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The National Arboretum is implementing a temporary traffic plan that impacts traffic flow and parking throughout the grounds. This plan is meant to keep the grounds safe for drivers, pedestrians, and all visitors during an extremely busy time of the year.
Beginning Thursday, March 23rd until mid-May, this traffic plan establishes:
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One-Way Traffic Flow: Vehicles will only be allowed to travel one way down Hickey Lane and Eagle Nest Road, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the intersection of Eagle Nest and Azalea Roads. Azalea Road will also become a one way lane. All other traffic patterns will remain unchanged.
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Pedestrian Walkway: A pedestrian pathway will run adjacent to vehicle traffic on Hickey Lane, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the R Street Entrance.
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On-Street Parking: Vehicles will be allowed to park on the right hand side of the road ONLY in designated areas along Eagle Nest Road and sections of Azalea Road.
The map above illustrates the impact of this traffic plan on the grounds. Both the R Street and New York Avenue Entrances will operate as normal. Please drive carefully through the R Street Neighborhood and be respectful of our neighbors when accessing the R Street Entrance.
There are often high levels of visitation on weekends this time of year, so consider visiting on weekdays. Thank you for driving safely through the National Arboretum this spring.
Visit the National Arboretum's Website for Updates >
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Spring is here, flowering cherry and deciduous magnolia trees are in peak bloom at the National Arboretum! The Arboretum has a three-mile self-guided flowering cherry tour so you can easily find and learn about the trees. There are bright pink signs marking the tour's path.
You can pick up a cherry tour brochure at the Visitor Center (or download it here), or follow along on the Tours tab on the Arboretum's mobile app (iOS or Android). Please note that Arboretum visitation is very high on the weekends this time of the year.
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Virtual Event: Eliza Scidmore | |
Eliza Scidmore helped shape the modern landscape of the National Mall in Washington, DC, through her obsessive quest to bring Japanese cherry trees to the nation’s capital.
Join the National Arboretum and FONA on Wednesday, March 29th from 1 PM to 2 PM over Zoom for a free virtual event about Eliza Scidmore's botanical legacy.
Washington-area author Diana Parsell will discuss how that vision emerged from Skidmore’s prolific career in journalism and her lengthy stays in Japan, where she developed a deep admiration for the “wizardry” of Japanese gardening and plant cultivation. Parsell’s book, Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees, was published in March 2023 by Oxford University Press.
Event Registration >
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Integrating native plants into a garden is highly beneficial for native pollinators that rely on certain species for food and habitat. Native plants also tend to require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native plants, making them easier manage in a garden.
Check out 10 easy-to-grow native plants recommended by Angela Magnan, Agricultural Science Research Technician at the National Arboretum, and Thorne Rankin, co-founder of DC Natives.
10 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants >
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Purchase native plants for your garden at our Native Plant Sale this Saturday, March 25th from 8:15 to 2 PM. Shop from three local vendors for spring ephemerals and many other choice perennials and woody plants. This event will happen rain or shine. Registration is preferred but not required for this free event — let us know you're coming.
Details & Registration >
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Want to learn about gardening with native plants? Attend the 36th Annual Lahr Native Plants Symposium hosted by the National Arboretum this Saturday, March 25th from 8:15 AM to 2 PM. Learn from native plant professionals about efforts to reestablish beautiful and unusual habitats and how we can successfully manage and design our cultivated landscapes. Registration is required and costs $100 ($80 for FONA members). Please select which concurrent session you would like to attend when registering.
Details & Registration >
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Educators, jump start your school garden's spring growing season with supplies and knowledge from Washington Youth Garden! Join us for our Spring into School Gardening event in WYG on Saturday, March 25th from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Get free garden supplies such as compost and seedlings, attend a short garden training, and network with fellow educators.
This event's rain date is March 26th. We are monitoring the weather and will make a decision Friday morning. Please register to let us know you are coming and receive event updates.
Event Registration >
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36th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium
March 25, 9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Native plant symposium hosted by the National Arboretum
Details & Registration >
Native Plant Sale
March 25, 8:15 AM - 2 PM
Local native plant vendors
Details & Registration >
Spring into School Gardening
March 25, 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Free resources for educators in WYG
Details & Registration >
Volunteer Open House
April 8, 9 AM - 12:30 PM
In Washington Youth Garden
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