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N° 163 — September 6, 2023

Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.

Summer Reflections

The DC metro region is home to a variety of peoples and cultures that share their unique traditions within the greater community. The Washington Post recently shared a photographic retrospective on many of these activities that make summer in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area truly unique.


Summer in DC is one of a kind, whether it is spent picking crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, go-go dancing to live music in the park, learning about plants in the Washington Youth Garden, celebrating festivals and holidays from around the world, or more.


Explore the Washington Post Photo Journal >

Moments captured in the Washington Youth Garden (top, photo by Melina Mara) and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (bottom, photo by Bonnie Jo Mount).

Fall Foliage Predictions

Although this week might not feel like fall is around the corner, soon leaves will begin changing colors and the days will become shorter and cooler. SmokyMountains.com, the tourism site for the Smoky Mountains region, recently released their annual interactive map that predicts fall foliage across the country between now and the end.


This map is not 100% accurate, and NPR recently reported that the unseasonably hot temperatures and moderate drought might negatively impact this year's display. However, the SmokyMountains map has a new feature that allows users to report fall foliage in their area to help improve data. Check out the map and start planning your trip to the National Arboretum's many gardens and collections.


Prediction Map >

Digging In: Herb Garden Goodies

What do pomegranates, grenadine, and grenades all have in common? Where do manilla envelopes get their name from? How is deadly nightshade used in modern medical procedures? Learn the answers by digging in with National Herb Garden curator Chrissy Moore and gardener Erin Holden as they share their favorite plants that grow in the National Herb Garden.


Watch the Video >

This virtual event was part of our Digging In virtual lecture series, where FONA hosts experts to discuss exciting topics pertaining to the mission of FONA and the National Arboretum. FONA members get to participate in these events live as part of their member benefits. Become a member today so you can dig in with the experts.


Become a FONA Member >

Fall into School Gardening

Are you a DC school teacher, staff, or family member interested in learning how to take care of your school garden? Need supplies to kick off the fall and winter growing season? Join us this SaturdaySeptember 9th from 11 AM to 12 PM in the Washington Youth Garden for our annual Fall into School Gardening event! Get free supplies, network with other educators, and attend a short garden training. Please register for this free event to let us know you're coming.


Details & Registration >

Photography Permits

Did you know that permits are required for some photography at the National Arboretum? If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, a photography permit is required:

  • Is the primary purpose of your visit to capture photos of you, your family, or a group?
  • Will a photographer, professional or hobbyist, paid or not, take the photos?
  • Are you wearing wedding or formal attire, or coordinating casual wear?
  • Are you promoting a brand or taking photos for a sponsored post?
  • Will you be profiting from these photos?
  • Do you plan to use props of any kind?
  • Did you make a special trip to do this at the National Arboretum?


Learn More & Apply for a Permit >

Upcoming Events

Fall into School Gardening

September 9, 11 AM - 12 PM

Free resources for educators, in WYG

Registration >


Dinner Under the Stars

September 19, 5:30 PM - 9 PM

Cocktails & tented dinner in the Meadow

Email Cathy to Add Your Name to the Waitlist >


Fall Festival

September 30

Bulb sale, local vendors, family activities

Details & Registration >


Garlic Planting Party

October 28, 11 AM - 2 PM

Fall planting, crafts, and more in Washington Youth Garden

Details & Registration >


Fall 5K

November 12, 9 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage (Members use your discount code)

Details & Registration >

Winter Festival & Tree Sale

December 2, 10 AM - 4 PM

Holiday market, Christmas trees, activities

Details Coming Soon!


Christmas Tree Sale

December 3, 10 AM - 4 PM

Purchase Christmas trees & holiday greenery

Details Coming Soon!


Volunteer in Washington Youth Garden

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Opportunities for individuals, groups, & teens

Details & Registration >


Forest Bathing Walks

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Upcoming Dates & Registration >


Yoga in the Grove

Saturdays at 10 AM

Find your flow with Bluebird Sky Yoga

Registration >

The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th.

Check Our Website for Full Details >

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Friends of the National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.544.8733
FONA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization with the mission to preserve and enhance a vibrant public space and support experiential programming that instills a love of plants, nature and the outdoors in all who visit, while promoting the overarching research and education mission of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Since its inception, FONA has helped support the Washington Youth Garden, Capitol Columns, Flowering Tree Walk, horticultural and research internships, restoration of Springhouse Run, and much more.

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