The National Arboretum's cherry blossoms and magnolia flowers are putting on a beautiful spring show across the grounds.

The Arboretum is home to a high diversity of flowering cherry trees that have varying bloom times. While the National Park Service predicts the Yoshino Cherry trees in the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom between March 22 to 25, peak bloom at the Arboretum could last longer depending on how the weather cooperates.

Both flowering cherry trees and deciduous magnolia trees have played an important role in the Arboretum's plant breeding program. The Arboretum has released four flowering cherry tree cultivars and ten deciduous magnolia tree cultivars into the American nursery industry.

Visiting the grounds is the best way to see and appreciate the Arboretum's work collecting and breeding plants. The Arboretum has a three-mile self-guided flowering cherry tour so you can easily find and learn about the trees. There are 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.

Last week, FONA accepted a Gold Anthem Award for our Washington Youth Garden 50th Anniversary short film at a ceremony in New York City. We received this award in the Anthem Award's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Community Space category.

Craven Rand, FONA's Executive Director, and Abigail Sharon, Real Pictures film director, both attended the event. We are honored to receive this award alongside so many other mission-driven people and organizations.

See the Award Announcement >

Rooting DC is a free conference for urban gardeners that will take place this Saturday, March 11th from 9 AM to 4 PM at Anacostia High School. This event provides education about urban agriculture, food systems, health, and the environment through workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations, and an Information Fair.

Stop by FONA's table and talk to our program team about our work at Washington Youth Garden and in partner schools. Or listen to a presentation by Christin Riddick, Green Ambassador Program Manager, about culture crops.

Event Information & Registration >

Last week, we sat down with Dr. Richard T. Olsen, Director of the National Arboretum, for our Digging In lecture series. Watch the recorded presentation to learn about the delayed value of plant introductions to the American nursery industry.

Watch the Video >

Did you know FONA members get to participate live in Digging In events as part of their member benefits? We're lining up great speakers this year for this quarterly series — become a member today so you can dig in with the experts.

Become a FONA Member >

We are looking for volunteers to help with our Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Saturday, April 29th. We need volunteers to price and move plants during the week before the event. We also need volunteers to help at the event as greeters, cashiers, plant experts, shopping cart wranglers, and more. We greatly appreciate all our volunteers who make this event possible! Fill out our FONA volunteer interest form and we will reach out soon to learn about your availability.

Volunteer Interest Form >

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. Please register to let us know you are coming.

Event Registration >

Connecting Cultures: Japanese Flowering Cherries in America

March 18, 1 PM - 4:30 PM

Cherry tree symposium hosted by the National Arboretum

Details & Registration >

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 >

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

April 29, 9 AM - 4 PM

Plants, vendors, & activities

Details & Registration >

Music in the Meadow

May 13, 6:30 PM - 9 PM

Evening concert in the meadow

Details & Registration >