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N° 115 — September 14, 2022

Stay in touch as we celebrate Washington Youth Garden's 50th anniversary. Enjoy our updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and WYG.

Predicting Fall Foliage

Leaves will soon begin to change color as shorter days and cooler weather herald autumn. SmokyMountains.com, the tourism site for the Smoky Mountains region, recently released an interactive map that predicts fall foliage across the country between now and the end of November.


There are many climatic factors that make it difficult to accurately predict fall foliage. While this map is not 100% accurate, the algorithm that makes it processes data from both private and government sources to create a strong prediction. Check out the map and start planning your trip to the National Arboretum's many gardens and collections.


Prediction Map >

Dinner Under the Stars

Our 26th annual Dinner Under the Stars is this Tuesday, September 20th. While tickets and tables for the seated dinner are sold out, cocktail hour tickets are still available.


Savor a beautiful fall evening and enjoy delicious drinks, tasty appetizers, and connecting with colleagues and friends at the Arboretum.


Cocktail Hour Ticket Details >

Photo by Plume Photography

Fall Festival & Bulb Sale

Celebrate fall with flower bulbs and fall festivities! Join us for our second annual Fall Festival & Bulb Sale on Saturday October 1st from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event is located across from Arbor House near the R Street entrance.


Check out the list of bulbs our team of garden experts has ordered for this event (as well as the supplier catalog so you can see what the flowers look like). At the sale, our expert gardeners will answer your questions.

Here are the local vendors that will be at the event:


Fly Pizza will also serve food at the event.


Check out the full event details to learn more about the event, including free family activities. Register for the event to let us know you're coming.


Event Details >

Photo by Matthew Rakola

A FONA member using their membership card to receive free admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Reciprocal Admissions

Experience all autumn has to offer and plan a visit this fall to another arboretum or botanic garden around the country! FONA members get reciprocal discounts to over 345 gardens and arboreta across the country as part of the American Horticulture Society Reciprocal Admissions Program.


Whether it's free admission, discounted programs, or free parking, the benefits of being a FONA member extend beyond visiting the National Arboretum.


See the List of Participating Sites >

Upcoming Events

Dinner Under the Stars

September 20, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Cocktails and dinner in the Meadow

Details & Tickets >


Fall Festival & Bulb Sale

October 1, 10 AM - 2 PM

Unique bulbs and family activities

Details & Tickets >


Garlic Planting Party

October 29, 11 AM - 2 PM

Fall planting and crafts in WYG

Details & Tickets >


Fall 5K

November 12, 9 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage

FONA Members, use your discount code

Register for the Race >

Procrastinator's Holiday Market & Tree Sale

December 10, 9 AM - 4 PM

Shop local vendors and holiday greenery

Details & Tickets >


Yoga

Various dates and times

Find your flow with Bluebird Sky Yoga

FONA Members, use your discount code

Purchase Your Ticket >


Forest Bathing

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Purchase Your Ticket >

The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM except December 25th. Some buildings and collections remain closed to ensure visitor and staff safety.
CONNECT WITH US:
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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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