N° 216 — October 9, 2024
Enjoy regular updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and our award-winning Washington Youth Garden.
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Whether you're an avid foodie or someone curious to try new things, check out the two food-forward festivities happening at the National Arboretum this weekend.
On Saturday, October 12th, stop by the annual Chile Celebration in the National Herb Garden from 1 PM to 4 PM. This event is hosted by multiple Mid-Atlantic Units of the Herb Society of America. Visitors can learn about chile peppers, try different varieties, and taste an array of foods infused with chiles like salsa, hot chocolate, and pickled peppers. This is a free, informal, drop-in event open to the public.
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Why is Saturday's event called the "Chile Celebration" and not the "Chili Celebration"? The National Arboretum's National Herb Garden refers to hot peppers in the genus Capsicum as "chile". This spelling is derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word, and follows New Mexico State University's Chile Pepper Institute's spelling.
According to the Institute, "chile refers to the plant or fruit from the plant while the term chili refers to a culinary dish consisting of meat, beans, tomatoes and chile powder." While the Herb Garden follows this spelling rule, "chili" is also an acceptable spelling. It is used interchangeably in American English to refer to both hot peppers and the stew. The spelling has become unique to different geographic locations — British English even spells it "chilli".
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Cooler fall weather is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming flower bulbs! Many bulbs — like those of tulips, daffodils, and snowdrops — require autumn's cool, moist soil in order to awaken them from dormancy in preparation for spring. It is best to plant bulbs in late fall when soil temperatures are below 60°F, but about six weeks before frost sets in.
Farmer's Almanac Bulb Planting Guide >
Don't forget your garlic! Whether you're growing it to eat or for its flowers, garlic bulbs should also be planted in the fall at the same time as other spring-blooming ornamental bulbs.
Seed Savers Exchange Garlic Growing Guide >
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Stop by our Bulb Sale & Garlic Planting Party on Saturday, October 26th to buy ornamental and edible bulbs for your garden. This event will take place in the Washington Youth Garden. There will also be tons of family-friendly art activities, food tastings, garlic planting, and more.
Learn More about the Event >
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What better way to experience all of the Arboretum's changing fall colors than during FONA's Fall 5K? Join us on Sunday, November 10th at 8:30 AM and run or walk through the Arboretum's colorful collections.
Bring the whole family! Strollers and dogs are welcome, and kids under 13 years old race for free (registration is required). Plus, you can safely enjoy the race since all roads are closed to cars during the event.
We are excited to offer free registration for 50 veterans and discounted registration for active duty and reserve personnel. FONA members also receive a discount when registering.
Register for the Fall 5K >
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Winter Festival + Member Social
December 7, 10 AM - 4 PM
Holiday market, food trucks, and free kids activities
Save the date — more details to come
Christmas Tree Sale
December 7 - 8, 10 AM - 4 PM
Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands
Save the date — more details to come
Gotelli Conifer Collection Tour
December 13, 10:30 AM
FONA members will get early access to registration before it opens to the public
Become a Member to Register Early >
Forest Bathing Walks
Various dates and times
Meditation and mindfulness
Upcoming Dates & Registration >
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Rosa x ordorata 'Hume's Blush Tea-scented China' | |
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