N° 216 — October 9, 2024

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

Food-Forward Festivities

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.

Photo by Herb Society of America Philadelphia Unit

Photo by Kelsey Cochran

On Sunday, October 13th, stop by the SoulFULL Vegan Fest in the New York Ave Parking Lot from 11 AM to 4:30 PM. Taste amazing vegan dishes, shop from local vendors, and learn more about a plant-based lifestyle. Parking will be available in the R Street Lot near the Visitor Center, and free shuttles will be available to take attendees to the event. This event is co-hosted by FONA and SoulFULL Vegan DC.


Learn More about the Vegan Fest >

Food for Thought

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 locationsBritish English even spells it "chilli".

Fall Gardening

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 >

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 >

Photo by Kelsey Cochran

Photo by Beth Haubach

Fall 5K

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 >

Upcoming FONA Events

SoulFULL Vegan Fest

October 13, 11 AM - 4:30 PM

Plant-based food, live music, speakers

Learn More & Register >


Digging In: Legacy of CCC Co. 1360

October 24, 12 PM - 1 PM

Members-only virtual lecture

Become a Member to Join the Event >


Bulb Sale & Garlic Planting Party + Member Social

October 26, 11 AM - 2 PM

Edible & ornamental bulb sale, free family crafts, fall planting in WYG

Learn More & Register >


Fall Colors Tram Tour

November 7, 10:30 AM

FONA members will get early access to registration before it opens to the public

Become a Member to Register Early >

Euscaphis japonica

Fall 5K

November 10, 8:30 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage

Race Registration >


Member Coffee & Fall Walk

November 15, 10:30 AM - 12 PM

Members-only social at the Arboretum

Become a Member to Join the Event >


Full Moon Hike & Forest Bathing

November 15, Time TBD

FONA members will get early access to registration before it opens to the public

Become a Member to Register Early >


Digging In: Directors Discussion

December 3, 12 PM - 1 PM

Members-only virtual lecture

Become a Member to Join the Event >

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 >

Rosa x ordorata 'Hume's Blush Tea-scented China'

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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