Spring is almost here, and flowers are starting to bloom all across the National Arboretum. From magnolias to early-blooming flowering cherry trees, the Arboretum is coming alive with color.

This spring, go beyond the Tidal Basin and discover the National Arboretum's wide variety of flowering cherry trees, many of which are rare. Different kinds of cherry trees bloom at different times, so there will be trees in different stages of bloom and leaf from now through late April. 

Explore the Arboretum's cherry trees with Beyond the Tidal Basin, a self-guided tour that visits 40 trees throughout the Arboretum. The tour's route is about three miles long, and stops are marked with pink signs.

Download a digital version of the brochure to help guide your tour. Please note that many people visit the Arboretum on the weekends during the spring.

Download the Beyond the Tidal Basin Tour >

Don't miss a special cherry blossom conservation workshop this Friday, March 21st at 1 PM at the National Arboretum. The demonstration will be led by Master Gardener Kurato Fujimoto, an expert in traditional Japanese tree conservation techniques. The demonstration will be followed by a guided tour of the Arboretum's Sakura Orihon exhibition by artist and landscape architect Ron Henderson.

This workshop is presented by the Japanese Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan and the National Arboretum.

Learn More & Register >

The Flowering 5K happening this Sunday, March 23rd is almost sold out! There are fewer than 50 spots left. If you were hoping to participate, please register as soon as possible to secure your spot. We will not offer day-of race registrations this year.

As a reminder, free registration is available for veterans, made possible with support from the National Environmental Education Foundation. There is also a 20% discount for FONA members, active duty personnel, and reserve military members. Email info@fona.org for these coupon codes.

Register for the Flowering 5K >

Renovations are underway to replace the lights that illuminate the Capitol Columns at night. The Columns are currently closed to the public during renovations, but visitors can still walk around the reflection pool. Please respect all posted signage and staff instructions, and stay out of the construction area until this project is complete.

FONA's School Garden Support Program is hosting two upcoming programs for D.C. educators.

At Spring into School Gardening this Saturday, March 22nd, D.C. educators can pick up free garden supplies like straw mulch, compost, and seedlings. There will also be a short garden training and networking opportunities. This event is free and open to all D.C. educators, and will take place in the Washington Youth Garden from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Please register to let us know you're coming.

Learn More & Register for Spring Into School Gardening >

The annual Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching is a four-day training for D.C. educators from July 15th to 18th. Participants will learn from fellow garden educators about outdoor group management techniques, standards-aligned activities, how to sustain garden programs, and more.

All participants will receive a stipend (amount contingent upon final funding). Applications received by April 2nd will receive a notification of acceptance by April 11th. Applications received after April 2nd will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis until full.

Learn More & Apply for the Summer Institute >

Of all the rhododendrons at the National Arboretum, the Korean rhododendron blooms first. In the sunlight, the petals look like paper-thin frosted glass on naked stems, an enchanting sight in late winter. This cold-hardy shrub is native to much of eastern Asia and typically blooms in late February or early March at the Arboretum. Its flowers are shades of purple, although a white- or pink-flowered Rhododendron mucronulatum can sometimes be found.

It is recommended to plant the Korean rhododendron in the shade so it doesn’t bloom too early and become damaged by a frost. Mulch annually to protect its roots, but generally its care is similar to other rhododendrons. They prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Prune after the plant blooms to encourage bud production for the next year. The National Arboretum boasts many wild-collected Korean rhododendrons from plant explorations in Korea. These are mostly found in the Azalea Collections and the Korean Hillside of the Asian Collections. A pink-flowered selection also grows along the edge of the Dogwood Collection parking lot.

Kamala Codrington-White shares plants of note at the Arboretum in this recurring segment. Find these plants on your next trip to the Arboretum. Photos by the National Arboretum.

Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 22, 11 AM - 12:30 PM

Free resources for educators, in WYG

Learn More & Register >

Flowering 5K

Sunday, March 23, 8:30 AM

Run or walk through collections in bloom

FONA members get 20% off registration

Register for the 5K >

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 29, 8 AM - 1 PM

Local native plant vendors, hosted by FONA

Learn More >

38th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium

Saturday, March 29, 9 AM - 4 PM

Learn from experts about native plants, pollinators, and ecosystems, hosted by USNA

Add Your Name to the Waitlist >

Forest Bathing

Saturday, March 29, 9 AM - 11 AM

Meditation and mindfulness

Learn More & Register >

Volunteer Open House

Saturday, April 5, 10 AM - 12 PM

Learn about FONA's volunteer opportunities

Learn More & Register >

Forest Bathing

Saturday, April 12, 9 AM - 11 AM

Meditation and mindfulness

Learn More & Register >

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

Saturday, April 26, 9 AM - 4 PM

Shop thousands of plants and local vendors

Save the date — more info coming soon

Community Fishing

May 9, 5 PM - 8 PM

Free fishing along the Anacostia

Save the date — more info coming soon

Extended Evening Hours

May 9, May 30, June 20, 5 PM - 8 PM

Arboretum grounds day open to the public

Mother's Day Forest Bathing

Sunday, May 11, 9 AM - 11 AM

Meditation and mindfulness

Learn More & Register >