This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Yamaki Pine, the most esteemed bonsai in the National Arboretum's permanent collection. This bonsai is a Japanese white pine (Pinus parvifolia) and was donated by the late bonsai master Masura Yamaki in 1976 as part of Japan's Bicentennial gift to the American people.

Before its donation, the Yamaki family maintained and trained this tree for five generations at the family's bonsai nursery in Hiroshima, Japan. When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945 about two miles from the nursery, a tall wall protected this tree from the deadly blast. All members of the Yamaki family also survived the blast without permanent injuries.

Since the tree's donation, the National Arboretum and the National Bonsai Foundation have built a relationship with the Yamaki family. Read more about the Yamaki Pine's history on the National Bonsai Foundation's website.

History of the Yamaki Pine >

The National Arboretum and the Potomac Bonsai Association (PBA) are celebrating World Bonsai Day with a weekend-long festival this Friday, May 9th through Sunday, May 11th. This year's festival is particularly special since it will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Yamaki Pine.

Festival activities will include free demonstrations, styling presentations, and children's activities. Workshops are sold out, but a number of walkup spaces may be available. Docents will lead tours of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and exhibits will feature trees from the Museum's and PBA members' collections. Vendors will also have bonsai-related items for sale.

Learn More About the Festival >

We are very excited to welcome Yalonda Thomas as FONA's new Visitor Programs Manager. Yalonda is a proud D.C. native with deep roots in the Anacostia and Arboretum neighborhoods, where her commitment to community engagement shines brightly. After attending The Art Institute of Washington for Culinary Arts, she spent 15 years as a chef before discovering her passion for community work. Yalonda has since gained certifications in meditation, yoga instruction, regenerative urban agriculture, and beekeeping. She most recently served as the Office Manager and Recruitment Chair at KIPP DC Public Schools.

Yalonda is a small business owner and food justice advocate. She fosters meaningful relationships and leads community initiatives, including a school garden and food pantry. Eager to make a positive impact, Yalonda looks forward to facilitating experiential programs that inspire a love of plants, nature, and the outdoors for all Arboretum visitors.

Come enjoy an evening at the National Arboretum this Friday, May 9th! The entire Arboretum will stay open to the public until 8 PM, rather than closing at 5 PM. This is free for all to enjoy!

Extended evening hours will also be held on Friday, May 30th and Friday, June 20th (summer dates coming soon). These extended evening hours are made possible by FONA, the National Park Service, and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

While its native range is limited, Kentucky yellowwood is cultivated or naturalized in much of the Eastern United States. It is a beautiful, deep-rooted tree that does well in dry or urban environments and pairs well with smaller plants that can enjoy its shade. The fragrant, dangling flower clusters of Cladrastis kentukea provide nectar to pollinators and the boughs provide homes to songbirds.

Protect this tree from ice storms, as its wood and branching structure is weak and prone to breaking. Its common name comes from its yellow heartwood, and its flowers are generally white, occasionally pink. Check it out in the Flowering Tree Walk (Ellipse Meadow) or Fern Valley.

Kamala Codrington-White, an Agricultural Science Research Technician at the National Arboretum, 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.

Community Fishing

Friday, May 9, 5 PM - 8 PM

Free fishing along the Anacostia

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Extended Evening Hours

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

Arboretum grounds day open to the public

Bonsai Festival Weekend

Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 11

Celebrating World Bonsai Day, hosted by USNA and Potomac Bonsai Association

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Mother's Day Forest Bathing

Sunday, May 11, 9 AM - 11 AM

Meditation and mindfulness

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