Winter in nature offers us a glimpse into what’s normally hidden, inviting us to look closer. It’s a time for taking in the details — the peeling bark of a birch tree, or seed pods from last season’s grasses swaying in the wind. Spend time in the tranquil atmosphere of the U.S. National Arboretum this winter. Look closely for:

1) Winter Wildlife



Stop by Springhouse Run to search for our resident beavers, or take advantage of clearer tree sightlines to view birds in their winter plumage. Even if the animals themselves are hiding from the cold, you can still find their nests, tracks, and other signs of life as they brave the winter. Please observe wildlife from a distance and keep pets on a leash at all times. Stay tuned for upcoming bird walks at the Arboretum — registrations are coming soon!

2) Unique Seed Pods



Visit the Friendship Garden on a breezy day to take in the sights and sounds of grasses softly shaking in the wind. Uniquely shaped seed pods and sedges offer a multitude of ideas for your winter garden. For more tips, watch our past Digging In episode to learn about how the Friendship Garden was designed for low-maintenance, year-round interest.

3) Appealing Bark

Observe the iconic peeling bark of river birch in the National Herb Garden or the Gotelli Conifer Collection. In the Asian Collections, look out for multicolored, camouflage-patterned bark of Chinese quince and Stewartia trees. The dawn redwood grove by the Gotelli Collection shines at sunset, when orange-hued trunks are cast in a warm glow.

4) Brightly Colored Berries



Hollies in fruit in the Holly and Magnolia Collections offer bright spots of color against the muted palette of winter. Berries range from golden yellow to bright crimson to deep purple-black, creating a striking scene this time of the year. Check out our past Stories from the Field article, “Illuminating the Ilex,” for more on Holly history and noteworthy cultivars.

5) Evergreen Foliage

The Gotelli Conifer Collection is a feast for all the senses. Brush up against textured needles and breathe in the scent of firs and pines. Plan your visit on a snowy day — this collection is truly magical after a snowfall. Don’t miss out on the National Boxwood Collection either, as these garden mainstays are also evergreen!

For gardeners, winter is a time for reflection and planning. Many of us have begun receiving seed catalogs in the mail, building excitement for the growing season to come. But while our garden plants may be dormant over winter, FONA’s staff in the Washington Youth Garden certainly aren’t!

Preparation for spring in the youth garden starts early. Garden co-managers Xavier and Emilia begin sowing seeds in late January, especially for crops like celery with a lengthy growth cycle. They spend hours and hours researching and sourcing plants for WYG to make sure that the right plant ends up in the right place. Xavier and Emilia are also designing a new pergola — a project they’ll work on throughout the rest of the year.

There's still much to do in the garden itself over winter. Emilia and Xavier periodically check the garden for storm damage, deer pressure, and pruning opportunities. They also check on vegetables that are overwintering in the soil, and care for annuals spending the winter in the greenhouse. They recently installed a French drain to improve drainage in the garden and distribute water across the land more efficiently.

To keep WYG's soil healthy and free of weeds over winter, staff and volunteers planted cover crops in fall. These cover crops bring beauty to the garden when SPROUT field trips start in early spring for student visitors. We can’t wait until the garden is buzzing with activity and friendly faces again!

Interested in getting involved at the Washington Youth Garden this spring? 

Sign Up to be a Garden Volunteer >

Birding Workshop*

Sunday, February 15

Learn about bird migration and community science from the DC Bird Alliance.

Winter Bird Walk*

Monday, February 16

Spot birds in their winter plumage! Guided by the DC Bird Alliance.

Spring Bird Walk*

Saturday, March 21

View birds along with early spring flowers! Guided by the DC Bird Alliance.

*FONA members will get first access to register for these events

Become a FONA Member for Early

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Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 21

Free resources for educators, held in WYG

Save the date — more info coming soon

Flowering 5K

Sunday, March 22, 8:30 AM

Run or walk through collections in bloom

FONA members, use your discount code

Register for the 5K >

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 28, 8 AM - 1 PM

Local native plant vendors, hosted by FONA

Save the date — more info coming soon

39th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium

Saturday, March 28, 9 AM - 4 PM

Learn from experts about native plants, hosted by USNA

Save the date — more info coming soon