Get your shopping list ready — plant lists for next weekend's Garden Fair & Plant Sale are here! Whether you are looking for a unique hanging planter for your apartment patio or a flashy new tree for your front yard, the Plant Sale tent has great options at great prices. Every plant purchased from this tent fuels FONA’s work celebrating the science, beauty, and community impact of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Check out the list of plants that our garden experts have ordered for this event,* held on Saturday, April 25th:

• Annuals >
• Perennials >
• Shrubs/Trees >
• Collector's Corner >

*Plant availability subject to change 

A huge perk of being a FONA member is getting exclusive access to the Plant Sale tent from 9 AM to 11 AM. The Plant Sale tent will open to the public at 11 AM, and the Vendor Village will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM. Donate any amount to become a FONA member and shop early.

Donate to Join FONA >

Free plant sitting will be available until 4 PM so you can leave your purchased plants while you enjoy the rest of the event. Please bring your own boxes, wheeled cart, or wagon to transport your plants to your car. There is no event parking in the New York Avenue lot. Only cars picking up plants from plant sitting can drive into the event lot. All visitors must park at either the R Street parking lot near the Visitor Center or the Grove parking lot. A free shuttle service is available between the parking lots and the event.

View an Event Map of the Grounds >

Youth Garden Volunteering

Want to get your hands in the soil and help FONA’s youth garden thrive? We host regularly-scheduled volunteer hours in the Washington Youth Garden on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from April through mid-November. Volunteers assist with crucial gardening tasks such as weeding, mulching, and harvesting. We welcome individuals, groups, and teens — sign up on our website to get started!

Volunteer in the Washington Youth Garden>

Community Event Volunteering

Support our work building community at the National Arboretum. Connect people with plants by volunteering at our annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale, or help with other seasonal festivals, summer concerts, and 5K races. Volunteers play various roles at our events: welcoming and directing visitors, setting up and breaking down, and more.

Volunteer at a Community Event >

Volunteering with the U.S. National Arboretum

Support the National Arboretum’s staff in the archives and living collections. The Arboretum asks that volunteers commit at least four hours of work per week, but encourages those with less availability to still reach out. Please note that a background check would be required for longer volunteer engagements with the Arboretum.

Volunteer with the U.S. National Arboretum >

Local Environmental Volunteering

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and help restore our local ecosystem. Browse the Anacostia River Outdoor Volunteer Trail webpage to find volunteering opportunities with local environmental organizations. There’s something for everyone, from supporting trash cleanups and invasive species removal along the Anacostia River to guiding nature and history walks. Many of these partner organizations are hosting volunteer events during Earth month — learn more and sign up below.

Explore the Anacostia River Outdoor Volunteer Trail >

Azalea peak bloom has arrived! The National Arboretum's Azalea Collections are currently ablaze with spectacular blooms in shades ranging from bright coral to delicate purple. The National Arboretum’s Azalea Collections provide a breathtaking display — but behind the blooms are decades of research that shaped American horticulture.

Learn How the Arboretum’s Azaleas Have Shaped American Landscapes >

The Arboretum's Azalea Collections receive a lot of visitors this time of year. Please keep the following things in mind when visiting this spring:

• Plan your weekend visit as early in the day as possible or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
• Please stay on trail paths and out of garden beds to avoid damaging valuable plant material.
• Dogs must remain on leash at all times. Please keep them on trails and out of garden beds.

The National Arboretum was featured in Secret DC’s 10 Secret Spots to See Wisteria in D.C.! Wisteria blossoms drip over alcoves of sculptural bonsai in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, making it one of the most unique places to see wisteria in the District. With wisteria in bloom, this living museum is abuzz with both bees and people! We recommend stopping by on a weekday if you’re looking for a quieter visitor experience.

Plan Your Visit >

See our calendar for a list of all of our upcoming events and programs. Events highlighted in purple have member perks like discounts and early access to registration. Donate any amount to become a FONA member!