Join us for a Summer Bliss Forest Bathing session at the National Arboretum on Saturday, July 11th from 9 AM to 11 AM. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses. Trained forest therapy practitioners will guide you to focus deeply on the natural world around you, allowing your mind a break from constant cycles of thoughts and worry. Breathe in the fresh air of the Arboretum’s beautiful woods to relieve stress and connect with the trees! Tickets cost $35 and must be reserved in advance.



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Immerse yourself in a New Moon Gong Bathing session on Wednesday, July 15th from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This event is part of FONA’s Wellness Wednesday series, hosted all summer long during summer evening hours at the National Arboretum.



During this meditative experience, gongs resonate with rich vibrations, creating a soothing soundscape that washes over you. Participants lie comfortably while the resonant tones penetrate the mind and body, helping to release tension, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a sense of inner peace. Tickets cost $20 and must be reserved in advance.



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The summer harvest is in full swing at the Washington Youth Garden (WYG)! This week, our team is picking lots of summer squash, including zucchini, yellow squash, and a variety called Pattypan squash, which has a unique round shape with scalloped edges. 



FONA’s high school summer internship program, the Green Ambassador Program, also kicked off last week. This past Tuesday, our Green Ambassadors harvested 345 pounds of Yukon gold and Adirondack potatoes! As if that wasn’t plenty already, cucumbers and okra are also in season. 

Be sure to stop by WYG on your next visit to the Arboretum, or volunteer and help harvest some of this abundant summer produce! The Garden team can always use extra volunteer help with harvest days on Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. All harvested produce is donated to the local community. You can also help out with other garden tasks like planting and weeding during our other drop-in garden volunteer hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. Fill out our volunteer interest form to get started with garden volunteering.

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The long stamens and pistils of native azalea flowers add an elegant grace to the understory of shady woodland gardens. Rhododendron prunifolium, like other native azaleas, is a much more pollinator-friendly option compared to evergreen Asian species. It provides food for hummingbirds and bees, including the specialized azalea miner bee. The plumleaf azalea also grows larger than evergreen azaleas — up to 12 feet tall with a layered, upright form. At the U.S. National Arboretum, we’ve seen them grow more quickly than some evergreen azaleas. Despite being native to Alabama and Georgia, Rhododendron prunifolium is hardy to Zone 5 and can withstand negative temperatures. Like most azaleas, it grows in acidic soil with partial shade conditions. Make sure to amend clay soil to improve drainage before planting. Cultivars and hybrids can be found in the nursery industry, including a selection that blooms as late as September. Find wild-type plumleaf azaleas in the Azalea Collections and Fern Valley Native Plant Collection at the U.S. National Arboretum this summer. 



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.

Did you know that the Arboretum has nine miles of paved roads to bike on within its 451 acres? Biking is a great way to travel between the Arboretum’s garden collections while getting in some exercise. Beat the heat by planning your ride for early in the morning or during summer evening hours. If you don't have a bike but still want to cruise around the Arboretum on one, Capital Bikeshare offers rentals from its hub right outside the Arboretum's R Street entrance.

See our calendar for a list of all of our upcoming events and programs. FONA members get member perks like discounts and early access to registration. Donate any amount to become a FONA member!