For nearly 100 years, the U.S. National Arboretum has driven breakthroughs in plant breeding, invasive species detection, and nursery production — work that impacts American gardens and industries nationwide.

When you attend Dinner Under the Stars on Tuesday, September 22nd, you help power the next 100 years of horticultural innovation. By sponsoring a table or purchasing a ticket, you invest in the Arboretum’s industry-leading research, enhance facilities, expand education opportunities, and more. Tables are filling quickly — secure your spot today to make an impact at the Arboretum through this one-of-a-kind event!

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Find ease in mind and body at FONA's evening yoga class next Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the National Arboretum. Bikram Yoga Works' certified instructors will lead a one-hour session that will help you build flexibility and balance. During the class, you may choose to engage in intensive practice or take a more relaxed approach to connect with the tranquil surroundings. Join us for a rejuvenating evening of yoga under the tree canopy!

This event is part of FONA’s Wellness Wednesday series, hosted all summer long during summer evening hours at the National Arboretum.



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This Friday, pair your evening walk at the Arboretum with a delectable meal from local food trucks! Indulge in a gourmet hot dog experience from Dogs on the Curb. Then follow up with frozen desserts from Frosty Softy, which will sell soft serve, shaved ice, and more. Food Truck Fridays take place weekly by the Visitor Center from 5 PM to 7:45 PM during summer evening hours. Vendors rotate each week.



View the Full Food Truck Friday Schedule >

In the heat of midsummer, the long-blooming Coreopsis cheerfully populates sunny gardens. Butterflies and bees feast on nectar from its yellow-petaled flowers, and birds eat the seeds that follow, which are small and round and resemble little insects or ticks. Tickseeds are native to the Western Hemisphere, with some species like Coreopsis lanceolata and Coreopsis grandiflora native to the D.C. area. These tough plants are perfect for hot D.C. summers as they tolerate heat, humidity, and dry soils. Hybrids of different tickseed species and selections of chance mutations have flooded the nursery market with pink, white, orange, red or bicolor petals. Double flowered varieties are also available, but avoid these if your goal is to feed pollinators! Look for over half a dozen species and hybrids of Coreopsis at the U.S. National Arboretum in the Friendship Garden, Introduction Garden, and Fern Valley Native Plant Collection.

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.

Explore other public gardens and arboreta in the region using the benefits of a FONA membership. All FONA members receive reciprocal admissions and discounts at almost 400 gardens and arboreta nationwide. Some local exclusion zones apply, depending on the garden. This benefit is offered through the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admissions Program. Donate any amount to join or renew your FONA membership and take advantage of this amazing benefit! Already a member? Download your digital member card to your phone wallet so you can present it to the garden you’re visiting to gain entrance.

Find Participating Gardens >

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!