Find strength in stillness during FONA’s Full Moon Gong Bathing session on Wednesday, July 29th from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, led by Naoco Wowsugi. Immerse yourself in the gong’s healing tones as they mingle with the ambient sounds of birds, bugs, and rustling leaves. Set against the backdrop of the Washington Youth Garden, this unique opportunity will allow you to unwind within the calming energy of nature. 

This Friday, we’ve got ice cream on the menu! Frosty Softy will be on site selling milkshakes, smoothies, bubble tea, and more. Every Friday this summer, FONA is bringing food trucks to the Arboretum as part of our summer evening hours programming. Catch them by the Visitor Center from 5 PM to 7:45 PM. Vendors rotate weekly!

Check Out the Full Food Truck Friday Schedule >

Did someone say free trees? Casey Trees plants trees for D.C. residents at no cost! Bring beauty, shade, and all the benefits of trees to your yard. Sign up for a consultation with one of their professional urban foresters today!

Thank you to Casey Trees for sponsoring summer evening hours at the Arboretum.



Sign Up for Free Trees >

Summer is at its peak, and our team is feeling the heat at the Washington Youth Garden (WYG)! Although prolonged heat and drought can definitely stress out plants, there are some steps we can take to keep plants happy — and make managing the garden in summer easier for us humans as well. Here are some tips that our team uses to garden more effectively at the height of summer:

• Mulch to retain moisture. Adding 2 to 3 inches of straw, leaves, or wood chips on top of your soil keeps the soil more cool and moist, which means you have to water your plants less frequently!

• Water close to the base of the plant. This delivers water directly to the root, and reduces the amount of water that is lost to evaporation. It also helps to curb disease and pest damage to leaves due to wetness and humidity.

• Water early in the morning. This gives your plants the opportunity to absorb moisture before the hottest part of the day.

• Water deeply. Instead of giving your plants a light sprinkling every day, water them thoroughly and deeply, but less frequently. This encourages their roots to grow deeper into the soil, where there is more moisture retained.



• Check moisture levels before watering. Stick your finger a few inches into the soil. If it is damp up to your first knuckle, then you don’t need to water.

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!