Some evenings do more for you than a month of networking and socializing ever could. Dinner Under the Stars on September 22nd is one of them. Set against the backdrop of the Capitol Columns, this celebration brings together friends, colleagues, and leaders from across Washington, D.C. for one relaxed, beautiful night at the National Arboretum. Come enjoy the evening and let the conversations flow. Space is very limited with just over one month left until the event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening.

Sponsor a Table >

Purchase an Individual Ticket >

We have a special Wellness Wednesday lineup featuring two amazing opportunities on Wednesday, August 19th at the National Arboretum! Kick off the evening with yoga at 6 PM, led by certified instructors from Bikram Yoga Works ($12). Then, participate in a free live taping of the Nutrition Diva podcast at 7 PM. Host Monica Reinagel will cover the science behind hydration (with a live Q+A portion), and we’ll have free Liquid I.V. on hand for attendees. 

Register for the Yoga Session & Podcast Taping >

Join FONA and DC Squared for a free feature screening of Disney and Pixar's “Coco” on Friday, August 28th from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. Along with the movie, create colorful papel picado inspired by Mexican folk art and contribute to a vibrant community display. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, grab dinner from local food trucks, and settle in for a cozy viewing experience. This event is part of DC Squared’s Northeast Summer Nights: Explore the Arts series. 

August is a perfect time to come visit the Washington Youth Garden (WYG). The flowers in the pollinator garden are blooming, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are growing. Join us in the Washington Youth Garden for a drop-in family friendly activity from 10 AM to 12 PM this Saturday, August 15th. Learn about the parts of a plant while you explore WYG and taste test seasonal produce!

This workshop is made possible thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy and Environment.

Our next Music in the Meadow Concert is less than a month away! Join us on Friday, September 4th at 7 PM for an invigorating performance by Daisy Road. This dynamic four-piece band will play classic rock, soul, and funk songs inspired by plants in the National Herb Garden’s Rock (‘n Roll) Garden Exhibit. Rock out to tunes by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cranberries, and more! To get you in the mood, check out our Spotify playlist featuring the songs and artists represented in the garden. Before the concert, explore the Herb Garden and see if you can find all the plants included in the playlist! You can learn more about the Herb Garden exhibit in this Stories from the Field article.

Concert tickets cost $25 for adults, and a limited number of $15 Community Access tickets are available. Children under 12 enter free. All tickets must be reserved in advance — no door sales. This project is supported in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Purchase Tickets >

Nothing makes a statement quite like a large, exotic-looking butterfly lily, especially one as vibrant and fragrant as Hedychium ‘Tara.’ Its large orange flowers sit atop six-foot stems, bearing a wonderful creamy fragrance that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Butterfly ginger ‘Tara’ won a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993. ‘Tara’ likes moisture and should be watered regularly during the summer, but doesn’t tolerate consistently waterlogged soil. It grows best in partial sun or dappled shade and is deer-resistant. ‘Tara’ is a cross between Hedychium gardnerianum and Hedychium coccineum, two species native to southern Asia. Both species’ ranges include the Himalayas, so Hedychium ‘Tara’ is somewhat hardy. However, it should be given some shelter from the cold and a thick layer of mulch around the crown over winter. While H. gardnerianum is invasive in warmer regions, it’s unlikely to cause problems as far north as D.C., as the fruit doesn’t have enough time to mature before it gets too cold. Keep an eye on any Hedychium gardnerianum or its hybrids planted in the ground as they can spread via rhizomes. Visit butterfly ginger ‘Tara’ in the small triangular bed surrounded by roads in the Asian Collections at the U.S. National Arboretum.

Did you know that August is National Make-a-Will Month? Having a will secures your legacy and allows you to plan ahead for the people, places, and causes you care about. If you choose to include FONA in your will, your legacy will also help secure the future of the National Arboretum. You will be invited to join FONA's Heritage Society, a dedicated group of individuals who share a commitment to the Arboretum and a love of plants, science, and nature.

You can make a legacy gift to FONA by making FONA a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or living trust. We encourage you to check with your financial advisor to understand your options. Please let us know if you've already included FONA in your estate plans. We'd love to thank you and welcome you into the Heritage Society.

Learn More About Planned Giving >

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!