After more than a decade as director of the U.S. National Arboretum, Dr. Richard Olsen will return this fall to his personal and professional home — leading the Department of Horticultural Science at his alma mater, North Carolina State University. 

Dr. Olsen began his journey with the National Arboretum more than 20 years ago when he joined the USDA as a research geneticist focusing on the urban tree-breeding program. Over the years, his vision transformed not only the research coming out of the Arboretum, but also the way these 451 acres connect with the public and the broader horticultural industry.

Soon, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum will be an even more beautiful home for the nation’s premiere public bonsai and penjing collections!

With support from FONA, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum will undergo minor renovations from mid-August into the fall. Although areas of the Museum will be closed to the public, all of the trees will remain on display throughout the renovation period. Please follow all posted signage when visiting the Museum.

Summer is drawing to a close as Labor Day Weekend nears and students head back to school. FONA’s summer evening hours will also come to an end next Friday, August 28th. We want to help you soak up every last moment of summer before it ends. Here’s how to take advantage of FONA’s final summer offerings:

We need your help at our Music in the Meadow concert on Friday, September 4th! Join us as a volunteer to help with check in, wayfinding, setup, breakdown, and photography. You can sign up for a 2.5-hour shift or stay for the entire event. Help make sure the event runs smoothly while enjoying an amazing rock performance!

Volunteer Interest Form >

Popping out of the ground in peak hurricane season, Lycoris (also known as surprise lilies or hurricane lilies) are a summer staple. While they are native to eastern Asia, they are popular plants in Southern gardens. Further north, some species are hardier than others, so in the D.C. area, Lycoris squamigera and Lycoris radiata are popular options. They are drought tolerant and resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making them a good plant for this region. Their foliage emerges and goes dormant before the flowers emerge, so when the flowers appear in late summer, the display is absolutely magical. L. squamigera flowers are pink and L. radiata flowers are red, but hurricane lilies can come in white, yellow, and orange as well. Look for uncommon species of Lycoris in the Asian Collections and find big masses in the Introduction Garden 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.

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!