Thank you for your support in 2022! Our many supporters helped us cross the finish line in 2022 and start the new year on a strong note.

In 2023, we are committed to connecting people to the National Arboretum's mission, research, and 451 acres of collections and plants. We look forward to serving the Arboretum, our local community, and you by facilitating experiential programs, hosting public events, and collaborating with the Arboretum.

There's still time to join us in 2023. Learn more about memberships, the David Fairchild Society, and other ways to support our work.

Join Us >

While the vegetable beds in Washington Youth Garden are sleeping for the winter, our garden team has been busy planning what to grow when spring arrives.

Garden managers Xavier Bure Quijano and Emilia Kawashima focus on growing a wide variety of specialty crops that are not only nutritious, but also culturally relevant to the populations we serve. This spring, WYG will grow over 95 unique varieties of vegetables within the one-acre garden, including 12 types of tomatoes, 6 varieties of eggplant, and 4 types of turnips.

The fruits and vegetables grown in WYG are primarily shared with students who visit the garden on field trips and through produce distributions at partner schools. The team aims to introduce students to new vegetables and interesting flavors, like the bright lemony tang of sorrel or the sweet crunch of freshly harvested carrots.

Visit Washington Youth Garden, located on the grounds of the National Arboretum, later this spring to see what is growing.

Group and individual volunteers provide crucial help in Washington Youth Garden throughout the year. We work with groups to plan private volunteer days on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from April through mid-November.

We ask for a minimum of 10 people and maximum of 30 people per group, though we can plan multiple volunteer days if your group is larger than this. Group opportunities fill quickly! Submit a group volunteer interest form to learn more about 2023 dates.

Express Interest in Group Volunteering >

What is it like to work at one of the premiere arboreta in the country? The National Arboretum is accepting applications for 2023 horticulture and research internship positions until January 15th. These internships range from three to six months long and offer hands-on work experience and training in horticulture, botany, or plant research. A number of these internships are funded by FONA.

Research Internship Details >

Horticulture Internship Details >

Enjoy a special weekend display of Japanese flower arrangements from January 14th to 15th in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum's Exhibits Gallery.

This exhibit is presented by the Ikenobo Ikebana Society Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Chapter. It will feature flower arrangements from one of the oldest traditional schools of ikebana. The Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

There are some exciting events and programs happening in early 2023 at the National Arboretum. Save the date for these events. More details will come in our spring event guide newsletter.

Lahr Native Plant Symposium & Native Plant Sale

Saturday, March 25th

Symposium hosted by the National Arboretum, Plant Sale hosted by FONA

Spring into School Gardening

Saturday, March 25th

School garden event hosted in Washington Youth Garden

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

Saturday, April 29th

Annual event hosted by FONA