FFN 2023

Happy New Year from FONA

Happy holidays and happy new year from everyone at Friends of the National Arboretum! Thank you for being a part of our community. Whether you live nearby and attended a FONA…
winter blooming camellia in the asian collections

A New Chitalpa in Town

The National Arboretum introduced a new tree into the American nursery industry earlier this fall. Strawberry Moon Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Strawberry Moon’) is the result of a cross between Pink Dawn Chitalpa (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Pink…
holly berries in winter formatted as a newsletter banner

Artificial Intelligence in Plant Science

Support from FONA members and donors is essential to our work. Their contributions enable FONA to provide direct funding, advocacy, and communications for the National Arboretum. They also empower us to…
conifer cones formatted as a newsletter banner

Put a Bow On It

Over 2,000 people attended our Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Sale this past weekend! Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating the holidays, supporting local vendors and crafters, and building…
camellia flowering in the asian collections

Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale this Weekend

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who contributed to FONA’s Grow the Garden campaign. For Giving Tuesday, generous individuals donated over $13,350. Every donation was matched dollar-for-dollar. Thank…
camellia growing in the national bonsai and penjing museum

Sharing Gratitude

As we count down the days until Giving Tuesday (November 28th), can we count on your to help us “grow the garden”? When you donate to FONA’s Grow the Garden campaign on Giving Tuesday, your…
pumpkins grown from the washington youth garden

Hot Off the Press

The USDA Agricultural Research Service released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map today! This map is based on the average annual extreme winter temperature over 30 years. It is a great…
bench looking out over fall colored trees

Volunteers Make it All Happen

There’s so much we are thankful for at FONA. This week, we want to extend our gratitude to all of the volunteers who have donated their time and effort to…

Peak Leaves are Here

The Garlic Planting Party has taken many forms since its inaugural celebration 12 years ago. Yet it remains one our team’s favorite ways to celebrate the Washington Youth Garden and…
cornellian dogwood fruits in fall, formatted as a newsletter banner

Mark Your Holiday Calendar

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Paul W. Meyer, a long-time member of FONA’s board and staunch advocate and supporter of the National Arboretum. Paul was a…
bench in the gotelli conifer collection surrounded by fall blooming flowers, formatted for newsletter
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