Thousands of plants for sale, 25+ vendors, free family activities
4/25: GARDEN FAIR & PLANT SALE
FONA & THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM
Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) was founded in 1982 as an independent 501(c)(3). FONA serves as the primary private partner of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. We support and celebrate the science, beauty, and community impact of the U.S. National Arboretum through education, engagement, and access to nature.
Photo courtesy of the National Arboretum
Past Accomplishments
We were instrumental in bringing the Capitol Columns to the Arboretum in the early ’90s. We funded the Flowering Tree Walk surrounding the meadow so all people can enjoy its beauty regardless of ability. Our volunteers planted over 30,000 native plants along the Springhouse Run creek to improve the Anacostia River’s water quality.
Current Work
Our Washington Youth Garden is the Arboretum’s largest community outreach program. Revenue from our venue rental program funds the Arboretum Director’s Fund which pays for things like consultants, supplies, and maintenance projects. Our plant sales and seasonal festivals support our mission and connect visitors to the Arboretum.
Future Plans
We developed a new Core Master Plan that provides a blueprint for future projects around the Arboretum. We invest in the future of horticulture by funding internships that support the collections. Our Meyer Kidder Fellows will increase the Arboretum’s research capacity and connect the Arboretum with world-class post-doctoral researchers.
Donate to Join
Make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
Donate to Renew
Make a one-time contribution of any amount to renew your FONA membership. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
David Fairchild Society
A passionate community of supporters with membership starting at $1,200.
Other Ways to Support
Support FONA through securities, donor-advised funds, planned giving, bench donations, and more.
Restricted Gifts to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Make a restricted donation to support to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. For other giving options, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org.
NATIONAL ARBORETUM’S SCIENCE, BEAUTY, AND IMPACT
The U.S. National Arboretum is a world-class center for horticultural research, education, and innovation. It spans 451 acres in Northeast Washington, D.C., and is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. The National Arboretum serves as both a horticultural research facility and a public garden.Â
For almost 100 years, the National Arboretum has played an important role in preserving germplasm, developing and introducing improved plants for the American nursery industry, bridging cultural connections through plant collections, restoring habitat, and more. Learn more about key accomplishments that highlight the Arboretum’s science, beauty, and impact.
Photo courtesy of the National Arboretum
STEWARDING THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL BONSAI & PENJING MUSEUM
Friends of the National Arboretum is honored to carry forward the legacy of the National Bonsai Foundation (NBF), which concluded its operations at the end of 2025 after more than four decades of extraordinary service.
Since its founding in 1982, NBF has been essential to building and maintaining the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, fostering international goodwill and a deep respect for the art of bonsai.
FONA extends its sincere gratitude to the NBF Board and supporters for their enduring dedication to this living art form. We are deeply mindful of the trust they have put in FONA to sustain NBF’s mission to preserve and promote the art of bonsai in America. The bonsai and penjing collections will continue under the expert care of the U.S. National Arboretum’s staff, as it has since 1976. As part of this transition, NBF will transfer the majority of remaining assets to FONA to directly support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and ongoing bonsai education. These funds will be specifically dedicated to the continued care, growth, and improvement of the museum.Â
This transition was the result of a request from Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, to consolidate nonprofit engagement under Friends of the National Arboretum. This unified approach will streamline communications, expand community engagement, and enrich the visitor experience, while allowing the U.S. National Arboretum to focus on horticultural excellence and discovery.
FONA embraces this new expanded role to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the U.S. National Arboretum, helping them flourish in the decades ahead. If you are interested in making a restricted donation to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at this time, you can do so online through this form. For other giving options, please contact Claire Alrich at 202-918-1868 or calrich@fona.org.
AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
With a focus on serving under-resourced communities, FONA nurtures curious minds and healthy bodies by connecting youth to food, the land, and each other. Our youth education programs take place at Washington Youth Garden on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum and in partner schools across Washington, DC. They work with DC educators to create strong, sustainable school garden programs and connect students to garden education. Our programs also provide year-round employment opportunities and green career paths for DC high school students.
STAY IN THE KNOW
FONA’s publications and newsletters share the story of the U.S. National Arboretum and FONA with the world. Our FONA Field Notes newsletter is just one of the ways we tell this story. This award-winning weekly email newsletter that shares updates and insights about the U.S. National Arboretum, Friends of the National Arboretum, and the Washington Youth Garden. Sign up to receive FONA Field Notes in your inbox. See our Publications & Media page to see a full archive of all of our publications.
Garden Fair Plant Lists are Here!
Native Plant Sale this Saturday!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Hosted by FONA
Hosted by the U.S. National Arboretum and other partners
RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram: @FONArboretum
Azaleas, dogwoods, and lilacs — oh my! There's so much to see at the National Arboretum, but so little time to see it all. Hop on FONA's shuttle this Saturday, April 18th, and let us help you discover all the Arboretum has to offer right now. Docents will be at many stops to help guide your exploration, and food trucks will be stationed near the Visitor Center. Shuttle tickets cost $5 per person and allow you unlimited rides all day. FONA members ride for free this Saturday, April 18th! Donate any amount at the link in bio to become a member. Please note that pets are not permitted aboard the shuttle, but service animals are welcome. We encourage parking in the New York Avenue lot and boarding the shuttle there to reduce vehicle congestion in the R street/Visitor Center area. Tickets are available on site, or purchase in advance at the link in bio. . . . #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #spring #springflowers #azalea #dmv #springinthecity #arboretum #botanical #azaleas #arboretum #horticulture #visitdc #exploredc #dcspring #outdooreventsdc #dcgardens #dcgarden #familyfriendlydc
Azaleas peak bloom is here, and it is S T U N N I N G! The National Arboretum's Azalea Collections are ablaze in blossoms with colors of fiery red, glowing coral, cotton candy pink, lavender purple, and more. The National Arboretum’s Azalea Collections provide a breathtaking display — but behind the blooms are decades of research that shaped American horticulture. See the link in our bio learn more about how the Arboretum's azaleas have shaped American landscapes. Some friendly reminders for your visit: 🌱 Please stay on trail paths and out of garden beds to avoid damaging valuable plant material. 🌞 Plan your weekend visit as early in the day as possible or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. 🦮 Dogs must remain on leash at all times. Please keep them on trails and out of garden beds. . . . #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #spring #springflowers #azalea #dmv #springinthecity #arboretum #botanical #azaleas #arboretum #horticulture #visitdc #exploredc #dcspring #horticultureresearch #plantintroduction #springflower #capitolcolumns
Meet the vendors for this year's Garden Fair & Plant Sale! On April 25th at the US National Arboretum, treat yourself or a loved one to some unique, locally crafted goods. From rare cacti to soy candles to sustainable jewelry, you won't find a selection like this just anywhere! Refuel while you shop with tasty bites from our food and drink vendors. These vendors will be open for business from 9 AM to 4 PM in the Vendor Village. Don't stop there- be sure to also visit FONA's Plant Sale tent, where we'll have thousands of plants for sale! Plus, @dcchildcareconnections will offer free child-centered activities from 10 am - 2 pm. Link in bio for all event details and registration! Plants & Garden 6 Kings Farm @boujie.plants @cultivatethecity @embracethe_succ @pitcheresque.plants @plantsandwhatknot @plantbazaardc @herbsocietyofamerica Potomac Unit @radicalrootsfarmva Art & Home Decor Bruce Ciske Pottery @dbohomama @down2earth_pottery @litarodc @marcellakriebel Clothing, Jewelry & Beauty @bailiwick_clothing @biancaandjean @earthessentialsbyerica @heiressoils @one_seed_designs @silverquillstudio Food & Drink @eatblacksesame @blossombakerydc @frostysofty JackiCan Fresh Fruit Jams @pearlfineteas @phowheels @tacodirtytome @zekescoffeedc . . Alt text embedded. . . #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #arboretumdc #gardenfair #familyfriendlydc #kidfriendlydc
Want the first pick of plants at the Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Saturday, April 25th? Become a FONA member to get early access to the Plant Sale tent from 9 AM to 11 AM! During the Garden Fair, members also get the chance to take home a free Glenn Dale hybrid azalea cultivar developed by Arboretum researchers, and receive discounted pricing on FONA t-shirts and tote bags. Member benefits extend beyond the Garden Fair. Members get early access and discounts for many FONA programs and events, as well as reciprocal admissions to almost 400 arboreta and botanic gardens nationwide. Donate any amount to become a FONA member, or donate monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long: https://bit.ly/47EmG1k Alt text embedded.