Sunday, Oct 26, 2008
Departure Time: 7:30 a.m. (car pooling from Dunn Loring)
Meet at Arboretum: 8:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. (Arboretum remains open until 5:00 p.m.)
Admission is free

The Arboretum covers 446 acres and contains 9.5 miles of winding roadways. In addition to fall foliage, the plants of interest in October include firethorn in fruit, hibiscus, autumn crocuses, water-lilies, crapemyrtles, viburnums in fruit, conifer foliage and cones, dogwoods in fruit, boxwood, herbs, annuals, ornamental grasses, native witch-hazels, fall blooming camellias, toad-lilies, chrysanthemums and others.

There will also be a special Autumn Bonsai Exhibit on display from 10:00 a.m. (also free). Bonsai - trees growing in containers - go through the same annual cycle as trees growing in the ground.

The Arboretum was established in 1927 by an Act of Congress and is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. Their mission is to serve the public need for scientific research, education, and gardens that conserve and showcase plants to enhance the environment. More information can be found at http://www.usna.usda.gov/index.html

The Arboretum is located in northeast Washington, DC, 2.2 miles from the Capitol. It is bordered on the west by Bladensburg Road, on the north by New York Avenue, and on the south by M Street. Visitor entrances are located on New York Avenue and on R Street.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please call or email:

Gerry Abbott
gerry.abbott "at" cox.net
703.967.9677 (mobile)