March 28 | FONA Native Plant Sale at National Arboretum
Gardeners and plant lovers across the DC region can welcome the start of spring at the annual FONA Native Plant Sale, hosted by the Friends of the National Arboretum. Taking place on Saturday, March 28 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the event will be held along Meadow Road at the U.S. National Arboretum (2400 R Street NE).
Known as one of the earliest plant sales of the season, this annual event offers a curated selection of native plants from a small group of mid-Atlantic vendors. Shoppers can expect to find spring ephemerals, perennials, and woody plants—along with expert advice to help guide planting decisions for the season ahead.
Participating vendors include:
Hill House Nursery
Goodman LLC Native Plants & Conservation Consultancy
Nature by Design
Seven Bends Nursery
Pollinator Rare Plants
(Please note that vendors are subject to change.)
The sale is held in conjunction with the Arboretum’s 39th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium, where attendees can dive deeper into topics like regenerative gardening, agroforestry, and traditional ecological knowledge through a series of expert-led presentations. While registration is required for the symposium, the plant sale itself is open to all, with advance registration encouraged for updates.
Early arrival is strongly recommended, as vendors often sell out quickly—sometimes before noon. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own boxes, carts, or wagons to transport purchases. A plant-sitting area will be available, allowing visitors to store their selections while retrieving their vehicles or attending symposium sessions.
For those looking to kickstart their spring gardens with regionally appropriate plants, the FONA Native Plant Sale offers both inspiration and practical resources in a scenic, community-focused setting.
