The American Horticultural Society at River Farm

7931 E Boulevard Drive

Alexandria, VA 22308

Phone: (800) 777-7931

Fax: (703) 768-8700

http://www.ahs.org

Join or renew now!

Links:

AHS Seed Exchange

Reciprocal Admissions Program

AHS Heat Zone Map

AHS Books

Youth Gardening

Photo of the month:

The brilliant leaves of this ginkgo at River Farm inspired some creative raking.

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Dear Members and Friends,
Warm greetings to you from River Farm, where winter has most definitely made its entrance. It seems like such a short time ago that we were commenting on hot and humid days, but already we’ve seen a few snowflakes here at River Farm. I can hardly believe that the holidays and the year-end are upon us again! As I glance back on my first year serving as the Executive Director, I am pleased at what we’ve been able to accomplish with your help…
Read more

What's New at the AHS

Seed Exchange Celebrates Golden Anniversary
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the American Horticultural Society’s member’s only Seed Exchange, the first 300 members to send in their orders will receive complimentary ‘Pot of Gold’ Swiss chard seeds from Renee’s Garden, the exchange’s 2009 sponsor. A nationally acclaimed purveyor of heirloom and cottage garden flower, herb, and vegetable seeds, Renee’s Garden will also provide a complimentary copy of one of Renee Shepherd’s cookbooks to seed exchange participants who donate $25 or more to support the program. Thanks to Renee’s Garden and seed donors across the country, the 2009 Seed Exchange Catalog includes nearly 200 varieties to choose from. The catalog and order form will be available in the “Members Only” section of the AHS website in early January. To request a catalog and order form be mailed to you, please call (703) 768-5700 ext. 115 or send an e-mail to jgagliardi@ahs.org.

Call for Educational Session Proposals
In preparation for next year’s 17th annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, the AHS is seeking proposals for educational session presentations on how gardens bring together diverse communities and foster curiosity, wonder, beauty, understanding, and acceptance. Educators, garden designers, parents, volunteers, and children's gardening advocates of all ages are encouraged to submit proposals. Deadline for receipt of proposals is December 15, 2008. Next year’s symposium, hosted by Cleveland Botanical Garden, will take place on July 23-25, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information, click here.

Exciting Travel Destinations for 2009
From Costa Rica and the Netherlands to Florence and Chile, the AHS Travel Study Program’s upcoming trips will explore a diversity of gardens highlighting landscape design, local flora, and cultural landmarks. And if you were hoping to stay closer to home, the AHS will be offering four domestic trips in 2009: Birmingham, Alabama; Baltimore, Maryland; Portland, Oregon; and New York’s Hudson Valley. For more information, click here

AHS Receives Grant for Library
Thanks to a grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, the AHS will soon be installing a horticultural reference library at the Society’s River Farm headquarters. We have received several donations of book collections from horticultural leaders – including publications on children’s gardening, botany, and historic horticulture – that will be featured in the library. The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, established in 1970 by May Smith, “supports education and research in ornamental horticulture.”

Online Petition to Support Environmental Education
Research has shown that high-quality environmental education lessons can get kids engaged in their school work and spur their interest in outdoor activities. To support these benefits, the No Child Left Inside Coalition, of which the AHS is a member, is petitioning Congress to pass the No Child Left Inside Act. This national legislation will provide funding to train teachers and build strong environmental education programs. The goal is to ensure that kids have a basic understanding of their natural world and the challenges it faces. Help achieve this by signing the petition.

The American Gardener Online
The complete contents of more than eight years of The American Gardener magazine are available on the AHS website, making it easy to print a copy of a favorite article to take into the garden or to share with a friend. Some issues also include bonus material that is only available online. With the members-only password, AHS members can access all of this online content while non-members may view only selected items. The password changes every year, and the current one to use is always printed on page four of each issue of the magazine. You may also request the current password by emailing webmaster@ahs.org.

AHS Garden Books
If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas or would like to add to your own library, the AHS’s line of authoritative garden books includes a variety of topics from specific plant groups to regional gardening to techniques such as propagation. Each one is filled with colorful photographs of plants and gardens as well as the most up-to-date information, tips and advice from experts. Members are eligible to receive discounts in the members-only area of the AHS website. Click here to view our available titles.

Congress Extends Tax-Free IRA Gifts Until December 31
If you are age 70-and-a half or over and would like to use your retirement assets to make a gift, you may transfer up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, such as the American Horticultural Society. As you’re thinking about your year-end contributions, please consider making an investment in the AHS when consulting with your financial advisor. We appreciate your support!

Vendors Wanted for Spring Plant Sale
The AHS is looking for vendors for our Spring Garden Market taking place from April 16-18, 2009 at our River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. A variety of spaces are available for vendors of plants and garden-related items. Contact Sharon Grant at (703) 786-5700 ext. 114 or sgrant@ahs.org for more information.

What's Growing On at River Farm

Until January 16, River Farm’s grounds and estate house will be decked out with festive trees, fresh cut greens, poinsettias, and thousands of lights. The beauty of the surrounding gardens inspired the estate house’s decorations. Pots overflowing with branches of holly, arborvitae, cedar, and southern magnolia flank the house’s main entrance. Inside the house, visitors are greeted by our Gardener’s Tree, adorned with a grape vine garland and dangling clay pots, seed packets, and flowers—all topped off with a pot angel with wings of dried hydrangea blooms. The parlor, dining room, and ballroom also contain botanically themed elements of elegance and whimsy sure to delight visitors of all ages. River Farm is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but will be closed between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We wish you a wonderful holiday season!