Spring offers many opportunities for lectures, workshops, tours and other educational programs. Before you get busy in the garden, take advantage of one of the many sessions offered this month. Call to ascertain if pre-registration is required. If a fee is not shown, the event is free.
Washington
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, 202-686-5807, www.hillwood museum.org
U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE, 202-245-4521, www.usna.usda.gov
United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, 202-225-1116, www.usbg.gov
March 12: Orchid Care Lecture & Repotting Workshops. Join orchid curator David Lafond for a lecture and learn orchid care, cultivation, classification and information about the collection of Marjorie Merriweather Post. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Bring one or two orchids from your collection (and an unglazed terra cotta pot for each) and learn repotting techniques in workshops. Limited to 10 participants per workshop. 10:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3 p.m. Suggested donation $25. Hillwood.
March 12: Garden Production Facility Open House. Once-a-year opportunity for the public to visit the U.S. Botanic Garden's growing facility, the largest greenhouse complex supporting a public garden in the United States. Meet the growers and wander through this working wonderland of plants. 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. $5. U.S. Botanic Garden Production Facility. Directions provided after registration.
March 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31: Join staff orchid experts and volunteers for a 15-minute orchid repotting demonstration. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hillwood.
March 17: Full Moon Hike for Groups. Put together a group of up to 25 people for a brisk two-hour walk under the full moon. It is not recommended for children under 16. 7-9 p.m. $550. Meet in the visitor information trailer, U.S. National Arboretum.
March 17, 18: Full Moon Hike. Join a four-mile full moon hike with a staff member as your guide. 8-10 p.m. $22. Meet in the visitor information trailer, U.S. National Arboretum.
March 18: Bobby Ward, author of "Chlorophyll in His Veins: J.C. Raulston, Horticultural Ambassador," will discuss Raulston, founder of the North Carolina State University arboretum, and some of his plant introductions. Noon-1 p.m. U.S. Botanic Garden.
March 19: Bonsai Repotting Workshop. Learn when and how to repot your bonsai with guidance from a museum curator. Individual attention is provided for each tree brought in by students (limit one large or two small bonsai). Soil and tools are provided. 1-4 p.m. $29. National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, U.S. National Arboretum.
March 20: Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World. This slide show presentation is a traveling exhibition by the American Society of Botanical Artists that explores the conservation efforts of scientists and illustrators around the globe. 2-3 p.m., U.S. Botanic Garden.
