(16- Adult) Discover how 18th-century neighbors built community through the exchange of seeds, cuttings and garden knowledge. Join Holly Gruntner, Mount Vernon’s landscape historian for a look at how early Americans shared plants, ideas and innovations—shaping both their gardens and relationships. Explore the social and botanical networks that helped gardens thrive in George Washington’s time.

(16-Adult) Our landscapes and gardens house a rich diversity of insects, some native, some non-native, some nice and some nasty. Explore with Mike Raupp, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at the University of Maryland, how many of our charismatic insects like butterflies, bees and fireflies are faring in our rapidly changing world and learn why the ongoing stream of dastardly pests like emerald ash borers and spotted lanternflies is unlikely to be stemmed. Not to be without hope, actions to help our imperiled friends and actions to mitigate the noxious pests will be discussed.

(16-Adult) Join Smithsonian Gardens horticulturist, Christine Price-Abelow for a fascinating lecture on the garden surrounding the National Museum of the American Indian. Learn about the carefully selected native plants, their cultural significance, and the stories they tell about the land and Indigenous traditions. Discover how the landscape honors the connection between plants and the American Indian community.

(16-Adult) Discover how great changes and events from America’s past were viewed “from the doorstep” of Green Spring’s Historic House. In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary this year, a Green Spring historian interprets pivotal chapters of American history through the lives of people who lived and worked here. From the nation’s founding to the late 20th century, hear compelling stories of public service, trailblazing women, Gilded Age excess, war, espionage, enslavement and struggles for freedom as witnessed, experienced and even driven by Green Spring’s past occupants.