News & Press

An Interview with AHS Board Chair, Scott C. Plein

Please meet Scott Plein, Chairman of the American Horticultural Society’s Board of Directors since July 2022. He has been a wealth of knowledge and advice, providing strategic direction and oversight of the organization and River Farm, AHS’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA.

Scott wants to see “… that we make the AHS a more influential voice and resource to everybody who loves horticulture.” He also wants to promote a horticulture that is both sensitive to ecological concerns and promotes traditional horticultural practices at the same time.

David Ellis, editor of The American Gardener, interviews Plein in the January/February issue of the magazine. Find out about the Board’s key objectives for the AHS, the challenges facing the horticulture industry, AHS’s role nationally and regionally, and the top priorities of River Farm.

Read the full interview.

News & Press

Save the Date: 2023 AHS Gala

Mark your calendar for the 2023 AHS Gala celebrating 50 years that AHS has called River Farm “home.” The Gala, to be held on September 23rd, 2023 at River Farm, will be the perfect opportunity to show your support for AHS and River Farm, visit our treasured headquarters, connect with fellow supporters, and enjoy a magical evening of good food, drink, entertainment and conversation.

News & Press

River Farm to Close Early for Expected Inclement Weather, Dec. 23 & 24

Due to expected inclement weather, River Farm will close at 12 p.m. this Friday, December 23, and will not be open on Christmas Eve, December 24. We will re-open on Tuesday, January 3.

Thank you for your understanding. We wish you a happy holiday season!

News & Press

Save the Date! AHS’ Annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm

We are excited to announce that the 2023 Spring Garden Market will take place on April 14-15 at our headquarters at River Farm in Alexandria, VA.

Shop for natives, specialty plants, edibles, and much more
Browse garden-themed art, books, tools and garden accessories
View nature-centric artwork by local artists in the Estate House
Food trucks
And more!

More details coming soon. For vendor and sponsor inquiries, please contact plantsale@ahsgardening.org.

News & Press

You’re Invited! River Farm’s Holiday Open House On Dec. 8

If you live in the Alexandria neighborhood, join us at our corporate headquarters at River Farm for our Holiday Open House. Enjoy festive drinks, light snacks, beautiful holiday décor that pays homage to nature (of course!), piano accompaniment performed by Mary Casey Bowers, and the warmth of the holiday spirit. The event is complimentary. Children are welcome!

River Farm Holiday Open House

7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria VA 22308

Thursday, December 8

5:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m.

RSVP required.

News & Press

You’re Invited: AHS Virtual Art Show & Sale

The American Horticultural Society’s Virtual Art Show and Sale is now open! Each year AHS’s River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, VA is fortunate to work with talented local artists who share their horticultural and nature-themed artwork at annual Art Shows and Open Houses throughout the year.

We are excited to host a Virtual Art Show this year so that anyone across the country can easily participate by making a purchase or a donation on our virtual platform. Browse a wide selection of garden and nature-themed art from our featured artists Nina Tisara, Nathan Leibowitz and Otari Shiuk.

The Virtual Art Show is open through June. A portion of all sales benefits the American Horticultural Society’s national programs and mission to share with all Americans the critical role of plants, gardens, and green spaces in creating healthy, livable communities and a sustainable planet.

View the Virtual Art Show and Sale

News & Press

River Farm Grounds Reopening To the Public on 6/8/20

The grounds of the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm headquarters in Alexandria will reopen to the public on Monday, June 8, 2020. Starting then the property will be open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday until further notice. The grounds will be closed on weekends.

Please note that for safety reasons, all indoor facilities–including restrooms and water fountains–are closed, as is our Children’s Garden. While we are pleased to once again be able to share the natural beauty of our gardens, we ask that all visitors share in the responsibility of protecting each other’s safety by practicing appropriate social distancing guidelines.

News & Press

AHS Update on Public Visitation Hours at River Farm Headquarters

As a safety measure based on recent COVID-19 developments, the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm will be closed to the general public until further notice. The manor house will remain open for previously scheduled meetings. If you have related questions, please contact our Rentals office at 703/768-5700, x114 or rentals@ahsgardening.org.

In the meantime, we would be grateful for any contributions you can make to the American Horticultural Society, which owns and maintains River Farm, and which has lost substantial revenue from cancelled events and programs. Your support will help River Farm reopen as strong and vibrant as ever, once it is safe to do so. Thank you for donating now.

News & Press

AHS’s River Farm Launches Spring Educational Workshop Series

The American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) Programs department has unveiled a series of educational workshops taking place at our national nonprofit’s River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Va. this spring. The first two workshops — to be held this month — have already sold out; however, you can add your name to a waiting list by sending your contact information to education@ahsgardening.org.

March 7: “Ceramic Garden Marker Workshop” with Persimmon Street Ceramics (wait list only)

March 28: “Gardening for Pollinators Workshop” with AHS’s associate director for horticulture and River Farm (wait list only)

April 4: “Kokedama Workshop” with FLORA Roots & Stems. Kokedama involves potting ornamental plants in a ball of moss for display in a dish or suspended in the air

April 25: “Introduction to Beekeeping Workshop” with the Northern Virginia Beekeepers Association

May 9: “Botanical Illustration Workshop” with artist and Huntley Meadows Park naturalist Margaret Wohler

All of these workshops — and details about pricing and registration — can be found on our AHS at River Farm Events Calendar.

News & Press

Restricted Public Access at AHS’s River Farm During Property Upgrades

The American Horticultural Society (AHS) has been making some much needed infrastructure improvements at its River Farm headquarters over the past few years to provide a better and safer visitor experience. We recently finished upgrading our 180-foot brick walkway on the river side of the manor house and are presently leveling and laying new brick at the Magnolia Terrace on the opposite side of the house. We’re excited to highlight these property improvements in coming months as we prepare for the spring growing season and the accompanying increase in visitors, garden tours, weddings, and other special events.

Our newest repair projects will require us to close off the formal gardens, including the Children’s Garden, during the week of Feb. 24-28. During that time, our aging and leaking underground water lines will be repaired, requiring the use of heavy machinery. For everyone’s safety and comfort, we will rope off those sections of the gardens and prevent public access. River Farm visitors may, however still freely stroll through the Meadow leading down to the Potomac.

Additionally, our manor house will continue to be open to the public for Rentals Office visits and art exhibition viewing from Feb. 24-26; however, we will close the manor house to the public from Feb. 27-28 for a private video shoot. The manor house will reopen to visitors on Mon., March 2.