FAIRFAX COUNTY JOINS THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL® FOR THE MEMORABLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Go Beyond the Basin with a Self-Guided Garden Tour
March 24 thru April 27, 2012
This year's festival will be like no other - Five glorious weeks to celebrate the gift of the Tidal Basin Cherry Trees to the United States from Japan in 1912.
What better time to experience nature's beauty than during the Festival! Just minutes from DC, Fairfax County is the place to stroll and enjoy several splendid gardens, which welcome Festival visitors with a special gift (check in at each location's main information desk).
GLORIOUS GARDENS SELF-GUIDED TOUR
Between March 24th and April 27th, Festival visitors are invited to plan a self-guided tour of the area's splendid gardens. In addition to the District's iconic Tidal Basin and the U.S. National Arboretum, plan stops at the following not-to-miss sites in Fairfax County! (Be sure to call for the hours and directions!)
River Farm
A historic 25-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River, River Farm was once part of George Washington's original five farms, and currently the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. The grounds offer spectacular river views, a wildlife garden and delightful children's areas, including the Fairy Tale and Hummingbird gardens. Visit website>
703-768-5700 - Free Admission
Green Spring Gardens
There's something here for everyone: a wooded stream, valley with ponds, a native plant garden, over 20 thematic demonstration gardens, and a greenhouse filled with tropicals. It's an outdoor classroom, a museum and a national historic site. Visit website>
703-642-5173 - Free Admission
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
More than 100 cherry trees surrounding a lovely lake, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms and foliage. On April 11th from noon - 3, sushi will be available to enjoy under the trees for a small fee-a memorable experience to end the Festival! Visit website>
703-255-3631 - Small Entrance Fee
FAIRFAX COUNTY SPECIAL EVENTS:
FAIRFAX COUNTY VISITOR CENTER
Tysons Corner Center
Second Level on Nordstrom Wing
1961 Chain Bridge Rd.
McLean, VA 22101
703-752-9500
The Fairfax County Capital Region Visitor Center in Tysons Corner Center is "Festival Central" in Fairfax County. The Center is stocked with information on Festival activities all over the region. Stop by for free gifts during the Festival and a special event with cultural demonstrations of origami and calligraphy on March 31st from 12 - 3pm. Then stay to shop in one of the country's premier retail destinations.
GREEN SPRING GARDENS
4603 Green Spring Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-642-5173
Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Imperfection
April 22, 2012 at 1pm - 3pm
Discover your sense of wabi-sabi, the Japanese art of finding beauty in the naturally imperfect world. Then enjoy a Japanese tea-tasting in the garden and contemplate the perfect imperfection all around us! To register, click here or call 703-642-5173. $25
Spring Blossom Garden Tour
April 14, 2012 at 10am - 11:30am
Take a tour through the gardens, highlighting cherry trees and other early blooming harbingers of spring. Afterwards, in honor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, enjoy Japanese tea and sweets in the Historic House. No pre-registration necessary. $12
Art Show - Japan's Gift to Nature: Oriental Brush Painting
March 1 thru April 29, 2012 (two exhibits)
Monday - Saturday, 9am - 4:30pm and Sunday 12pm - 4:30pm in the Horticulture Center // Wednesday - Sunday, 12pm - 4:30pm at the Historic House
Oriental Brush Paintings by Darlene Kaplan have captivated art lovers everywhere. Experience purity in painting the snow, brightness in the moon, fragrance in the flower, sound in the waterfall and spirit in people. Free
Celebrate Japanese Culture at Green Spring Gardens
March 31, 2012 at 10am - 12pm
Make an elegant Shoji table lamp with wood and rice paper for a warm accent light anywhere in your home. Materials supplied, including wiring kit and bulb. Refreshments served, including Japanese teas and sweets. To register, click here (follow the Celebrate Japanese Culture link) or call 703-642-5173. $35; Adults Only
Bonsai Demonstration
April 21, 2012 at 9:30am - 10:30am
Jack FitzSimons shares examples of different bonsai types and their ancient history. He discusses styling methods, trees that are suitable for bonsai in our area, proper care and suitable containers for bonsai. To register, click here or call 703-642-5173. $15 Adults ; Children Free
Children's Cherry Blossom Celebration
April 5 and 6, 2012 at 12pm - 4pm
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gift of the Cherry Trees at Green Spring Gardens. This open house format includes hands-on activities from artful origami to finding the flowering cherry trees in the gardens. To register, click here or call 703-642-5173. $6; Ages 3+
WORKHOUSE ARTS CENTER
9601 Ox Rd.
Lorton, VA 22079
703-584-2900
Japanese Art and Culture Day at the Workhouse
April 21, 2012 at 12pm through night
From 12pm to 4:00pm there will be FREE workshops, demonstrations, performances and talks featuring Japanese art, culture, music and food. Horticulture professionals from Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Virginia will speak about the cherry trees in their collection, the cultural importance of the cherry tree, and the joys of interacting with nature. The Japan-America Society of Washington, DC will host a Japan Festival Booth featuring a kimono fashion show, traditional children's games, and more. In addition, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will be presenting a guest speaker.
Then at 4:30pm, the Workhouse Film Institute will present a Japanese Film Festival double feature, including an anime matinee that will encourage the audience to dress as their favorite character, followed by a 7:30pm screening featuring a film for more mature audiences.
There are two films - $5 for either film by itself or $8 to see both. Due to limited seating, purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged. Please call 703-584-2900 or order online at www.WorkhouseArts.org
TYSONS CORNER CENTER
Tysons Corner Center
First level, near Macy's wing
1961 Chain Bridge Rd.
McLean, VA 22101
703-847-7300
Stop by Tysons Corner Center® Guest Services anytime between March 24 and April 27, 2012, show your Petal Pass card and receive your free discount book to take advantage of some great discounts at our exciting retailers.
Tysons Corner Center® is proud to support the National Cherry Blossom Festival in its Centennial Year Celebration by joining other fine partners in the Petal Pass program.
The Petal Pass program is a part of the City in Bloom campaign, presented by Capital One Bank. Petal Passes will be available at area Capital One Bank branches across the region, and serves as an interactive guide to the many area attractions providing special offers. The program encourages the community to explore and discover the magic of the nation's greatest springtime destination and the many treasures the region has to offer.
The limited edition keepsake design features elements from the National Cherry Blossom Festival's official Centennial Celebration artwork by Peter Max and includes a QR code to access the Festival App that includes all Petal Pass locations and special promotions.
