News & Announcements
February 10, 2025
Join our team. Blandy Experimental Farm now has openings for a Director of preK-12 Education and an Arboretum Specialist. Learn more about these exciting opportunities and apply today.
January 15, 2025
Vendor/Exhibitor applications are now open for the 2025 Mother's Day weekend Garden Fair. Applications are due by Friday, March 7, 2025.
January 8, 2025
On the arboretum’s landscape, grays, browns and muted greens become nature’s palette. The fiery colors of autumn have faded and the vibrant green of summer is a distant memory.
In 2011, a group of bicycling arborists paused at the Arboretum and planted 35 trees in an hour. That planting kicked off our Community Forest, a multi-year community tree planting to expand the forest for wildlife near the front entrance. See the forest today!
December 9, 2024
As temperatures fall and the days shorten, most of Virginia's native plants go dormant, but some hardy plants have evolved the ability to tough out winter's weather while others leave behind conspi
Your tax-deductible contribution supports the research, education, and engagement initiatives of the Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia.
November 12, 2024
Don't miss this special Textile Art Exhibit on display at Blandy now through the end of the year.
November 13, 2024
There are so many ways to enjoy the quiet of winter at Blandy, from winter bird walks, to solving some conifer mysteries.
October 9, 2024
This year, the Foundation of the State Arboretum will be celebrating Ginkgo Gold with special visitor services on the weekends of October 26th and 27th and November 2nd and
Join us during the Ginkgo Gold weekends of October 26th and 27th and November 2nd and 3rd, and Sponsor a Ginkgo Tree on the spot for $100. Volunteers will be in the Ginkgo Grove to help you pick a tree, claim it with a named tag, and take a photo by your sponsored tree.
September 9, 2024
The Foundation of the State Arboretum (FOSA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Anne Marie Chirieleison as Director on September 9, 2024.
Don't miss our 2nd Festival of Art and Nature. Visit Blandy to witness nearly 100 artists paint your favorite scenes Plein Air, September 18th - 20th. Then join us for our public festival September 21st complete with an art show and sale, food trucks, music, family art tables. Learn more!
Each summer, undergraduate and graduate students, and university faculty gather for a program of focused study on a diversity of research projects in an environment that few other institutions can offer. At the conclusion of the summer season, students share their work at the Annual Summer Research Forum.
August 2, 2024
Pictured: Caroline Speidel and Hannah Russel, 2024 Tom Callahan Research Award recipients
July 5, 2024
While the native plant trail has always featured plants that are native to Virginia at large, we’re looking forward to sharing a new interpretive space that goes one step further: the recently plan
July 3, 2024
When you walk into the newly redesigned and interactive Information Center at Blandy, you’ll be greeted by a giant 3D ginkgo tree replication in its full golden glory.
We tend to make a pretty big deal about milkweed here at Blandy Experimental Farm. During the growing season, you will likely see several posts from us featuring this group of plants and their amazing ability to support pollinators. Milkweed attracts more than just pollinators to Blandy, though. Scientists interested in milkweed ecology also flock to Blandy in the summer to take advantage of the field station for their research. One such researcher, Cameron Morris, an undergraduate from the College of William and Mary, shares their approach to the questions they hope to answer this summer.
June 12, 2024
The University of Virginia seeks a full-time director of the Foundation of the State Arboretum (FOSA).
Milkweed is the sole host plant for the caterpillars of the beautiful, threatened monarch butterfly and efforts to preserve this butterfly have brought this once overlooked plant into the public consciousness.
May 27, 2024
Find out about animals that snack on insects as you read Bugs for Lunch/Insectos Para El Almuerzo a page at a time while exploring Blandy’s Native Plant Trail. Our STORYWALK® program is a
May 29, 2024
Did you know June 1st is National Trail Day. Come enjoy our Native Plant Trail, or one of the many other interesting trails at Blandy!
UPDATE: Keep an eye on the weather this weekend if you have your heart set on experiencing "Murmuration." The exhibit will be taken down if rain seems likely, as moisture may damag
April 17, 2024
A symbol of enduring faith and hope, the Iris, (Iris), known for its slender tall stalks, both soft and vibrant colors and its delicate, cascading, and rising petals has been growing at Bl
Shop nearly 60 vendors for the very best selection of native plants, annuals, perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, garden tools, nature-inspired crafts and more. Food, music, children’s activities, and educational opportunities too! Tickets $10/car in advance, $15/car at the gate.
April 3, 2024
MAY 11TH & 12TH 9:00 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Event tickets are $10 per car in advance, or $15 at the gate. Tickets are good for admission both days.
April 1, 2024
Redbud trees can be found blooming throughout most of April.
Amidst Virginia's diverse ecological landscape, one encounters a captivating and transient spectacle: the emergence of native spring ephemerals. As winter gives way to spring, these delicate wildflowers emerge from the forest floor, adding vibrant colors to the awakening ecosystem.
A portion of our Native Plant Meadow was burned Friday. Click to learn more.
The Arboretum’s Conifer Collection looks great year-round! Find out all about conifers from around the world, and visit the State Champion Japanese Umbrella Pine!
It's a magical time of year at Blandy Experimental Farm! Arboretum staff spent several days preparing and collecting materials for our Holiday Workshops and creating a winter wonderland of festive
November 28, 2023
Making wreaths at Blandy Experimental Farm is a great way to spend a December morning or afternoon. Registration is limited and filling up quickly!
The Ginkgo Grove undergoes a magical transformation each Fall as the leaves transition from green to gold. Here's what the Ginkgo Grove looks like today (Thursday, November 9th).
Although we think the ginkgoes look great year-round, their moment of golden glory has passed for 2023. Most of the trees are bare. The leaves have faded to a dull tan color.
The Ginkgo Grove undergoes a magical transformation each Fall as the leaves transition from green to gold. Here's what the Ginkgo Grove looks like today (Monday, November 6th).
The Ginkgo Grove undergoes a magical transformation each Fall as the leaves transition from green to gold. Here's what the Ginkgo Grove looks like today (Thursday, November 2nd).
Leaves are falling quickly, forming a golden carpet underfoot. A few trees are still holding onto their leaves.
The best time to see golden ginkgoes at Blandy is usually late October - early November, although there is some variation in timing from year to year.
Stay tuned to our website, Facebook, and Instagram for regular updates on the state of the Grove, and check out this important information on our website as you plan your visit: https://blandy.virginia.edu/fall-2023-ginkgo-info
October 26, 2023
New traffic pattern Friday, Oct. 27 (AM) - Sunday, Oct. 29 (PM)
No vehicle traffic to Ginkgo Grove via Tuleyries Lane.
October 5, 2023
2023 GINKGO WATCH- (MOSTLY) STILL GREEN!
September 20, 2023
The Ginkgo Grove undergoes a magical transformation each Fall as the leaves transition from green to gold. Here's what the Ginkgo Grove looks like this week (September 18-24).
September 19, 2023
Heads up! VDOT will be repaving Blandy's main entrance road this week. While cars will be able to enter Blandy from Route 50 while the crew is working, there may be delays.
August 31, 2023
Thanks to our partners at Winchester Community StoryWalks® , we're ready to roll out a brand new (bilingual!) StoryWalk®---Señorita Marip
August 23, 2023
The two public bathrooms at the Quarters building will be closed due to renovations over the next few weeks. We can't wait to show off the new and improved restrooms in September!
Plein Air at the Arboretum 2023 is the State Arboretum of Virginia's inaugural plein air event. This four-day event begins on Wednesday, Se
August 4, 2023
July 25, 2023
WILD ASANA: ANIMALS, YOGA, AND CONNECTING OUR PRACTICE TO THE NATURAL WORLD
July 21, 2023
Tonight's outdoor screening of the nature documentary Wings of Life has been rescheduled due to a power outage that is expected to last through the evening. So sorry for the inconvenience!
June 28, 2023
Plein Air at the Arboretum 2023 is the State Arboretum of Virginia's inaugural plein air event. NOVA Plein Air Artists is proud and honored to partner wi
A wall comes alive with a frenzy of digger bees! Come check out the action. Click for more information.
May 11, 2023
Thanks to our partners at Winchester Community StoryWalks® , we're ready to roll out a brand new (bilingual!) StoryWalk®---Forest: ¡salve
April 28, 2023
The State Arboretum of Virginia Names the 2023 Tree of the Year: Allegheny Serviceberry
March 13, 2023
AL GORE’S CLIMATE REALITY PROJECT – UPDATES ON A CHANGING WORLD
2:00-4:00 PM | Sunday, April 16th
March 6, 2023
Several star magnolia trees can be found blooming in the Magnolia family section of the arboretum. Find their flowing white blooms beginning mid-March.
February 10, 2023
We've teamed up with Winchester Community StoryWalks® to create a brand new StoryWalk® at Blandy!
A sign of spring on a wintery day! The winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is blooming along the stone wall on Dogwood Lane.
February 20, 2024
Applications are due now. Join us and thousands of plant enthusiasts for this Mother’s Day Weekend tradition! Learn more and a
December 15, 2022
Announcement- Thursday Cool Conifers program rescheduled due to weather.
October 17, 2022
Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) students Lindsey Monteith and Skye Austin were recognized with Tom Callahan Undergraduate Research Awards.
October 19, 2022
Blandy has a suprising connection to pawpaw royalty. The pawpaw (Asima triloba) produces the largest edible fruit native to North America.
September 1, 2022
It’s back-to-school time, and Blandy’s environmental education team has some book recommendations that en
August 29, 2022
Sick plant at home? Want help with a diagnosis?
August 22, 2022
Join us for the Butterflies in your Backyard program Saturday, August 27th from 10:00-11:30 to learn all about native butterflies!
July 18, 2022
Blandy’s Ginkgo Grove attracts thousands of visitors each fall – many of whom are visiting Blandy for the first time.
Milkweed is the sole host plant for the caterpillars of the beautiful, threatened monarch butterfly and efforts to preserve this butterfly have brought this once overlooked plant into the public consciousness.
June 1, 2022
The State Arboretum of Virginia has named the American Sycamore as its 2022 Tree of the Year. The sycamore was selected for its value as one of the largest trees in the eastern U.S.
June 2, 2022
Summertime is a great time to take advantage of a program, workshop or walk at Blandy!
More than 300 gardens participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP) with the American Horticulture Association. One of the benefits of your current FOSA membership is special admission privileges and discounts at participating gardens throughout North America.
May 27, 2022
As the temperature warms up and things start blooming, are you itching to visit some of the beautiful gardens around your home or while you’re travelling?
With a breathtakingly beautiful view of the Native Plant Trail meadow and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Peetwood Pavilion for Environmental Education has become one of the most popular locations at
February 2, 2022
Update: This StoryWalk® was removed at the end of February. Stay tuned for more seasonal StoryWalks® in the future!
April 1, 2022
Take a "Hot Chocolate Hike" or try "Birding for Beginners" at Blandy! Registration is open for our popular Winter/Spring workshops, programs and walks.
A very large section in the eastern end of the arboretum fell out of active management in the 1980s, and has since become covered in invasive buckthorn and autumn olive trees that provide little fo
January 27, 2022
The Blandy Book Club will meet virtually on Thursday, January 27 to discuss "Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures" by Merlin Sheldrake.
November 1, 2021
Blandy Partners with the Clifton Institute for Local Plant Conservation
December 15, 2021
Plant Experts from Blandy Experimental Farm Caution Against Using Boxwood Clippings in Holiday Decorating
Blandy arborist Chris Schmidt warns that boxwood clippings can spread boxwood blight fungus in recent article in The Winchester Star.
That's all, folks! As of Thursday, November 11th, 95%+ of the trees in the Ginkgo Grove have dropped their leaves. We can look forward to enjoying the austere beauty of the Grove over the coming winter months.
Here's what the Ginkgo Grove looks like Monday, November 8th. It's been a strange fall for our ginkgoes. We estimate that ~50-75% of the ginkgo leaves have fallen, many while still green in color. Could a warm October followed by 5 consecutive days of low temperatures be to blame?
September 29, 2021
Planning a trip to Blandy? Check out these resources to learn about the birds you might encounter during your visit!
May 28, 2021
Clarke County students are making a difference in our watershed!
May 1, 2021
Our watershed education project, funded by NOAA’s Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program, is nationally highlighted in
May 4, 2021
Pawpaw Is 2021 State Arboretum Tree of the Year
Native tree produces large, edible fruit
April 8, 2021
WILDFLOWER IDENTIFICATION WEBINAR
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8
The winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) has emerged from the cold ground, letting us know spring is on the way despite a snowy, cold forecast.
February 16, 2021
Our spring programs include wildflower identification walks, a full moon walk, stargazing with the Shenandoah Astronomical Society, and more.
February 8, 2021
A lot of us would like to forget 2020 entirely. But for birders, the year featured some memorable sightings.
February 8, 2021
At the end of 2020, the State Arboretum of Virginia counted 29 Virginia State Champion trees among its collection, and eight more were in the top three.
January 25, 2021
The steam distribution system in the Quarters building at Blandy probably dates back to 1941. As was often the case at the time, some of the steam pipes, primarily in the attic, were insulated wit
December 16, 2020
This fall, the Garden Club of Virginia honored Candace Lutzow-Felling, Blandy's Director of Education, with a Conservation Educator Award citing her "superlative leadership skills in devleoping co
December 16, 2020
Winter has come, and plants have gone dormant. The arboretum's herbaceous specimens have reatreated belowground, and the deciduous trees have shed their coats of green and gold.
December 7, 2020
In 2015, Earyn McGee was an undergraduate student at Howard University who spent her summer at Blandy studying the effects of pharmaceutical drugs on aquatic insects.
December 5, 2020
10-11:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 21
10-11:30 a.m.
Saturday, December 5
December 1, 2020
Virtual Conifer ID & Holiday Party
Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 3 PM EST – 4:30 PM
Blandy is proud to introduce our new Director of Scientific Engagement, Dr. Ariel Firebaugh. Blandy's Director of Public Programs, Dr. Steve Carroll, retired last October. We decided to reimagine the position, and the name change reflects the evolution of public programming that occurred during Steve's tenure.Blandy is proud to introduce our new Director of Scientific Engagement, Dr. Ariel Firebaugh. Blandy's Director of Public Programs, Dr. Steve Carroll, retired last October. We decided to reimagine the position, and the name change reflects the evolution of public programming that occurred during Steve's tenure.