What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm

River Farm

Name: River Farm
Address: 7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, VA, 22308, US
Telephone: +17037685700
Rating: 4.6

www.ahsgardening.org/riverfarm Follow River Farm on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AHS_RiverFarm and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rvrfarm/.
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Part of George Washington’s original farmland, a 27-acre site overlooking the Potomac River that is headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, a beloved community treasure and award-winning wedding venue. We invite the public to visit River Farm in Alexandria, VA and spend a day enjoying the gardens, scenic setting, and views of the Potomac. Hold your special event here: http://www.ahsgar

dening.org/about-river-farm/facility-rentals/; and volunteer in our gardens: https://www.ahsgardening.org/about-river-farm/volunteering. For info on the national nonprofit AHS, visit https://www.ahsgardening.org/ and follow AHS's social media handles: https://www.facebook.com/americanhorticulturalsociety/; https://twitter.com/AHS_Gardening/; and https://www.instagram.com/am_hort_society/.

06/21/2024

We were honored to have representatives from Dominion Energy visit River Farm to present their contribution that supports our new Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room. A resounding THANK YOU to Dominion Energy! Their generosity will allow us to further our mission of cultivating environmental awareness from an early age. Dominion Energy’s commitment to environmental stewardship, youth education and investing in our community is truly inspiring!

06/19/2024

The American Horticultural Society proudly honors and recognizes Juneteenth National Independence Day, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

AHS and will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. We will reopen for regular hours on Thursday, June 20. River Farm will be open to the public during normal visiting hours.

06/17/2024

We are hiring an Editor for The American Gardener at River Farm! The Editor is a key member of the AHS leadership team and works closely with a national Editorial Advisory Board (EAB).

This role manages the content and oversees design and production of AHS’ award-winning, flagship publication The American Gardener (TAG)

This full-time position works onsite at our River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Find out more about the position and feel free to share.

https://ahsgardening.org/about-us/careers/editor-the-american-gardener/

06/14/2024

We're excited to introduce you to a stunning new addition to our family of gardens at River Farm, the CLARA B. PLEIN MEMORIAL GARDEN, showcasing native plants in a traditional Virginia landscape.

Featuring 2,400 individual plants across 30 species, the Clara B. Plein Memorial Garden consists of 68% native plants and 32% native cultivars. Plants were selected for their ability to support pollinators, create habitat, improve air and soil quality, and provide food for humans and wildlife.

A showcase for horticultural excellence, the garden’s layout was thoughtfully planned around the preservation of existing large trees and five distinct planting areas: woodland deciduous azalea and viburnum plantings, wood’s edge plants, meadow, shrubs and edible garden, and shade garden. Plantings are layered to provide year-round interest through varied colors, textures, and structures.

The immense project was a collaborative effort spearheaded by grandson Scott Plein, Chair of the AHS Board of Directors. The Clara B. Plein Memorial Garden reflects the synergistic achievement and generous support of multiple landscaping and nursery companies from across the region, as well as funding from the White House Farm Foundation. The following companies leveraged their design landscape design and installation capabilities to transform the area into a vibrant, ecologically-minded oasis that will be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

Ruppert Landscaping • KT Enterprises • South Riding Nurseries • Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture • Babikow Nursery • David’s Nursery • Hanover Farms Nursery • Ingleside Nurseries • Kurt Bluemel Nursery • Riverbend Nursery • Sandy’s Plants • Saunders Brothers Nursery • The Perennial Farm • White House Farm Foundation • Willoway Nurseries

Visit soon and experience the beauty and tranquility of the Clara B. Plein Memorial Garden! For more information, visit www.ahsgardening.org/nativegarden.

Ruppert Landscape KT Enterprises Inc. South Riding Nurseries, LLC Babikow Greenhouses Davids Nursery & Landscaping Ingleside Nurseries Kurt Bluemel, Inc. Sandy's Plants Inc. Saunders Brothers, Inc. The Perennial Farm White House Farm Foundation Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

06/13/2024

We are hiring a Director of Membership and Communications for River Farm! Due to the pandemic, interest in gardening has never been higher. We see opportunities to increase our membership with serious gardeners, beginning gardeners, and companies working in the horticultural industry. This role will help to anticipate member needs and ensure excellent customer service and a strong value proposition for AHS members and more.

This full-time position works onsite at our River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Find out more about the position and feel free to share.

https://ahsgardening.org/about-us/careers/director-of-membership-and-communications/

06/12/2024

Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to expand your gardening knowledge and experiences? Look no further! Volunteering at River Farm offers you several opportunities such as offering tours around River Farm, participating in AHS public events, assisting in youth activities, data collection for plants and more!

Plus, River Farm volunteers have the opportunity to participate in occasional educational/fun field trips and get discounted or free access to select AHS/River Farm events.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities below or email [email protected] if you’re interested!

https://ahsgardening.org/volunteer

06/11/2024

We are hiring a Horticultural Communicator at River Farm! This role will serve as a horticultural content specialist to enhance the impact of the American Horticultural Society for AHS members and others interested in horticulture and gardening. This part-time position works onsite at our River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Find out more about the position and feel free to share.

https://ahsgardening.org/about-us/careers/horticultural-communicator/

06/06/2024

This past Saturday was truly special as we celebrated the grand opening of the Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room at River Farm! Over 100 little ones and their parents joined us for a day filled with wonder and discovery.

The shelves were brimming with 1,700+ carefully selected children’s books on gardening and nature, inviting little minds to dive into the magic of the outdoors. Children cozied up with their favorite reads under the shade of trees or inside the charming reading room.

But the fun didn’t stop there! We had Story Time, arts and crafts, face painting, and plenty of playtime in the whimsical Children’s Garden. It was a day where the seeds of a lifelong love for books and nature were planted in the hearts on our future gardeners. 🌱❤️

The Children’s Nature Library is open every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM until August 24. Join us for Story Time at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, plus exciting activities inspired by PlantHeroes.org.

Visit www.ahsgardening.org/library for more details.

Photo Credit: Paul Tukey

06/05/2024

We are hiring an Event and Venue Sales Manager for River Farm! This role serves as a front-line representative and ambassador for River Farm and the American Horticultural Society, developing and implementing strategies to promote the rental of River Farm to potential clients, including individuals, organizations, and businesses for weddings, meetings, parties, receptions, and film and news productions. This full-time position works onsite at our River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Find out more about the position and feel free to share.

https://ahsgardening.org/about-us/careers/event-and-venue-sales-manager/

05/31/2024

What a night! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Sunset Concert featuring Soulfire last night. Despite a few raindrops, the rainbow made an appearance, and we savored the evening with incredible music, stellar views, and great vibes.

A huge thank you to our generous sponsor, Katherine Ward, and the talented Soulfire band for making this event possible. We’re also grateful to Supervisor Dan Storck for his continuous support of River Farm. And a standing ovation to Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company for keeping us well-fed with their fantastic BBQ.

05/31/2024

🗓️ TOMORROW’S THE DAY!

The Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room at River Farm is reopening tomorrow, June 1st, and you’re invited to the grand opening celebration!

From 9am to 1pm, join us for a fun-filled day of face painting, story time, and interactive nature crafts. This extraordinary space for young readers is returning back and better than ever with over 1,700 books all about the wonders of nature and gardening.

Just steps away from the library, little ones can explore our multi-sensory Children’s Garden and find joy in the beauty of our natural world.

The event is FREE and open to the public. Your RSVP is appreciated at www.ahsgardening.org/library.

We can’t wait to see you!

05/29/2024

Friendly reminder that the amazing band Soulfire will be performing at our Sunset Concert TOMORROW!

Don’t miss this FREE evening of great music and beautiful views along the scenic Potomac River. Bring your favorite picnic food and drinks or enjoy delicious BBQ from Rocklands.

Parking is $20. For all details, visit 👉 www.ahsgardening.org/sunsetconcert 👈

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

05/25/2024

Reminder: The Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room at River Farm is reopening NEXT WEEK!

Mark your calendars for the grand opening celebration on June 1st from 9am to 1pm. This dynamic space for young readers is back and better than ever with an incredible collection of over 1,700 books all about nature and gardening.

Join us for a fun-filled day of face painting, story time and interactive nature events. This event is FREE and open to the public. We can’t wait to see you and the little ones there! Your RSVP is appreciated: www.ahsgardening.org/library.

05/22/2024

🔥Sunset Concert Next Thursday

Friendly reminder that the incredible band Soulfire will be setting the stage ablaze at our Sunset Concert next Thursday, May 30, 6pm-8pm.

This outdoor event is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful summer evening. Bring a blanket and picnic basket filled with your favorite foods and drinks, or grab some of the best BBQ ever from Rocklands who will be onsite. Entry is FREE. Parking is $20.

For all the details, head to www.ahsgardening.org/sunsetconcert.

See you there! Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

05/14/2024

🌳Exciting News! The Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room at River Farm is REOPENING!

This dynamic space for young readers, which closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, will once again offer an extraordinary collection of over 1,700 books focused on nature and gardening.

The library will be open every Saturday, 9am to 1pm, beginning June 1st through August 24th. Mark your calendars!

Join us for the GRAND OPENING on June 1st! 🎉 From 9am – 1pm, we’ll have all sorts of celebratory activities including face painting, story time, and interactive nature crafts. The event is FREE and open to the public.

To learn more and RSVP for the Grand Opening, visit www.ahsgardening.org/library.

04/29/2024

Thank you to everyone who has supported River Farm through Spring2ACTion! With your support, we were able to exceed our goal. Your generosity means the world to us!

Visit us at spring2action.org/organizations/riverfarm to view the campaign.

04/26/2024

We are excited to participate in the 6th Annual Environment Expo tomorrow, 11am – 3pm, at Fort Hunt Park. Stop by our booth and say hello!

04/24/2024

Today is Spring2ACTion, a historic day for the community to support Alexandria nonprofits and GIVE BIG! Help us reach our goal of $5,000!

- Support a sustainable future for this spectacular Alexandria historic property.

- Create vibrant and healthy habitats for the flora and fauna of River Farm along the banks of the Potomac River.

- Ignite interest and excitement about gardening in River Farm’s Children’s Nature Library & Reading Room (opening in June 2024!).

- Help build accessible pathways throughout the property.

- Support student internships at River Farm.

We’ve seen the amazing things that can happen when our community comes together to give back! You can support our campaign by donating at www.spring2action.org/organizations/riverfarm. Thank you for taking part in this day with us, we are grateful for your generosity and support!

04/22/2024

Today is Earth Day! EarthDay.org provided a few fascinating facts about plants.

Did You Know?
- Plants are one of Earth’s most essential species. Every living thing – either indirectly or directly – is supported by plants.

- The contributions of plants are numerous, from the food we eat to the medicines we use and the oxygen we breathe.

- There are over 390,000 known different species of plants, with 2,000 new species discovered annually.

- Around 8,800 different plant species are threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Photo Credit: Paul Turkey at our River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia

04/21/2024

We are thrilled to be hosting a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of River Farm, headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS), on May 6, at 10:30am. This event is part of the AHS Lifelong Learning Educational Session programming.

Dive deeper into the northern-most of George Washington’s five properties. Led by Tammy Burke, the garden’s horticulturist, this tour will explore the innovative and evolving plant choices, designs, and care of the property. Learn about new plantings and historic trees while enjoying the scenic view of the Potomac River.

This special event is exclusive for AHS members. Purchase tickets at www.ahsgardening.org/lifelong-learning.

Not a member yet? No worries! Membership starts as low as $35 per year. Join today at www.ahsgardening.org/join.

04/19/2024

The wonders of nature.

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ – also known as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick or Corkscrew Hazel – often goes unnoticed until the leaves shed, showcasing its dramatic dangling catkin flowers and twisted, contorted branches. A favorite at River Farm.

Photo credit: Paul Tukey

04/18/2024

We are so excited to be participating in Virginia Historic Garden Week on April 20 as a place of interest in the Old Town Alexandria tour, hosted by Hunting Creek Garden Club and garden Club of Alexandria. Please stop by between 10am – 1pm and enjoy our beautiful gardens! We will also be providing tours of our historic Manor House where Tobias Lear once lived.

Tickets for Historic Garden Week can be purchased at www.vagardenweek.org.

04/17/2024

Let’s show everyone that Alexandria is full of generosity! By April 24, 2024, help us celebrate Spring2ACTion! Please help us strengthen our deep commitment to preserving River Farm and honoring Enid Haupt’s visionary gift 51 years ago to keep River Farm open for public use and accessible to all. We strive to create a welcoming space where people can connect with nature and where we live the American Horticultural Society’s mission every day.

Visit www.spring2action.org/organizations/riverfarm to learn more and support our ongoing initiatives! You can also visit spring2action.org and search for “River Farm”.

04/16/2024

Just another beautiful day at River Farm.

Photo Credit: Paul Tukey

04/14/2024

Happy National Gardening Day!

Today is the day to get your hands dirty! Whether you have your own yard, a small balcony or just a window with sunshine and a container, there are so many ways to grow your own little oasis.

Gardening is not only a relaxing hobby, but it also has many benefits for our health and environment. Tending to plants can reduce stress, improve air quality, and provide us with fresh, nutritious produce.

So, on this special day, why not plan a gardening activity? You could plant some new flowers or herbs, tend to your vegetable patch, or simply spend some time weeding and mulching. Gardening is a wonderful way to get outside, get a little exercise, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Address

7931 E Boulevard Dr
Alexandria, VA
22308

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 1pm

Telephone

+17037685700

Website

http://www.ahsgardening.org/riverfarm

Alerts

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Videos

a beautiful snowy day at River Farm

#BTS as we prepare for the #AHSGala2023 tomorrow! 🌺 Meet “Teal,” a 1963 Ford F100 Fleetside, who is in the early stages of being transformed by an elite team of guest floral designers into a seasonal display of bountiful harvest blooms! 🚙 “Teal” appears courtesy of Jamie and Anne Craig, Beechtree Group Conservation Consultants.

Flower delivery day!!!🌻✨🌷 #RiverFarmVA #AHSgardening

Thank you to everyone who supported River Farm during the Spring2ACTion campaign. As the American Horticultural Society celebrates 50 years at River Farm, our commitment to this land remains as steadfast as ever. Your support helps us to continue to cultivate this magnificent property and ensure it remains a local treasure. We appreciate your generosity.

The 5th Annual 5th Annual Environment Expo at Fort Hunt Park has started! Come on down and visit our booth! #EarthDay2023

2023 SPRING GARDEN MARKET AT HISTORIC RIVER FARM!

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY AT RIVER FARM!!! Garden enthusiast? Love to shop? Check out the Spring Garden Market at Historic River Farm today until 4pm! 35+ VENDORS featuring plant, seed & garden accessory retailers・nature-focused artists, authors & gardening experts・food trucks・fun for the whole family! More info and directions at: https://streamyard.com/uwz85b8xsy TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR Walk-ups: $5 per individual Parking: $20 per car, including all passengers FREE for AHS Members and Participants of Alexandria Historic Garden Week

AHS RIVER FARM SPRING GARDEN MARKET

SPRING GARDEN MARKET 2023 IS HERE! The gates are open at Historic River Farm to mark the beginning of our famous two-day Spring Garden Market, today through Saturday. You'll find 35+ awesome vendors featuring beautiful plants, crafts, and even an Alpaca or two for the kiddos. It couldn't be a more beautiful day to enjoy River Farm, and you'll find convenient parking, too. Come out and support River Farm and help us make this year's Garden Market fun and memorable! TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR Walk-ups: $5 per individual Parking: $20 per car, including all passengers FREE for AHS Members and Participants of Alexandria Historic Garden Week 35+ VENDORS featuring plant, seed & garden accessory retailers・nature-focused artists, authors & gardening experts・food trucks・fun for the whole family! More info at: https://streamyard.com/uwz85b8xsy

2023 Historic River Farm Market

SPRING GARDEN MARKET 2023 IS HERE! We're just moments away from 10 AM, when the gates open at Historic River Farm to mark the beginning of our famous two-day Spring Garden Market, today through Saturday. You'll find 35+ awesome vendors featuring beautiful plants, crafts, and even an Alpaca or two for the kiddos. It couldn't be a more beautiful day to enjoy River Farm, and you'll find convenient parking, too. Come to support River Farm and help us make this year's Garden Market fun and memorable! TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR Walk-ups: $5 per individual Parking: $20 per car, including all passengers FREE for AHS Members and Participants of Alexandria Historic Garden Week 35+ VENDORS featuring plant, seed & garden accessory retailers・nature-focused artists, authors & gardening experts・food trucks・fun for the whole family! Details and directions at https://ahsgardening.org/.../events.../spring-garden-market/

Looking for a fun summer vacation that embraces your passion for gardening? Travel with us to Hampton Court Garden Festival & The Gardens of Southern England, June 26 – July 5. Memorable experiences include: 🌱 Out-of-hours visit to the historic Sissinghurst Castle Gardens accompanied by the Head Gardener 🌱 Tour of the Knepp Estate to learn about the rewilding project and see the new garden by Tom Stuart-Smith 🌱 A morning at Great Dixter with the Head Gardener, Fergus Garrett, and a private lunch in the Yoemans’ Hall 🌱 An exploration of the historic towns of Rye, Arundel and the city of Winchester 🌱 Hampton Court Garden Festival, on the Members’ Day, to see the high quality of show gardens and horticultural exhibitions Reservations are closing soon. For more information or to make reservations, contact Naomi Mermin at (703) 768-5700 ext. 117 or email her at [email protected].

River Farm, your dream wedding location.

A WEDDING IN YOUR FUTURE? Don't miss visiting with River Farm's Wedding Specialist at today's Wedding Expo at the Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University. Learn more about weddings at River Farm with this short video presentation or contact us at (703) 768-5700- Ext. 114.

River Farm threw a volunteer appreciation party for our wonderful volunteers! We want to thank each and every one of them for dedicating their time to River Farm and making it the best that it can be. Learn more about volunteering at https://ahsgardening.org/about-river-farm/volunteering/ or email [email protected].

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ―Albert Camus Enjoying the fall landscape today.

Today's guests at River Farm!

Happy Monday, gardeners! We hope you had a lovely Autumn weekend kicking up leaves instead of raking them and grilling like it was July at the beach. Are you familiar with AHS's Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP)? As you plan your holiday travels, check out the list of AHS RAP gardens and plan a visit to one of 345+ partner gardens throughout the nation. It's a wonderful way to see gardens you would not normally enjoy and often are the perfect place for the grandkids to experience. You can check out the program at: https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/

Happy Monday gardeners! For those on the East Coast and dealing with lots of hurricane-related weather, we hope everyone is safe and your gardens have been spared. Lots of great things this week to share including Seed Your Future Week (www.seedyourfuture.org), a time when we encourage school kids to learn about plants and growing them and about a career in horticulture. Also, remember that the second in our very popular series “Plants & Gardens Happy Hour: Insider Tips and Secrets Webinar Series will happen this Friday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m. Not miss this super fun time so please register at https://connect.ahsgardening.org/virtual-programs/ahs--gardencomm-webinar-series-2. Have a great week in your gardens and post photos of your creations below!!

Good Morning, gardeners ... hope you had a lovely weekend in your gardens! As we prepare our gardens for autumn months (if Autumn is a thing were you live ... wink, wink Hawaii), let us reflect back on what worked well this season and what some of your gardening frustrations have been. Care to share? We'd love to know and see photos of your wonderful creations, too. Also, keep checking here on Facebook today because we have an awesome announcement to make about River Farm that will be worth celebrating, well, on the weekends over! Have a great Monday Gardeners!

THE BIG NIGHT IS ALMOST HERE! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW. 🍾🌼✨🍾🌼✨🍾🌼✨🍾🌼✨🍾🌼✨🍾🌼✨🍾🌼✨🍾🌼✨ Are you ready for the big gala this coming Saturday at River Farm? Got your tickets? Picked the perfect gown? Got that tux pressed? We are only days away from this Saturday's big night of celebration and elegance as we come together to rejoice in AHS's 100 years of public service and the saving of River Farm from certain loss. Check out what River Farm's great friend Monte Durham has to say about the gala and be sure to get your tickets now before they are gone! Visit ahsgardening.org/100gala