The American Horticultural Society

Call Directions Website

The American Horticultural Society We aim to inspire a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that creates and sustains healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet.

Fostering innovation and passion for gardening and horticultural excellence nationwide for over 100 years, the American Horticultural Society (AHS) serves as the country’s most respected and longstanding gardening organization. The Society’s membership includes over 22,000 avid gardeners and horticultural professionals, as well as numerous regional and national partner organizations. Through its educational programs, awards, and publications, AHS connects people to gardening, raises awareness of earth-friendly gardening practices, introduces children to plants, and showcases the art and science of horticulture. AHS is headquartered at River Farm, 25-acre site overlooking the Potomac River that is part of George Washington’s original farmlands in Alexandria, Virginia.

🌿🍓What if some of the best flavors aren't found in a grocery store? ⁠⁠In our September/October issue, James Beard Award-...
10/14/2026

🌿🍓What if some of the best flavors aren't found in a grocery store? ⁠
⁠
In our September/October issue, James Beard Award-winning creator Alexis Nikole Nelson (BlackForagerr) gives a look into her new book, "Happy Snacking, Don't Die". She shares how foraging connects people not only to food, but also to nature, heritage, and community. From gathering edible plants with her mother as a child, to inspiring millions online to look more closely around at the world around them, Nelson makes the case that foraging is less about survival and more about curiosity, connection, and stewardship. ⁠
⁠
She also tackles common misconceptions about foraging, discusses the role of social media in nature education, and reflects on how wild foods may become increasingly important in a changing climate. ⁠
⁠
Read the full interview on our website to discover why Nelson believes learning what's growing around us can change our perspective on our neighborhoods, communities, and food. ⁠
⁠
Not a member yet? Join today and get a copy of this magazine delivered straight to your door.

Scientists are uncovering an unexpected role for bryophytes, including mosses: helping solve crimes. Since many moss spe...
10/12/2026

Scientists are uncovering an unexpected role for bryophytes, including mosses: helping solve crimes. Since many moss species only grow in highly specific habitats, they can provide valuable clues about location, timing, and environmental conditions. In one case, moss found on a suspect's shoes helped investigators narrow a search area from seven countries to roughly 50 square feet. ⁠
⁠
After examining 150 years of case history, researchers found that bryophytes have contributed to forensic investigations around the world, offering evidence that can help connect people, places, and events. Their work is also a reminder that some of the most overlooked plants may hold more scientific value than previously thought. ⁠
⁠
For more horticultural news, check out the "News" section of our July/August issue on our website. ⁠
⁠
Not a member yet? Join AHS and get a copy of this magazine delivered straight to your door.

10/10/2026

We hope you will Join David Haskell David George Haskell and Holly Shimizu Holly at this Inaugural President’s council salon event for good company and conversation!

Where: Norton Manor | Potomac, MD

When: October 21st, 11:15am

Tickets are available at ahsgardening.org. And at our link in bio.

Will it ever stop? ⁠⁠
10/10/2026

Will it ever stop? ⁠
⁠

Want to bring color into your home this winter? Try succession planting! 🪻⁠⁠We're looking back to last fall when we dove...
10/08/2026

Want to bring color into your home this winter? Try succession planting! 🪻⁠
⁠
We're looking back to last fall when we dove into the brass tacks of forcing blooms with AHS Senior Director of Horticulture, Matt Mattus. With the autumn season quickly approaching in many parts of the country, we're bringing you some tips on growing bulbs indoors throughout the cold season. ⁠
⁠ ⁠
🔍️ Start looking for your bulbs in early fall. Catalogs are a great place to source bulbs, but you can also check your local nurseries. ⁠ ⁠
⁠ ⁠
🪴 Are your bulbs prechilled? You can pot these immediately and store them in a cool spot (around 40°F). ⁠ ⁠
⁠ ⁠
❄️ Not prechilled? Start chilling as soon as they arrive. Many bulbs need a vernalization period—this will mimic winter and prevent premature sprouting. ⁠ ⁠
⁠ ⁠
🐿️ Prevent critter damage by topping outdoor pots with stones or chicken wire. ⁠ ⁠
⁠ ⁠
🪻 Pack in your bulbs tightly. They love to be shoulder to shoulder. You can also layer them in tiers for a mini indoor garden. ⁠ ⁠
⁠ ⁠
💧 You can top your pot with pea gravel or aquarium stone for an aesthetic finish and to prevent soil from splashing out while watering. ⁠ ⁠
⁠ ⁠
⁠ ⁠
Want more details on how to force winter blooms indoors? We’ve got you covered. For more information, visit “Forcing Winter Blooms” in our 2025 September/October issue on our website. ⁠
⁠
Join AHS and get access to the magazine. Learn more on our website.

The GardenComm 2026 Laurel Media Award winners have been announced, and we’re thrilled to share that the American Hortic...
10/06/2026

The GardenComm 2026 Laurel Media Award winners have been announced, and we’re thrilled to share that the American Horticultural Society earned recognition in several categories! ⁠
⁠
Magazine (Consumer or Trade) ⁠
🏅Gold: American Gardener ⁠
⁠
Magazine & Newspaper Column ⁠
🏅Gold: Grower’s Almanac ⁠
⁠
Book (General Readership) ⁠
🏅Gold: Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening ⁠
🥈Silver: Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening ⁠
⁠
⁠
We can’t wait to continue sharing award-winning content with our readers. Congratulations to all of this year’s Laurel Media Award winners, and thank you to all the writers, editors, photographers, designers, and contributors who help bring American Gardener to life.

Join us for the next AHS LIVE and hear from Dr. Silvia Alvarez-Clare, winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 202...
10/05/2026

Join us for the next AHS LIVE and hear from Dr. Silvia Alvarez-Clare, winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2026 Scientific Award. She'll share the latest research about tree conservation in the Americas.

📅Thursday, October 8, 2-3pm
📍Virtual
💻️Register: ahsgardening.org/ahs-live-tree-conservation-in-the-americas/

As director of the Global Tree Conservation Program at The Morton Arboretum, Dr. Silvia Alvarez-Clare safeguards threatened tree species through science-based conservation work with stakeholders around the world. Her research uses long-term monitoring, experimentation, and ecological techniques to understand how changes in climate, land use, and soil nutrients impact plant communities, particularly trees.

*NATIVE PLANT OF THE WEEK*⁠False Aster or False Chamomile (Boltonia asteroides, Zones 3–9)⁠⁠From a distance, this rhizom...
10/02/2026

*NATIVE PLANT OF THE WEEK*⁠
False Aster or False Chamomile (Boltonia asteroides, Zones 3–9)⁠
⁠
From a distance, this rhizomatous herbaceous perennial can be mistaken for baby’s breath. Up close, its late-season flowers resemble small asters. Though it looks delicate, it’s a vigorous grower and needs space. In the right place and with tough love, it will be an asset in an informal or pollinator garden.⁠
⁠
Native to moist and wet prairies and meadows and along stream banks in eastern and central North America.⁠
⁠
At a Glance⁠
• Grows 4 to 6 feet tall⁠
• Flowers are usually white but may also be pink or purple⁠
• Blooms in late summer to early fall⁠
• Upright habit with airy branch structure⁠
• Narrow, gray-green leaves⁠
⁠
Why Grow It⁠
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators⁠
• Makes a great cut flower⁠
• Not generally bothered by insect pests or deer⁠
⁠
Growing It⁠
• Full sun to part shade⁠
• Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates other soil types⁠
• Prune back by half in late spring or early summer to keep plants shorter and less prone to flopping; otherwise, staking may be needed⁠
• Deadhead flowers to reduce reseeding⁠
• Divide plants every few years to reduce spreading⁠
⁠
Design Tips⁠
• Adds fine texture as a filler plant⁠
• Plant in groups for best effect⁠
• Use at the back of borders⁠
• Great for meadows, where naturalizing is desirable⁠
• Suited for informal gardens, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and cutting gardens⁠
• For small gardens, consider a compact selection such as Boltonia asteroides var. latisquama ‘Snowbank’ or ‘Nana’, which grows 3 to 4 feet tall⁠
⁠
⁠
Photos (all iNaturalist)⁠
Massed by Michael R. Ostrowski⁠
Flowers closeup by psweet⁠
In prairie by Vlad Nevirkovets⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

Join us on October 21 for In the Company of Flowers, our inaugural President’s Council Salon, an intimate afternoon at N...
10/01/2026

Join us on October 21 for In the Company of Flowers, our inaugural President’s Council Salon, an intimate afternoon at Norton Manor in Potomac, Maryland.

Horticulturist and AHS Board member Holly H. Shimizu will sit down with acclaimed author and naturalist David George Haskell for a fascinating conversation exploring the connections between plants, nature, and our lives.

We look forward to an afternoon of inspiring ideas, meaningful conversation, and good company in a beautiful setting.

📅 October 21 | Norton Manor, Potomac, MD
🎟️ Tickets: $300
RSVP today!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuEdiZQZm/

Thanks, photographers. ⁠⁠📸 creds: Unsplash, Олег Мороз; Unsplash, Tony Pham
09/30/2026

Thanks, photographers. ⁠
⁠
📸 creds: Unsplash, Олег Мороз; Unsplash, Tony Pham

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

Telephone

+17037685700

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The American Horticultural Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category