American Horticultural Society

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As an ADVOCATE: Support the cause…

OUR MISSION: To inspire a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that creates and sustains healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet.

INSPIRING A CULTURE OF GARDENING: Founded in 1922, the American Horticultural Society is one of the oldest and most respected national horticultural nonprofit organizations in North America. Uniting more than 22,000 members, from budding beginners to horticultural professionals and partner organizations, the AHS fosters a diverse community committed to advancing gardening knowledge and practices. AHS is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia at River Farm, a historic property overlooking the Potomac River that is part of George Washington’s original farmland.

Support American Horticultural Society… by simply getting acquainted here:

https://ahsgardening.org/

As a VENUE: Host your event…

AN EXTRAORDINARY VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

River Farm, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is one of the most desired riverside wedding and event venues in the Washington, DC area. Located just four miles south of Old Town Alexandria and spanning 27 acres, this historic intimate setting includes: * formal and informal gardens * a manor-style house * beautifully draped tent, and * sprawling lawns overlooking the Potomac River—an ideal location for your: * Weddings * Private Events * Corporate Meetings & Retreats * Children’s Birthday Parties * Milestone Birthdays & Anniversaries * Bridal & Baby Showers * Bar/Bat Mitzahs * Memorial Services * Military Ceremonies * Nonprofit Events * Galas and * More. Nine distinctive spaces are available:

GARDEN WALK: A picturesque haven where a charming brick pathway leads to a beautiful trellis pergola, surrounded by a vibrant and ever-changing tapestry of seasonal plants. Our most popular location for wedding ceremonies and elopements.
- Capacity: 250 guests seated or 300 standing
HISTORIC OSAGE ORANGE TREE: A romantic and serene oasis surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms. The garden’s centerpiece is a magnificent 200-year-old Osage orange tree, the second oldest in the country. Perfect for a unique nature-inspired wedding ceremony or garden party.
- Capacity: 160 guests seated
THE RIVER VIEW: A breathtaking backdrop of stunning natural beauty along the Potomac River, complemented by a stately old Black Walnut Tree just beyond our ha-ha wall, remnants from the property’s 18^th century landscape. (Note: requires hauling equipment down to the meadow).
- Capacity: 500 guests seated or standing
THE GRANDE FORECOURT: A stunning wedding space with lush grass, a circular stone pathway, sweeping vistas of the Potomac River, and the grandeur of the Manor House. This iconic location offers the flexibility to create a ceremony that perfectly reflects your unique style, making it an unforgettable choice for your special day.
- Capacity: 250 guests seated or 300 standing
THE PARLOR: A warm and inviting space flooded with natural light and stunning vista of the Potomac River. Antique furniture, along with a baby grand piano and local artwork adorning the walls, adds character and charm. It’s an ideal place for a bridal suite or groom’s retreat, providing a peaceful and private space for the bride or groom to prepare.
- Capacity: 25 guests seated or standing
THE BALLROOM: An elegant and versatile room bathed in the glow of a stunning chandelier and framed by local artwork. With AV capabilities, the Ballroom is perfect for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours and can easily accommodate dancing, dessert stations and even an ice sculpture. Sophisticated and flexible, it’s the ideal setting for an unforgettable wedding day.
- Capacity: 50 guests at tables / 60 seated theater-style, or 80 standing
THE SLATED PATIO: An exquisite outdoor setting under a climate-controlled tent for the majority of the year. With elegant chandeliers, perimeter bistro lighting, and adjustable Palladian window sidewalls that open to the surrounding landscape, this space offers both beauty and functionality. Ideal for the wedding reception with seated dinner and dancing, the Slated Patio is a stunning choice that blends nature with comfort and style.
- Capacity: 160 guests or 240 with expansion
THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN: A whimsical setting featuring themed areas to captivate and entertain young imaginations. Perfect for children’s birthday parties.
- Capacity: 50 guests, including parents
THE GARDEN CALM: A serene oasis surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms. The garden’s centerpiece is a magnificent 200-year-old Osage orange tree, one of the largest in the country. Perfect for a memorial service, military ceremony or intimate gathering.
- Capacity: 30 guests seated or standing
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART: For photographers and artists of all kinds looking to capture natural beauty, there’s no place quite like River Farm. The Manor House is also an ideal location for artists to display their work for thousands of visitors to see each year. For photography sessions, art classes, or artists seeking outdoor inspiration, River Farm is unmatched. Reservations and permits are required for a nominal fee. We also host art exhibits by local artists on a rotating basis.

Support American Horticultural Society… by simply booking your next special occasion here:

https://ahsgardening.org/river-farm-rentals/

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

ESSENTIAL GARDENING REFERENCE BOOKS: Expand your gardening creativity and horticultural knowledge through our authoritative book collection.

Support American Horticultural Society… by simply purchasing your speciality merchandise here:

https://ahsgardening.org/books/

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

Membership

BECOME AN AHS MEMBER AND BE PART OF AMERICA’S GARDENING COMMUNITY! Enjoy special Members-only benefits while supporting our work to inspire a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that creates and sustains healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet.

All AHS Members Enjoy the Following Membership Privileges:

Free admission, discounts, and other reciprocal membership benefits at almost 400 public gardens and arboreta throughout North America through the AHS Garden Network
Subscription to our award-winning Member magazine, American Gardener, published six times a year, and access to our online archives dating back to 1922
Advance notice and discounts on dozens of expert-led educational opportunities – both online and in-person – through our AHS LIVE and Self-Paced Online Learning programs
Priority registration for extraordinary tours of the world’s finest gardens with the AHS Travel Study program
Discounts on admission to AHS-produced events like our annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium and the annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm
Seasonal discounts on products and services offered by AHS Partners

Membership at specified levels is offered: * Senior * Individual * Dual/Family * Contributing * Benefactor * Patron, and * President’s Council.

Donation

SUPPORT THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: Your gift helps AHS nurture the connection between people, plants, and the world around us. Together, we can grow gardens, knowledge, and communities that thrive

Your tax-deductible gift helps the American Horticultural Society continue inspiring and educating plant enthusiasts on gardening practices that foster healthy, vibrant communities and a livable planet. With your support, our work can continue through valuable initiatives like Lifelong Learning, the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, American Gardener magazine, and more.

Alternatively, you can direct your gift toward the stewardship of River Farm, supporting the maintenance of our historic headquarters, a welcoming space overlooking the Potomac River where visitors can connect with nature.

Donations at specified amounts are designated or you may customize your gifts. You may donate on behalf of a business, organization, or in memory, honor, or tribute to a special person or occasion. Recurring gifts are greatly appreciated. Employer matched gifts are welcomed.
Join the President’s Council: Lead the way in championing horticulture. Gardening has the power to transform lives—connecting people with nature, strengthening communities, and creating healthier, more beautiful spaces for all. The AHS’ President’s Council is a group of dedicated supporters who believe in this impact and help ensure that gardening continues to enrich lives across the country. Membership at specified levels is offered: * Founder’s * Liberty Hyde Bailey * Haupt * Sustainer’s, and * Member.
Give through a Donor Advised Fund: A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) allows individuals to make charitable contributions and receive an immediate tax deduction. The funds are managed by a DAF custodian, and the donor can recommend grants to their preferred nonprofit organizations. Donors can contribute to the fund over time and recommend grants to charities at their discretion, providing flexibility in their giving strategy.
Donate Stock (Gifts of stocks, securities, & mutual funds): Many people choose to give stocks, securities, or mutual funds instead of gifts of cash. Giving appreciated assets like these help you avoid paying capital gains taxes, and can give you an income tax deduction for the full value of the gift, if you’ve had the assets for more than one year. Give appreciated assets now and enjoy the benefits, or add us as a beneficiary of these assets and eliminate estate and inheritance tax, making the most of your gift.
Qualified Charitable Distributions from your IRA: A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-efficient way for individuals who are age 70 ½ or older to make gifts directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA). QCDs can count towards satisfying an individual’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year, which is the minimum amount that an individual must withdraw from their IRA each year once they reach age 73.
Legacy Gifts: Planned giving allows your love for gardening to flourish for generations to come. By including the American Horticultural Society in your estate plans, you ensure the growth of programs that inspire future gardeners. Your legacy gift will help sustain AHS’s mission, nurturing a greener, more vibrant world for all.

AHS Annual Gala: Sponsorship at specified levels is offered: * Garden * Bouquet * Bloom * Blossom * Bud, and Seed.

Volunteering: We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities that vary throughout the year. Whether you love to engage with the public, work with young people, or help maintain River Farm’s beautiful gardens, we have a volunteer role for you. Opportunities include:

Horticulture: Assist AHS staff with garden tasks, including planting, weeding, invasive removal, and data collection for plants. General garden maintenance occurs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Special Events: Participate in the planning and staffing of AHS public events.
Education: Help lead children’s activities in the Children’s Garden or help enhance and maintain the Children’s Garden.
Administrative Projects: Assist AHS staff in a variety of office tasks.
Creative Support: Provide AHS with support in design, photography, music and other artistic opportunities.
Maintenance: Help AHS with many building maintenance tasks.