Spring Blooms With Activities for Plant Lovers

Spring is a time to take advantage of lectures, workshops and tours. These are free unless otherwise noted. Call ahead to see if registration is required.

The District

-- Through May 29: Exhibit by botanical artist and scientist Andrea Ottesen combines plants and art in photographic portraits of native flora. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE, 202-245-4521, http://www.usna.usda.gov.

-- Through June 13: Spring garden tours offered on a first-come, first-served basis Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and on "Serene Sundays" at 2:30 p.m. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, 202-686-5807, http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org.

-- Through Oct. 31 (except August): Washington National Cathedral Garden Tours. Explore the Bishop's Garden Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Meet at Herb Cottage. Washington National Cathedral, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW, 202-537-2304, http://www.allhallowsguild.com.

-- May 9: Annual Georgetown Garden Tour. Visit eight private gardens within easy walking distance of each other. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., rain or shine. $35 day of event. Purchase tickets at 31st and O streets NW. 202-965-1950, http://www.georgetowngardentour.com.

-- May 9-17: Northern Virginia Bonsai Society Exhibit. Display of creations from private collections, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. National Arboretum. Demonstration and question-and-answer session about bonsai May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Arboretum.

-- May 10: Azalea collection walking tour. Take a tour through thousands of blooming azaleas, and learn about their origins and get expert advice. 10 a.m.-noon. $19. National Arboretum.