Garden Party at The National Postal Museum

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 & SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2018
11 a.m.-4 p.m. (BOTH DAYS)

Celebrate the arrival of spring at the National Postal Museum’s Garden Party!

The festival will occur on Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Activity stations spread throughout the museum are designed to encourage awareness of and appreciation for the natural beauty all around you. Special guests from Smithsonian Gardens, Smithsonian Libraries and several local garden clubs will be on hand to share their love and knowledge of the greater Washington area’s native flowers, trees and plants. Activities include but are not limited to:

Gardening Workshop

Participate in a Gardening Workshop with local experts. These aficionados will teach you about ecosystem-friendly planting by sharing information about the flora best suited for the region and which invasive species to avoid. They will also answer any questions you may have and share tips to cultivate your own green thumb!

Make a Stamp “Bouquet”

Experience the joy of stamp collecting by hand-selecting your favorites from an ample buffet of vintage postage stamps. Make a floral-themed stamp collection and take home your beautiful stamp “bouquet.”

Learn the Language of Flowers

In the Victorian era, the “Language of Flowers” was a popular way to communicate emotions. What did it mean if you received a purple violet from someone? What about a yellow carnation? Learn the particular significance of specific flowers and colors, and practice this unique tradition of expression with specially-made postcards that you can mail right from the museum!

Start a Mini Garden

Get your hands dirty with soil, gardening tools, and the seeds of your favorite flowering plants! Plant a mini “garden” to take home and enjoy a lasting memory of your time at the Postal Museum as your flowers bloom!

Stamp Design Studio

Learn the basics of the stamp design process and explore the diverse subjects featured on U.S. postage stamps. View the original artworks that inspired some of the most popular botanical stamps and design your own stamp, which can be nature-themed or anything else you envision!

The History of Gardens

Gardens can come in all shapes and styles. For example, Victorian gardens during the late 19th century were grand and decorative, featuring flowers and symmetry. Victory gardens–popular during WWI and WWII–were functional and efficient, using every bit of space to grow fruits and vegetables. Dig into the rich history and evolution of gardens over time with Smithsonian Libraries.

Recharging Station

Recharge yourself and your mobile device by our indoor garden. Enjoy a quiet break with topical books for kids and adults, relaxing music and complimentary tea, lemonade and sweet treats while supplies last.