A “bouquet” of postal stamps with spring flower designs
The calendar says spring, but the weather…not so much. Luckily, the National Postal Museum has a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of the season: An indoor Garden Party!
This Saturday and Sunday, April 7-8, from 11am – 4pm, the museum will be full of festivities to welcome spring. Hands-on activities designed to encourage awareness of and appreciation for the natural beauty around us will be spread throughout the space. And special guests from Smithsonian Gardens, Smithsonian Libraries, and several local garden clubs will be on hand to share their love and knowledge of the DC area’s native flowers, trees, and plants.
Here are more details about what you can enjoy at the event:
Gardening Workshop
Learn about ecosystem-friendly planting for gardening aficionados, who will share information about the flora best suited for the region and invasive species to avoid. They’ll also answer questions and share tips to cultivate your own green thumb!
Make a Stamp “Bouquet”
An ample buffet of vintage postage stamps will be available for guests to hand-select their favorites. Use them to make a beautiful floral-themed stamp collection to take home.
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 significance of particular 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!
Design your own stamp!
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
Dig into the rich history and evolution of gardens over time with Smithsonian Libraries, and learn about various kinds of gardens that 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.
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.
Visit the National Postal Museum website for even more information about the Garden Party. And read a KFDC write-up about the destination here.
This post is sponsored by the National Postal Museum, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.
