Green Spring Gardens to Host Cherry Blossom Festival Themed Events

If you want to celebrate the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival a little closer to home than Washington, DC, you’re in luck: Green Spring Gardens is hosting a handful of events in honor of the festival.

Green Spring Gardens is located in Alexandria, just outside of Annandale near the Pinecrest Shopping Center on Braddock Road.

This year, the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 101st anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan, according to a press release from the festival. The festival runs from March 20-April 14.

The National Park Service announced on Monday that peak bloom for the cherry blossoms will be from March 26 to March 30.

What: Japanese Garden Design
When: Saturday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Why go: Horticulturalist Sandy Flowers will teach attendees which essentials are needed to create a Japanese style garden.
Cost: $20

What: Tasting Party: Umami Means 'Delicious'
When: Saturday, April 6 and Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m.
Why go: Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival by learning more about umami and its history in Japanese cuisine. Attendees will learn how to us umami in their cooking.
Cost: $27

What: Workshop: Ikebana Flower Arranging
When: Saturday, April 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Why go: Attendees will learn about the symbolism of kebana Japanese art flower arrangement. Floral material and containers are included in the $20 fee.
Cost: $20
Registration is required by Thursday, March 28 by calling 703-642-5173.

Patch will update this article if additional events are announced.