American Horticultural Society Looks Back With 50 Years At River Farm

FORT HUNT, VA — The American Horticultural Society is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary at River Farm, which was under the threat of private development before being taken off the real estate market.

The national organization, which promotes excellence in gardening, will celebrate 50 years at the landmark at 7931 E. Boulevard Drive in Fort Hunt during a Sept. 23 gala fundraising event at 6 p.m. Laura Dowling, an American Horticultural Society board member who previously served as the White House's chief floral designer, is the gala chair. Renowned interior and garden designer Charlotte Moss will be the honorary chair of the event and will receive the American Horticultural Society's National Achievement Award. In addition, the organization will give its Liberty Hyde Bailey Award to horticulturalist Claire Sawyers, director of the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College.

Along with the gala, the American Horticultural Society is celebrating the 50th anniversary at River Farm with other community activities and events. On Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the community can bring their own picnic and enjoy live music in the gardens.

Earlier in 2023, the organization reintroduced its "Conversations with Great American Gardeners" webinar series, where experts provide gardening tips on various topics. River Farm also hosted a "Music at the Manor" live music event earlier this summer.

River Farm Saved From Development Threat

The celebration comes nearly two years after River Farm was taken off the real estate market. In fall 2020, the American Horticultural Society had listed River Farm for $32.9 million, citing financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

River Farm, which was once one of George Washington's farms, was purchased by the American Horticultural Society in 1973.

Philanthropist and former board member Enid Annenberg Haupt gave the organization a $1 million gift to purchase the property, as it was under threat of being bought by the Russian government.

When the American Horticultural Society put River Farm up for sale in 2020, local residents and officials raised concerns about River Farm not remaining publicly accessible and being privately developed. The Save River Farm movement maintained that Enid Annenberg Haupt's financial gift under the condition of keeping the grounds accessible to the public.

When the American Horticultural Society listed River Farm for sale in fall 2020, the organization argued that wasn't a condition but that River Farm was kept publicly accessible anyway.

But after the American Horticultural Society saw changes in staff and board members, the organization's tone changed. River Farm was taken off the market in fall 2021, and the newly-configured board and leadership promised to seek a long-term future at River Farm with community support.

The American Horticultural Society took River Farm off the market after the board could not come to an agreement on selling the property, including offers from NOVA Parks with Northern Virginia Conservation Trust to protect River Farm.

Other offers presented the threat of private development if the board would have sold to the highest bidder. According to the American Horticultural Society, an unknown group of investors presented an offer that would have removed public access to the property. The board rejected that offer.

Fundraising for River Farm's Future

Now that the American Horticultural Society has pledged to remain at River Farm, it is relying on fundraising to continue operating there. One of those major fundraisers will be the River Farm 50th anniversary gala on Sept. 23.

Attendees will enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing with the backdrop of River Farm's gardens. Moss, the event's honorary chair, is the author of 11 books, including the upcoming "Women in Horticulture" to be published in 2025. That book will have a chapter on Enid Annenberg Haupt, who helped the American Horticultural Society buy River Farm. Moss has received honors like the New York School of Interior Design's Centennial Medal and the Royal Oak Foundation's Timeless Design Award and is an active philanthropist.

"With her outstanding record of accomplishment in creating elegant and timeless interiors and gardens as well as her achievements as a prolific author of beautiful books on design, she inspires all of us to incorporate beauty in our everyday lives," said American Horticultural Society board member Dowling. "And, as a native Virginian who understands the importance of preserving our state’s cultural and natural heritage, she is an ideal ambassador to help us make the case that both AHS and River Farm are national treasures that deserve our ongoing support."

Gala tickets start at $395, while the after party at 9 p.m. costs $150. Visit the gala's website for more information.