The To Do List

Photo by Tom Lawler.

One way or another, most of you will be hitting the National Arboretum this weekend.  DC is at its full-bloom best right now, and the Arb is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a little bit of everything.  There are plant sales, special tours and even Japanese flower arranging this weekend.  Load up on those allergy meds, grab the picnic blanket and bask in the beauty before the mosquitoes get here.

Thursday
Maybe reading about THIH’s own Kyra getting a makeover has inspired you. Then start the weekend early with Stitch DC’s class where you can learn to sew your own spring wrap skirt. You’ll learn seaming, hemming, pattern design and reading, but do be somewhat familiar with a sewing machine. $45 + materials, 6:45-8:15pm at Stitch DC, 731 8th St, SE.

Also, don’t forget to come out and support The Hill is Home as we take on other DC bloggers in a skeeball tournament at H Street Country Club at 7pm!

Friday
I’ve heard the azaleas at the Arboretum are already amazing. Here’s your first chance of the season for a tour of the Azalea Collection with curator Barbara Bullock. You’ll learn about all aspects of azaleas, including growing tips (maybe I can find out why mine have yet to bloom after three years of love and attention). 10am-noon, 3501 New York Ave, NE. $12/general, $10/FONA members. Registration required.

Saturday
If your spring sporting lifestyle has you looking for some new gear, check out Fitness Together’s “Fitness Fashion Show.” FT is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary with looks from Lucy Active Women’s Wear and food courtesy of Joyful Creations Personal Chef. 11am-2pm at Toyland, 421 H ST, NE. Free, FTCapitolHill[at]fitnesstogether[dot]com.

For those more into still lifes, the Arboretum’s 18th Annual Garden Fair is from 9am-4pm. Rhododendron and azalea blooms will be artfully displayed by members of the Potomac Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. There will be experts on hand and educational presentations throughout the day. Free, 3501 New York Ave, NE.

If you’re down on the Mall taking in the design and gadgetry at the National Sustainable Design Expo, drop in on the “Greener Living” session at 3pm to see THIH’s own Jon Penndorf as part of the Green Public Forum.

Can’t decide whether its more fun to watch a performance or be part of one? Tonight you can do both!  At 7pm, join a flash mob at Eastern Market Metro to learn a dance “appropriately named”: Hitched, Going to the Chapel.  It’s part of the citywide festival Dance is the Answer.  The walk down the aisle ends in front of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop just in time for the 7:30pm performance of “Jon and James Legally Married in Massachusetts in 2005 and the Sky Didn’t Fall” ($20 in advance, $25 at the door, victor@chaw.org, 575 7th St, SE).

Sunday
Just going to brunch is so passé. This Sunday, learn how it’s done! Check out Hill’s Kitchen’s demonstration class “Breakfast Baking,” where you’ll learn the art of the batter to produce crispy waffles, savory waffles, coffee cake and muffins. This class will help you understand the principles behind baking quick breads, and arm you with the knowledge to create your own morning traditions. No clean up required! 11am-1pm, $45, 713 D St, SE.

If you still haven’t made it to the Arboretum by now, stop by Sunday between 1 and 5pm to see Master teachers from the DC chapter of Ikebana International demonstrate ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Free, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE.

The Opera and Ballet in Cinema Series continues at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. This series brings exceptional European operas to DC, presented on screen in HD. Sunday at 2pm you can see Otello by Verdi, performed at the Salzburg Festival. $20, 1333 H St, NE.

Sharee Lawler serves on the board of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop.