March winds and April showers may be putting us all in a spring slump with our beloved cherry blossoms being blown away. But what is spring without gorgeous flowers blooming? I’m going to let you in on a spring secret: there are tons of sprouts and blossoms to make your spring pop with color. So here’s a list of places to get your flower fix, gardening tricks, and plant picks in D.C.

D.C.

U.S. National Arboretum

The Arboretum has 446 acres of plants, shrubs and trees to enjoy all year round, but they also have seasonal events to look out for. The D.C. Chapter of Ikebana International will exhibit flower arrangements with a Japanese twist April 7-16. And they’re celebrating World Bonsai Day on May 5. And if you’re still dead set on seeing some cherry blossoms, the Arboretum has various species with different peak bloom times and a self-guided tour of their cherry blossom trees. If you’re hoping to take some plants home, Friends of the National Arboretum will have a Garden Fair and Plant Sale on April 29. (3501 New York Avenue NE; FREE)

U.S. Botanical Gardens

Screw a cherry blossom, plants at the Botanical Gardens don’t need to wait for it to warm up: it’s been orchid season for weeks! The Botanic Garden has an orchid show in collaboration with the Smithsonian Gardens since February, and it’s running until April 30. And as a living plant museum, you can take a gander at all of the other flowers that are in season this spring – or stroll through the tropical rainforest, even in the depths of winter. (100 Maryland Avenue SW; FREE)

Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens

Hillwood is a decorative art museum with gorgeous gardens perfect for exploring in the springtime. The estate highlights what’s in bloom regularly, with current flowers on display, including orchids, hyacinths, Japanese pieris, star magnolias, and more. For a guided experience, you can sign up for a Gardener’s Focus Tour with their director of horticulture. The next two are coming up on April 11 and April 14. (4155 Linnean Avenue NW; Tickets $18 for adults, $5 for children 6-18)

Georgetown Flower Tour 

On May 13, participants can mosey down Wisconsin Ave, visiting participating small businesses to receive stamps for a Georgetown Flower Tour. At the end of the tour, you will receive as many floral stems as stamps you collected for a floral arranger to build you a custom bouquet (just in time for Mother’s Day, wink wink). (May 13; Wisconsin Avenue; $40)

Virginia

Burnside Farms

At Burnside Farms, they plant more than 150 types of tulips and 30+ varieties of daffodils that bloom for their Festival of Spring! The festival lasts from April 4-26, but varies slightly due to the unpredictability of the weather (check out their field report page to see if it’s a good day to visit). You can pick tulips for $1 per stem and 2 daffodils for $1 to take home (five flowers are included with your admission ticket). Timed-entry tickets are limited and are released every Wednesday at noon. Day-of tickets are available online only. (April 4-26; 11008 Kettle Run Rd., Nokesville; Tickets $19-31 depending on day/time)

Del Ray Gardenfest

Looking for a more hands-on plant experience? On April 23, Del Ray’s Gardenfest offers garden demonstrations, informational booths, and activities. Visitors can learn more about beekeeping, growing native plants, composting, and potentially take home native tree seedlings and fruit/veggie/herb seeds. (April 23 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; 2207 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; FREE) 

Green Spring Gardens

Green Spring Gardens has various events throughout the month for home gardening enthusiasts! On April 8, they’re holding a plant swap to bring them unwanted houseplants, cuttings, and containers for new plants and advice from staff; the event is $15. On April 16, the garden is hosting a flower-pressing workshop also for $15. In May, they’ll celebrate Spring Garden Day with a big plant sale. (4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria; FREE)

Maryland

Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens are 50 acres within Wheaton Regional Park and has multiple gardens, including the Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The tulips are starting to bloom with a mix of species with different peak bloom times to enjoy all spring! The Gardens are free to the public, but visitors need an advance permit for taking photos on the grounds. (1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton; FREE)

McCrillis House and Gardens

Looking for a secret garden vibe? McCrillis House and Gardens are tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Bethesda, and with five acres to explore, visitors can enjoy trees, shrubs, shade-loving perennials, and azaleas (that peak in May). (6910 Greentree Rd., Bethesda; FREE)