American Horticultural Society To Hold 2024 River Farm Gala In September

FORT HUNT, VA — River Farm will be the backdrop of the American Horticultural Society's biggest fundraiser of the year.

The 2024 American Horticultural Society Gala at River Farm will be held Sept. 21. The event raises funds for American Horticultural Society's programs and the preservation of its headquarters, River Farm. The co-host will be Skipp Calvert, an American Horticultural Society Board of Directors member and realtor at McEnearney Associates.

During this year's gala, Marcia Zech will receive the American Horticultural Society Gold Medal. According to the organization, Zech is a longtime board member who has "played a pivotal role in championing the society’s mission, ensuring its financial sustainability, and safeguarding its historic River Farm headquarters."

The late Jim Nau will be posthumously honored with the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, the American Horticultural Society's highest honor. Nau spent his 37-year career with the Ball Horticultural Company as a plant expert, writer, speaker, historian and garden designer. He died in June 2023.

The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and mingling in the setting of River Farm’s gardens on the Potomac River. Complimentary valet is included. Black-tie attire is suggested. Individual tickets cost $375 each, and sponsorships start at $1,250.

The American Horticultural Society dates back to 1922 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. River Farm has been headquarters of the American Horticultural Society since 1973 after the nonprofit moved from the City of Alexandria. River Farm is historically the northernmost of George Washington’s five farms and attracts visitors due to its gardens and Potomac River views. Special events like weddings have also been hosted at River Farm.

River Farm was put up for sale in late 2020, but the nonprofit's board could not come to an agreement on selling the property. The nonprofit announced in October 2021 it was no longer selling River Farm and would launch a fundraising campaign to support its long-term future.