The American Horticultural Society (AHS), the national organization dedicated to inspiring Americans to garden for the benefits to all, will host its highly anticipated annual Gala at River Farm, its headquarters in Alexandria, Saturday, Sept. 20. Individual Gala tickets are available for purchase at ahsgardening.org/gala.
AHS will honor Skipp Calvert, long-time Alexandria resident, local champion of River Farm, and former AHS Board member, and Brian Kemble, winner of AHS’ 2025 Liberty Hyde Bailey Award.
The Gala will feature a pop-up sculpture garden with whimsical works from Nepenthe Gallery, sure to surprise and delight. The sculpture garden will include works by Vadim Kharchenko, Kevin Carman, Dorothy Gillsepie Foundation, David Turner, and Michael Alfano – many available for purchase.
“Creating a sculpture garden is a dynamic proposition and an honor,” said Nepenthe Gallery owner Carrie Garland. “We love any opportunity to partner with AHS at George Washington’s historic River Farm, and the artists whose works we are showcasing feel that it is a special place. The project is art at its very best – lifting others up and connecting us all in unexpected ways.”
Gala guests will also enjoy live music by K Street Union, delicious food from Design Cuisine, and beautiful flowers from Helen Olivia Flowers in a dramatic setting with sweeping views of River Farm’s beautiful gardens overlooking the Potomac River.
This special celebration will bring together garden enthusiasts, local community members and horticultural visionaries to support AHS’ mission and inspire a culture of gardening across America. Proceeds from the Gala directly support the stewardship of River Farm and AHS’ educational programs.
“We're planning a delightful evening in the gardens at River Farm, a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the role that plants and gardens play in our lives. It's also a chance to honor the beauty of River Farm itself, a local treasure that this community worked so hard to preserve. As we continue to care for this land and build for the future, this event is a vital part of our stewardship,” said AHS Director of Development and Engagement, Katie Tukey.
Learn more about the AHS Gala including ticket pricing at ahsgardening.org/gala.

