Gonna be in the National’s Capital at the end of this month? If you’re interested in learning more about crape myrtles, check out this talk and tour at the United States National Arboretum beginning at 10 a.m. July 28, 2012, at the Visitor Information Trailer.

Crape myrtles provide brilliant, long-lasting color in summer gardens, and many also feature attractive fall foliage and striking bark color, making them a beautiful and versatile shrub or small tree. Discover their diverse sizes, shapes, and flower colors so that you can appreciate and choose the best variety for your landscape. Learn how they became so popular in the U.S., and the role that the National Arboretum has played in their development.

After the lecture, join a curator for a walking tour through more than 30 varieties of mature trees in peak bloom. Get expert cultural information on how to keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Note: advance registration is required and there’s a $12 cost.

(Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Arboretum)