With springtime comes anticipation of blooming gardens and leafy green trees. The federal government doesn't have quite the same excitement, we would guess, based on their recent slashing of the U.S. National Arboretum's budget, as the Washington Post reported this weekend. The $2 million eliminated from next year's budget could drastically cut public programming, research on rare and new species of plants, and permanently stall much needed expansion projects. Even worse:Supporters of the arboretum say......

Former Editor-in-Chief Ryan Avent writes a weekly column about neighborhood and development issues. It was good that the lunch keynote didn’t last any longer; I was ready to hand Jim Abdo a check. Those of us on the academic side of the development industry aren’t used to such raw displays of enthusiasm. After following Abdo through his slide presentation on the history of his business and the mammoth project he’s begun on New York Avenue......

After the whirlwind of April arts events, May looks to be a little quieter, perhaps even serene at times. Though if you're looking for a party, we've got the info for this week's Artomatic events, which is only just past its halfway point. >> Ever dream of being one of those madly rich people with original Van Goghs or Kandinskys in your climate controlled, wood paneled library (in the east wing)? Bring your envious eyes......

>> District darling Marion Barry has entered a plea of not guilty on charges surrounding his September traffic stop. Police allege the Ward 8 Councilman was intoxicated and driving an unregistered vehicle when they pulled him over near the White House. Barry says federal authorities are trying to " http://wtop.com/?nid=596&sid=974583">embarrass and discredit" him. Sounds like tough work for the Feds. In the past year alone Barry plead guilty to federal tax evasion and tested positive......

I've never been to the National Arboretum, but apparently the fish there are adorable. Flickr user maxedaperture caught this Koi as it came to the surface for a hello. EXIF.......

>> This Friday, Artomatic – a conglomerate of visual art, live music, poetry readings, films and more – opens at 800 Third St. NE. The opening reception kicks off at noon this Friday and lasts until 1 a.m. It’s up through Dec. 5. >> Also new this week is "Cuban Artists: Three Generations" at the Fraser Gallery in Bethesda. Stop by on Friday from 6-9 p.m. to sip mojitos (or sangria) while viewing new work......

With new security closure announcements coming everyday it seems like, DCist found it odd that among federal installations slated for perimeter upgrades is the National Arboretum. Not only would terrorists have trouble finding the Arboretum way out on Bladensburg Road in Northeast, they may run into trouble with some of the local residents. (But then again, maybe the Arboretum is a viable target on a symbolic level. It is, afterall, on the colonial road......