Join us for the GWAPA Annual Picnic on Saturday, June 27th at 1:00 PM.

11611 Daisy Lane, Glen Dale, MD 20769

Whether you’re a long-time member or brand new to the club, this is one of the most relaxed and fun events of the year. Come hang out with fellow plant geeks, fish keepers, aquascapers, and aquarium enthusiasts while enjoying an afternoon outdoors. Tim Koles is our host.

GWAPA will be firing up the grill and providing burgers and hot dogs. We ask everyone to bring their favorite side dish or dessert to share. It’s always fun to see what everyone brings, and somehow the food is almost as impressive as the aquariums we talk about!

We’ll have plenty of time to talk tanks, swap stories, share tips, and maybe even debate the best way to grow that “easy” plant that refuses to cooperate. Bring a lawn chair, your appetite, and your latest aquarium adventures.

This is a great chance to meet members outside of our regular meetings and connect with the amazing community that makes GWAPA such a great club.

Come hungry, bring a side dish or dessert, and get ready for a fun afternoon with your GWAPA friends! 

May 16th, 10:30 am at Longwood Gardens (meet outside of the entrance gate). Tour starts at 11am sharp.

• Please note that the meeting is one week earlier than our usual meeting to accommodate for the Memorial Day Weekend. *

Join us for the May GWAPA meeting as we head out for a fun guided tour at Longwood Gardens! This month we’re doing things a little differently and getting together for an outing where we can explore, hang out, and talk all things aquatic plants with fellow members.

We’ll meet up at a designated spot before heading in together, so nobody has to wander around looking for the group. The guided tour cost is $38 (must be pre-ordered when we get our tour time). It’ll be a great chance to see something new while spending time with other hobbyists.

Need a ride or want to share gas? Carpool plans can be organized through our Discord channel, so be sure to hop in there and coordinate with other members.

Come out, bring your aquatic questions, and enjoy a relaxed day with the GWAPA crew!

Buy your tickets for 11am here: https://visit.longwoodgardens.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=1&c=59

April 18th, 2026 at 1:00pm

Which Scape is for you: From Dutch to Biotope

Alex Wenchel is a filmmaker and competitive aquascaper who kept planted aquariums for almost 20 years.

Alex will take us on a tour through the various forms of planted aquarium keeping. You’ll get a chance to see an augmented Dutch style, Biotope, Iwagumi and Nature Style and pond style. You’ll also get an inside look at the advantages and disadvantages of nano tanks vs large tanks.

There will be pizza and refreshments, and an auction, as always!