BOYCE — A celebration returning to the State Arboretum of Virginia later this month aims to set the gold standard for special events.

Ginkgo Gold Weekends are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2 at the arboretum, on the grounds of the Blandy Experimental Farm off U.S. 50 (John Mosby Highway) between Boyce and Millwood.

The free event, in its second year, celebrates more than 300 trees in the farm's Ginkgo Grove — the largest one in the nation — turning gold amid the arrival of autumn.

A scientific experiment in the 1930s and 1940s led to the grove being established, according to Blandy's website.

The farm's first director, the late Dr. Orland E. White, was curious to find out what proportions of ginkgo seeds would develop into male and female trees. He and his stud

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