The following are just a sample of June gardening events in the Washington DC metropolitan area, with a focus on edible gardening.
The U.S. Botanic Garden always has exhibits & events; check out their calendar on their web site. This year they have an Amber Waves of Grain exhibit where staff are growing different types of wheat outside in raised beds. There will be a lecture on Saturday, June 7, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday, June 14, a festival with “wheat-related activities for all ages” from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. Also of interest for those of you work in the area and can take a lunch break, on Thursday, June 12, a lecture and tasting of tropical fruits from noon to 1:00; and on Friday, June 20, a presentation on “What Science Says About GMO Foods” from noon to 1:00.
American Botanicals: Mid Atlantic Native Plants
While you are at the USBG, don’t miss the American Botanicals: Mid-Atlantic Native Plants exhibit of botanical illustrations before it ends on June 15. 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333.
Common Good City Farm hosts “Seed to Table” workshops throughout the summer. On June 28, they have a container gardening workshop from 10:30 to 12:30; fee and registration required. V Street between 2nd and 4th Streets, NW, Washington, DC; (202) 559-7513
Green Spring Gardens also has several classes and workshops. Edible gardeners may be interested in Edible Container Gardens, Saturday, June 7, 10:00 to 11:00 am; and School Yards Edible Gardens and Composting, Thursday, June 12, 4:00 to 6:00 pm (for adults, not kids). 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA; (703) 642-5173. Registration and fee required via Fairfax County Park Authority’s ParkTakes; (703) 222-4664.
Behnke Nurseries always has something going on – June features the annual Garden Party to benefit the Friends of Brookside Gardens, June 7, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100.
The Washington Gardener is hosting the 7th annual DC plant swap on Saturday, June 14, 11:00 a.m., U.S. National Arboretum, R Street parking lot.
Take a road trip to the Virginia Herb Festival, hosted by the Sunflower Cottage Garden Center, on Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15; admission fee required.150 Ridgemont Road, Middletown, VA 22645; (540) 869-8482
The Arlington Central Library hosts the “Garden Talks” series of free, one-hour presentations every Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm starting in mid-March through the end of October. The web site lists the topics and also serves as a resource for gardening in the area.
1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA; (703) 228-5990.
June 4: Insect pests & beneficiaries
June 11: Weeds, mulches, tillage
June 18: Pollination, pollinators, and perennials
June 25: Top 10 vegetable plant diseases
