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Peg’s Picks: August 2016 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on July 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

The following are Peg’s Picks of local gardening events for August 2016. If you are new to the Washington DC metro area, check out the classes/events tab on my site for gardening events that have occurred in the past 12 months to get a feel for regularly occurring events.

3, Wednesday, Food Preservation: Can, Freeze, Dehydrate, Ferment. 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

4, Thursday, Orchid Repotting, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

6, Saturday, Fall Gardens Can Be Great, Planning for a Fall Vegetable Garden. 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Loudoun Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden at Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA. Free. Call (703) 777-0373 or visit http://www.loudouncountymastergardners.org

6, Saturday, Grow It Eat It Summer Open House, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Hosted by the Montgomery County Master Gardeners at the Agricultural History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD. Most events free. https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_images/programs/grow_it_eat_it/8.6%20program%20schedule.web_.shade_.pdf

10, Wednesday, Hydroponic and PVC Pipe Gardening, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

10, Wednesday, Food in the Garden series “Gardens and Community,” 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Fee and must register in advance. Will take place at the Smithsonian’s Victory Gardens, Washington DC (Constitution Avenue entrance of the National Museum of American History) http://americanhistory.si.edu/topics/food/pages/food-garden

11, Thursday, Houseplants 101, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

13, Saturday, Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening: Extending Your Harvest, 10:30 am to noon. Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but must register in advance. http://www.mgnv.org

14, Sunday in the Organic Vegetable Garden, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Potomac Overlook Park, 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington, VA. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but must register in advance. http://www.mgnv.org

17, Wednesday, Vegetables for Fall, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

18, Thursday, Floral Design: Building a Winning Arrangement, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

20, Saturday, “Class: Trees 101,” 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Casey Trees, 3030 12th Street NE Washington DC. Free but must register in advance. (202) 833-4010. http://www.caseytrees.org

20, Saturday, National Honeybee Day, 10:00 am to noon, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. Free but there is a charge for a craft ticket. Designed for children and adults. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

20, Saturday, Cover Crops, Succession Planting, and Rotation in the Vegetable Garden. 9:00 am to noon. Saturday in the garden series, hosted by the Prince William County Master Gardeners and Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William County staff. Free but registration requested. Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. E-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org (703) 792-7747

24, Wednesday, Preparing the Garden for Winter, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

25, Thursday, Rose Care, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

27, Saturday, Best All Round Landscape Shrubs, 11:00 am. Free, Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

28, Sunday, Keep ‘em Fed: Tips to Extend the Vegetable Garden Through the Fall. 1:00 pm., Free, Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

27 and 28, Saturday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday noon to 3:30 pm. Annual Begonia Show and Sale, hosted by the Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. Free and begonias for sale. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Remember the DC Parks and Recreation has a Summer Garden Workshop Series. More than 50 free workshops every Monday, Wednesday and various Saturdays from April 18th to September 28th. Focused on practical urban gardening and taught by the leaders of DC urban garden movement. Monday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Deanwood Rec – 1350 49th St. NE; Wednesday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Raymond Rec – 3725 10th St. NE; Saturday Classes: 10-12pm – Times and locations vary.  Check registration for more details:
http://bit.ly/UrbanGardeningPrograms

A full schedule flyer is at this link
http://dpr.dc.gov/node/1124742

For more info about all DPR Urban Garden Programs click on this link
http://dpr.dc.gov/service/urban-garden-programs

 

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Peg’s Picks: July 2016 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on June 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

These are Peg’s Picks of local gardening events in July. July may be hot but it is a busy time in the garden as well as in the Washington DC metro gardening world. If it gets too hot for you, cool down inside with Lisa Mason Ziegler’s free, virtual Cool Flowers book study (see last entry).

2, Saturday, The Summer’s Best Hydrangeas, lecture, 11:00 am, Free, Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

5, Tuesday, Simpson Gardens Stroll, 11:00 am to noon, 426 E. Monroe Avenue by the YMCA in Alexandria, VA. Free and hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

6, Wednesday, Pollination, Pollinator, and Flowers, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

7, Thursday, Growing Flowers Using Organic Methods: Walking Tour of a Local Cut Flower Farm with Barbara Lambone at Greenstone Fields, 38223 John Wolford Road, Purcellville, VA, (will be cancelled if rains). Free, 7:00 pm., Hosted by Loudoun County Master Gardeners. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

7, Thursday, Totally Tomatoes, tomato cooking demonstration with the Cook Sisters, Free, do not have to register in advance. Held at noon and 12:45 and also presented on July 28. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC. (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

7, Thursday, Getting Your Orchid to Re-Bloom, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

9, Saturday, Bring the Shade Garden to Life with Perennials, lecture, 11:00 am. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

9, Saturday, Saturday in the Garden “Compost Happens”, 10:00 am to noon. Free talk at Loudoun County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden in Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA. Hosted by Loudoun County Master Gardeners. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

9, Saturday, Jam Preserve Workshop, 9:30 to 2:30. Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, 1400 Quincy Street NE Washington DC, Fee and must register. (The Monastery has extensive gardens and gives free garden tours on Saturdays at 11:00 am and noon, until September, meet in front of visitor center). E-mail gardenguild@gmail.com. http://www.fmgg.org.

10, Sunday, The Birth of a Rain Garden: From Start to Finish, 11:00 am. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

12, Tuesday, Bearded Iris Care, lecture by staff horticulturists, 9:30 am. Free for Ladew members; fee for non-members; registration required. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD. (410) 557-9570 ext. 261, e-mail rhebert@ladewgardens.com. http://www.ladewgardens.com

13, Wednesday, Marvelous ‘matoes, a tomato cooking demonstration by the Cook Sisters. Fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. (301) 962-1470. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

13, Wednesday, Lasagna Gardens: The Layered Approach, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

14, Thursday, Rejuvenate the Midsummer Herb Garden, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA; Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but must register in advance. http://www.mgnv.org

14, Thursday, Home Irrigation, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

16, Saturday, Lotus and Water Lily Festival, 10:00 to 4:00 pm, Free, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE Washington DC. http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.html

16, Saturday, Lavender Wand Making Workshop, 10:00 am to noon. Free. Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, 1400 Quincy Street NE Washington DC. (The Monastery has extensive gardens and gives free garden tours on Saturdays at 11:00 am and noon, until September, meet in front of visitor center). E-mail gardenguild@gmail.com. http://www.fmgg.org

16, Saturday, Tips for a Happy Garden: Mulching, Watering and Protecting Your Plants from the Heat, 11:00 am. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

16, Saturdays in the Garden, Getting your Lawn, Landscape, and Vegetable Garden Ready for the Fall, 9:00 am to noon. The Teaching Garden at the Benedictine Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. Presented by Prince William County Master Gardeners. Outside, dress appropriate. Free but must register. http://www.mgpw.org

16, Saturday, Native Trees and Shrubs for Home Gardens, 10:00 to 11:30 am. Fee and must register. Presentation by Green Spring staff horticulturist. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

17, Sunday, The Benefits, Beauty and Diversity of Perennial Groundcovers, 1:00 pm. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

17, Sunday, Sunday in the Organic Vegetable Garden, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington, VA. Free and hosted by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

20, Wednesday, Grow Your Own Cutting Garden and Old Fashioned Flower Show, 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Free and open to the public. Takoma Horticulture Club, 7328 Carroll Avenue, Takoma, MD. http://www.takomahort.org.

20, Wednesday, Seed Saving, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

21, Thursday, Composting Basics, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

23 and 24, Saturday and Sunday, 27th Annual Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale, times vary, depend on the farm, 21 farms involved, check out web site for farms, times, and map. http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/agservices/agfarmgtour.html

23, Saturday, A Survey of Shade Trees, 11:00 am. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

27, Wednesday, Soil Building, Composting, Compost Tea, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

28, Thursday, Totally Tomatoes, tomato cooking demonstration with the Cook Sisters, Free, do not have to register in advance. Held at noon and 12:45 and again on July 7. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC. (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

28, Thursday, All Things Lavender, 12:15 to 12:45, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC.  Part of the Let’s Talk Garden Series on Thursdays, hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists, free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

30, Saturday, Lecture: Mints: Their Botany, Chemistry, and Uses, 10:30 to noon. Free but must register in advance. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC. (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

30, Saturday, Spicing Up Your Gardens and Containers from Now through Fall, 11:00. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

30, Saturday, Honey Extraction Workshop, 9:30 to noon and noon to 2:30 (two sessions, register for one and there is a fee). Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, 1400 Quincy Street NE Washington DC. (The Monastery has extensive gardens and gives free garden tours on Saturdays at 11:00 am and noon, until September, meet in front of visitor center).  E-mail: gardenguild@gmail.com. http://www.fmgg.org

Summer Garden Workshop Series in DC

DC Parks and Recreation has a Summer Garden Workshop Series. More than 50 free workshops every Monday, Wednesday and various Saturdays from April 18th to September 28th. Focused on practical urban gardening and taught by the leaders of DC urban garden movement. Monday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Deanwood Rec – 1350 49th St. NE; Wednesday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Raymond Rec – 3725 10th St. NE; Saturday Classes: 10-12pm – Times and locations vary.  Check registration for more details:
http://bit.ly/UrbanGardeningPrograms

A full schedule flyer is at this link
http://dpr.dc.gov/node/1124742

For more info about all DPR Urban Garden Programs click on this link
http://dpr.dc.gov/service/urban-garden-programs

 Cool Flowers Virtual Book Study

Lisa Mason Ziegler, owner of The Gardener’s Workshop in Newport News, VA, is hosting a virtual book study for her book Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques. Starting Friday July 15, she will teach how to grow hardy annuals (flowers) such as bells of Ireland, snapdragons, and sweet peas. Each Friday for 10 weeks (1 week for each chapter), she will show a short video and answer questions. There is no fee and it is not required to have the book although it will certainly be beneficial to read along. If you are like me and work on Fridays, you can sign up at her web site to have the weekly links sent to your e-mail or you can visit the web site any time. Lisa has been a cut flower farmer since 1998 and has built a very successful business. She produces 10,000 stems each week during the growing season on 1 ½ acres. She has written several books, sells seeds and supplies, hosts workshops, and gives presentations across the county.

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Peg’s Picks: June 2016 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on May 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

Every month, for the past year, I have posted my “Peg’s picks” of local gardening events. I post them on my website in chronological order and in the tab on the site called “classes, events.” I now have an entire year’s worth–June 2015 to June 2016–of events at the “classes, events” page. This is really useful for those who are new to the area or new to gardening as it allows people to see both the annual events and the variety of events in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

1, Wednesday, Summer Sweets, the Cook Sisters provide a cooking class on blueberries and melons, 12:00 to 1:30 pm, fee and registration required, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. (301) 962-1470 http://www.brooksidegardens.org

1, Wednesday, Top 10 Vegetable Plant Diseases, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

1, Wednesday, Summer Pruning of Shrubs and Perennials, 7:00 to 8:00 pm. 1724 Hollinwood Drive, Alexandria, VA. Arlington County VCE Horticulture Agent Kirsten Buhls will demonstrate summer pruning techniques in the home landscape. Free and open to the public, advance registration requested at mgnv.org. If have questions, call (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com (also offered on June 4 and 6, see below).

2, Thursday, Summer Sweets, the Cook sisters provide a cooking class on blueberries and melons, noon and repeated at 12:45. Free, no need to register. Also offered on June 30. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

2, Thursday, Lecture by Phil Goetkin and Edgar Deskins on Creating a Native Meadow and Native Woodland Gardens at Wolf Trap, 7:00 pm. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, NW, Leesburg, VA. Free and sponsored by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

2, Thursday, Growing, Drying and Freezing Herbs, 12:15 to 12:45 pm. East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington, DC. Part of the Let’s Talk Gardens Series hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists. Free. (202) 633-2220. http://gardens.si.edu

2, Thursday, special 45th Ladew anniversary lecture by Dennis vanEngelsdorp, Ph.D., “For the Love of Bees.” Lecture at 7:00 pm; dinner from 5:00 to 6:45. Fee and must register. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD. (410) 557-9570 ext. 261 or rhebert@ladewgardens.com. http://www.ladewgardens.com

3, Friday, Container Gardening Talk, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Presented by Master Gardeners. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

4, Saturdays in the Garden, Keep Your Garden Growing Strong (vegetable garden maintenance and problems), 10:00 to 11:00 am. Sponsored by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners, held in the demonstration garden, Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA. Free. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

4, Saturday, Summer Pruning of Shrubs and Perennials, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, 2758 N. Wyoming Street, Arlington, VA. Arlington County VCE Horticulture Agent Kirsten Buhls will demonstrate summer pruning techniques in the home landscape, free and open to the public, advance registration requested at mgnv.org. If have questions, call (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com (also offered on June 1, see above, and June 6, see below).

4, Saturday, Behnkes Garden Party, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

4, Saturday and 5, Sunday, Annual Secret Garden Tour of Annapolis, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Fee and can register in advance or pay on day of. (410) 263-4683 extension 14. http://www.hammondharwoodhouse.org/secret-garden-tour/

5, Sunday, Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour: Roland Park, Guilford, and Tuscany-Canterbury. A walking tour of 7 urban gardens, rain or shine, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Free to HSM members; non-members pay $35 in advance at HSM’s website or $40 at first garden site on day of (see website for first garden’s address). Call (410) 821-5561 for more information.  http://www.mdhorticulture.org

5, Sunday, Brookland House & Garden Tour (in Washington DC), noon to 5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Greater Brookland Garden Club. Admission fee. http://www.greaterbrooklandgardenclub.org

6, Monday, Summer Pruning of Shrubs and Perennials, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA. Arlington County VCE Horticulture Agent Kirsten Buhls will demonstrate summer pruning techniques in the home landscape. Free, advance registration requested at mgnv.org. If have questions, call (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com (also offered on June 1 and June 4, see above).

7, Tuesday, Simpson Gardens Stroll, 11:00 am to noon, 420 E. Monroe Street, Alexandria, VA (by the YMCA). Master Gardeners who maintain the Simpson Park Demonstration Gardens will answer gardening questions and describe what is blooming in the garden, free, no need to register, just drop by. http://www.mgnv.org

8, Wednesday, Getaways: Private Estate Gardens Tour in Pennsylvania and Maryland, 6:15 am to 6:15 pm (all day), fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA.  Call (703) 642-5173 for more information. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

8, Wednesday, Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal, 6:00-9:00 pm. Casey Trees, 3030 12th Street, NE, Washington, DC. Free but must register. This is a two-part class, the first part is in a classroom setting and the second part is the field session (outdoors) on June 11, 9:00 to 11:30 am, at Rock Creek Parkway. (202) 833-4010. http://www.caseytrees.org

8, Wednesdays in the Garden Series: Weeds, Mulches, Tillage, 7:00-9:00 pm. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website: http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

9, Thursday, Small Space Food Gardens. 12:15 to 12:45 pm East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington, DC. Part of the Let’s Talk Gardens Series hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists. Free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

11, Saturday, Annual DC Plant Swap, 11:00 am. Co-hosted by Washington Gardener magazine and the U.S. National Arboretum. Free. Held at the R Street parking lot of the National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC. http://www.usna.usda.gov http://www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com

11, Saturday and 12, Sunday, Virginia Herb Festival, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm both days. Hosted by the Sunflower Cottage Herb Farm, 150 Ridgemont Road, Middletown, VA. Admission fee. http://www.virginiaherbfestival.com

12, Sunday in the Organic Vegetable Garden at Potomac Overlook Park, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Potomac Overlook Park, 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington, VA. Master gardeners who maintain the garden will be available to answer question about organic gardening. Free, no registration necessary. http://www.mgnv.org

12, Sunday, Eastport Home and Garden Tour (Annapolis, MD), 1-5 pm. Fee. http://www.eastportcivic.org

14, Tuesday, Seed Saving, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA. Free, advance registration requested at mgnv.org. If have questions, call (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com

14, Tuesday, Flower Shrub Care, 9:30 am. Presented by Ladew’s horticulturists. Free for Ladew members; fee for non-members. Must register. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD. (410) 557-9570. http://www.ladewgardens.com

15, Wednesdays in the Garden Series: Insect Pests and Beneficial Pests, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website: http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

16, Thursday, Road Trip: A Delaware Gardens Sample, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (all day). Fee and registration required. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. (301) 962-1470. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

16, Thursday, Pollinator Gardens, 12:15 to 12:45 pm, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington, DC. Part of the Let’s Talk Gardens Series hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists. Free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

17, Friday, Ornamental Grasses Talk by Master Gardeners, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Fee and must register, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

18, Saturdays in the Garden: Lessons from the deer resistant garden, the woodland garden and the four season garden, 9:00 am to noon. The Teaching Garden at the Benedictine Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. Presented by Prince William County Master Gardeners. Outside, dress appropriate. Free but must register. http://www.mgpw.org

18, Saturday, Growing Edibles in Containers, Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Free, advance registration requested at mgnv.org. Call if have questions (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com

21, Tuesday, Invasive Plant ID and Control, 9:30 am. Presented by Ladew’s horticulturists. Free for Ladew members; fee for non-members. Must register. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD. (410) 557-9570. http://www.ladewgardens.com

21, Tuesday, Getaway: Dumbarton Oaks and Tudor Place and enjoy afternoon tea at Tudor Place (Georgetown), 11:15 am to 5:45 pm. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

22, Solar Cooking, Wednesdays in the Garden Series, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

23, Thursday, Let’s Talk Hops, 12:15 to 12:45 pm, East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt garden, Smithsonian, Washington, DC. Part of the Let’s Talk Gardens Series hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists. Free. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu

27, Monday, Mosquito Control: Gardening in the time of Zika. 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA. Free, advance registration requested at mgnv.org. Call if have questions (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com

29, Wednesday, Made in the Shade, Wednesdays in the Garden Series, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Taught by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, free, no registration required. Library phone and website:  http://www.library.arlingtonva.us  (703) 228-5990. http://www.mgnv.org

30, Thursday, Summer Sweets, the Cook Sisters provide a cooking class on blueberries and melons, noon and repeated at 12:45, Free and no need to register. Repeated on June 2. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

30, Thursday, Top Native Plants for the Home Landscape, 12:15 to 12:45 pm. East Walk of the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt garden, Smithsonian, Washington, DC. Part of the Let’s Talk Gardens Series hosted by Smithsonian Gardens horticulturists. (202) 633-2220. http://www.gardens.si.edu.

Don’t forget to visit the U.S. Botanic Garden’s exhibit called “Flourish Inside and Out.” Several related lectures will be given throughout the summer. http://www.usbg.gov

Remember the DC Parks and Recreation has a Summer Garden Workshop Series. More than 50 free workshops every Monday, Wednesday and various Saturdays from April 18th to September 28th. Focused on practical urban gardening and taught by the leaders of DC urban garden movement. Monday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Deanwood Rec – 1350 49th St. NE; Wednesday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Raymond Rec – 3725 10th St. NE; Saturday Classes: 10-12pm – Times and locations vary.  Check registration for more details:
http://bit.ly/UrbanGardeningPrograms

A full schedule flyer is at this link

http://dpr.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dpr/publication/attachments/SummerGardenWorkshopSeries2016.pdf

For more info about all DPR Urban Garden Programs click on this link
http://dpr.dc.gov/service/urban-garden-programs

 

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Peg’s Picks: April Gardening Events for Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on March 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

In addition to these April gardening events, the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week will take place from April 23 to 30 across the Commonwealth, http://www.vagardenweek.org; and the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage will take place from April 30 to May 28 in Queen Anne’s, Harford, Talbot, Baltimore, and Charles County, http://www.mhgp.org. Also, the White House Spring Garden Tour occurs one weekend in April, which they have not announced yet as of March 29. This is a free event but first come first serve so monitor their site to find out the date: http://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events.

1, Friday or 2, Saturday. Make and take rain barrels. Learn about rain barrels and receive one with fittings, 10 am to 1:00 pm, fee and must register, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1470. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

2, Saturday, Spring Open House, Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD (301) 937-1100, http://www.behnkes.com

2, Saturday, Saturdays in the Garden: Getting Started on a Great Vegetable Garden, hosted by Loudoun County Master Gardeners, 10:00 am to noon, Loudoun County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden, Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, (703) 777-0373, http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

2, Saturday, Planting Fruit and Berry Plants: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Landscape, 2:00 pm. Free, must register. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

2, Saturday, Vegetable Gardening 2: Management and Maintenance, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Presented by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Free but register at tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE. Call 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex.org if have questions. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington 22206. http://www.mgnv.org

2, Saturday, Starting Vegetable & Herb Seeds Indoors, 9:30-11 am. Fee; must register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 201 5301 or call 703-642-5173. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.

2, Saturday, 30th Annual Lahr Symposium, Native Plants: Good Design, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, fee for symposium. Concurrent native plant sale from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm (no fee to enter plant sale).  U.S. National Arboretum 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002. (202) 245-4523. http://www.usna.usda.gov

2, Saturday, Fair Oaks location of Merrifield Garden Center, free lecture on Container Gardens, 10:00 am. At the Gainesville location, free lecture on Spring Lawn Care at 10:00 am. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

2, Saturday, 7th Annual Spring Garden Party, 9 to 4 pm. Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston, MD 20781; http://www.communityforklift.org

3, Sunday, Gainesville location of Merrifield Garden Center, free lecture on Water Gardening, at 1:00 pm http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

3, Sunday, Early Spring Show-Stopping Plants, 12:30-2 pm. Takes place in the gardens; wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Fee, register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 287 6601 or call 703-642-5173. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.

5, Tuesday, April 5, Plan, Plant and Use Herbs, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Presented by the Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Free, must register at tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE.  If have questions, call 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex.org. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington 22206. http://www.mgnv.org

6, Wednesday, Growing Superfoods. 7:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and Master Gardeners. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990, free and no need to register. http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks

7, Thursday, Herbs: Heirlooms from the Past, Grown Today at Smithsonian Gardens. 7:00 pm.  Learn about culinary herbs from Smithsonian Gardens Horticulturist, Erin Clark. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, NW Leesburg. Free. Sponsored by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

7, Thursday, Top to Toe cooking demonstration (sweet potatoes and beets) by the Cook Sisters. Also presented again on April 28. 12:00 to 12:45 pm and repeated at 12:50 pm. Free. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

8, Friday, Green Matters Symposium, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1470. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

8, Friday, 10 to noon for AHS members and noon to five for public. And on 9, Saturday, 10 to 5 for public. Spring Garden Market at River Farm, home of the American Horticultural Society. Non-members pay $5 to park car but can be applied to new AHS membership. 7931 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. http://www.ahs.org

9, Saturday, Waterwise Gardening.10:30 a.m. to noon. Presented by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria 22304. Free but must register at mgnv.org. If have questions, call 703-228-6414 or email to mgarlalex.org.

9, Saturday, Salad Bar Containers, 10:30 am to noon. Presented by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Free but must register here: tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE. Questions? Call 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex.org. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington 22206. http://www.mgnv.org

9, Saturday, Tomato Grafting, 10:00 am to noon, Presented by the Friends of the National Arboretum. Fee and must register. U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002; (202) 245-4523. http://www.usna.usda.gov

9, Saturday, Growing Beautiful Roses, free lecture at Gainesville location of Merrifield Garden Center, 10:00 am. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

10, Sunday, Shade Gardens, free lecture at Gainesville location of Merrifield Garden Center, 1:00 pm. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

10, Sunday, Planting Fruit and Berry Plants: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Landscape, 2:00 pm. Free lectures at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center but must register, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

10, Sunday, Caring for Fruit and Berry Plants: Pruning, Feeding and Spraying, 11:00 am. Free lectures at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center but must register, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

10, Sunday in the Organic Vegetable Garden, 1-4 pm. Potomac Overlook Park, 2845 Marcey Rd., Arlington 22207. Master Gardeners will be in the garden to answer questions about organic gardening, including controlling pests and diseases without the use of chemicals. Free; no registration necessary. For questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com. http://www.mgnv.org.

12, Tuesday, Plan, Plant and Use Herbs, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Presented by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria 22314. Free but must register here: tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE. Questions? Call 703-228-6414 or email to mgarlalex.org. http://www.mgnv.org.

13, Wednesday, Container Gardens for Edibles. 7:00 pm. Wednesdays in the Garden Series, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and Master Gardeners. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990, free and no need to register. http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks

13, Wednesday, Top to Toe, Cooking with beets and sweet potatoes, presented by the Cook Sisters. Brookside gardens staff to explain plant anatomy. Noon to 1:30 pm. Fee; must register. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1470 http://www.brooksidegardens.org.

14, Thursday, Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Presented by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Walter Reed Recreation Center, 2909 16thSt. S, Arlington 22204. Free but must register here: tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE. Questions? Call 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex.org. http://www.nvmg.org

16, Saturday, 10 to 6; and 17, Sunday, 10 to 5. The 26th Annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival. Free event in Leesburg, VA. See website for more information. http://www.flowerandgarden.org

16, Saturday, Let’s Talk Dirt: The History of our Soils and How to Amend Them, 2:00. Free, must register. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

16, Saturday, Miniature Gardens, free lecture at Gainesville location of Merrifield Garden Center. 10:00 am. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

16, Saturday, Vegetable Gardening 101. 11:00 am-12:30 pm. Fee; must register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 283 5701 or call 703-642-5173. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.

16, Saturday, Edible Landscape Design. 1:30-3 pm. Fee; must register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 203 3301 or call 703-642-5173. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.

16, Saturday, Perennial Foliage: Stripes and Splashes, Dots and Dashes by Stephanie Cohen, 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum, fee and must register. U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002; (202) 245-4523. http://www.usna.usda.gov

17, Sunday, Spring Color with Shrubs, Free lecture at the Gainesville location of Merrifield Garden Center, 1:00 pm. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

18, Monday, Composting Basics, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Presented by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Free but must register here: tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE. Questions? Call 703-228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex.org. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington 22206. http://www.nvmg.org

18, Monday, Edible Gardening in Challenging Spaces, 8:00 pm. Presented by Meredith Shepherd, owner of Love & Carrots. Sponsored by the Silver Spring Garden Club; open to the public. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902.

20, Wednesday, 7:00 pm. Edible Landscaping and Fruit in the Garden. Part of the Wednesdays in the Garden Series, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and Master Gardeners. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990, free and no need to register. http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks

20, Wednesday, Pruning Workshop. 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the DC Library, Takoma Park Branch, 415 Cedar Street, NW Washington DC. Sponsored by the Takoma Horticultural Club. Free and open to the public. http://www.takomahort.org

22, Friday, Open House at U.S. Botanic Garden: Celebrate Earth Day, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Free; no pre- registration. http://www.usbg.gov

23, Saturday, Sustainable Landscapes: A Field Day for Landscape Professionals, 8:30 am to noon. Meet in the Visitor Center but is outside; dress appropriately. Fee and must register, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002; (202) 245-4523. http://www.usna.usda.gov

23, Saturday, Friends of Carlyle House Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, free but there is an admission fee to enter the Carlyle House (actual site of the Mansion House Hospital featured in the PBS drama Mercy Street). 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria 22314; (703) 549-2997

23, Saturday, and 24, Sunday Landscaping with Native Plants and their Benefits, 2:00 pm. Free, must register. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

23, Saturday, 1:30-2:30 pm. The Right-size Flower Garden: Simplify Your Outdoor Spaces with Smart Design Solutions and Plant Choices. Talk by author Kerry Ann Mendez; book signing to follow. Fee and must register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 287 3301 or call 703-642-5173. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.

23, Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; and 24, Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Annual Herb and Plant Sale at Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, 1400 Quincy Street, NE Washington DC 20017. http://www.fmgg.org

23, Saturday, Exciting Perennials, Gainesville, 1:30 pm Merrifield Garden Center, free lecture http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

24, Sunday, Great Annuals for Your Garden, Gainesville, 1:00 pm. Merrifield Garden Center, free lecture. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

24, Sunday, Earth Day Festival at Brookside Gardens, free, no registration required, come at 9:00 am to help with planting projects or come for festival from noon to 4:00 (301) 962-1429. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

24, Sunday through 26, Tuesday, 70th Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium, “Gardens We Call Home: Insights from the Trailblazers and Trendsetters.” Co-sponsored by the American Horticultural Society and the Garden Club of Virginia, fee and must register, contact Michele Moyer, conference registrar, (757) 565-8937. http://www.history.org/conted

24, Sunday, Creating a Pollinator Garden, 11:00 am. Free, must register. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

25, Monday, Vegetable Gardening 2: Management and Maintenance, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Presented by the Northern Virginia Master Gardeners. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria 22304. Free but must register tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE. Questions? Call 703-228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex.org. http://www.nvmg.org

27, Wednesday, 7:00 pm. Water, Irrigation, Ollas & Rain Barrels. Part of the Wednesdays in the Garden Series, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and Master Gardeners. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990, free and no need to register. http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks

28, Thursday, Top to Toe cooking demonstration of sweet potatoes and beets by Cook Sisters. 12:00 to 12:45 pm and repeated at 12:50 pm. Free. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

29, Friday, Garden Talks with Master Gardeners: Planting Trees and Shrubs, 1:30-2:30 pm. Fee and must register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 289 3501 or call 703-642-5173. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.

29, Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for FONA members only and 1:00 to 4:00 pm for the public. Also on 30, Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for the public. Friends of the National Arboretum Garden Fair and Plant Sale (note new location, will be at the Grove of State Trees parking lot). Free admission. U.S National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002.  http://www.fona.org/gardenfair

30, Saturday, Springfest, (Fairfax County’s official Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration). All day free event. The Workhouse at Lorton Arts, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079. http://www.springfestfairfax.org

30, Saturday, Alexandria Earth Day, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Lenny Harris Memorial Fields at Braddock Park, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. http://www.mgnv.org

30, Saturday, Montgomery County Greenfest, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, free. Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, MD.  http://www.montgomerycountygreenfest.org.

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Peg’s Picks: February Gardening Events in Washington DC Area

Posted on January 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

rosemarySo many gardening events in February, this list is too long!

2/6, Saturday, Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Exchange 12:30-4 pm. Washington Gardener Magazine is co-hosting the Seed Exchange at Green Spring Gardens with lectures, face-to-face seed swap and more. $15 for verified Friends of Green Spring members (FROGS) and WG subscribers; $20 for other guests. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 101 3301 for FROGS and WG subscribers and code 290 101 3302 for all other guests or call 703-642-5173.

2/6, Saturday, Sustainable Vegetable Gardening Series, presented by the Virginia Cooperative Extension of Prince William County. Chinn Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192. 2/6, 2/13, and 3/5, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. Classes are free but limited to 60 people; register in advance, e-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org or call (703) 792-7747. Taught by Master Gardener Cook’s Garden Team. http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/Pages/ENR-Program-Information.aspx.

2/6, Saturday, Lecture: Ignite Your Garden with Spring Wildflowers, by Rick Lewandowski, Director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 10:30 am to noon. Free but must register. In Conservatory Classroom at U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

2/6, Saturday, Lecture: The Allure of Native Shrubs and Trees for the Garden, by Rick Lewandowski, Director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Free but must register. In Conservatory Classroom at U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

2/7, Sunday, Lecture: Natives in Containers, 1:30-2:30 pm. Plantswoman Julie Borneman shows you how to beautify and increase the wildlife value of any space by container gardening with native plants. $10/person for advance registration ($12 for out-of-county registrants) or $12 at the door.  Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 182 1901 or call 703-642-5173.

2/9, Tuesday, Vegetable Gardening: Planning and Seeding 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Senior Lounge, Walter Reed Recreation Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington 22204. Free, register in advance. Taught by VCE Master Gardeners. Same topic presented on 2/16 and 2/20. (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com. http://www.mgnv.org

2/11, Thursday, Cooking Demonstration with Ancient (Heirloom) Beans by Adrienne and Danielle Cook, 12:00 to 12:45 and repeated at 12:45 to 1:30 pm. Free, no pre-registration required. Same presentation/times on Wednesday 2/17. Conservatory Garden Court at the U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

2/12, Friday, Garden Talks with Master Gardeners: Herb Gardening, 1:30-2:30 pm, Master Gardeners give advice on choosing the best herbs and how to make them flourish in your garden or container. $10/person. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 182 2701 or call 703-642-5173.

2/13, Saturday, Starting From Scratch with Seeds, 9:30-11 am. Green Spring propagator and horticulturist Judy Zatsick will discuss potting mixes, containers, seed treatments, lighting, fertilization, watering, seed sources and timing. Take home a few seeds to start your own collection. $22/person. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 187 4201 or call 703-642-5173.

2/13, Saturday, Basic Landscape Design, 10 to 11:00 am. Free; must pre-register, e-mail Misty Kuceris at misty@burkenursery.com or call (703) 323-1188, Burke Nursery and Garden Centre, 9401 Burke Road, Burke VA 22015. http://www.burkenursery.org

2/16, Tuesday, 7:00 to 9:30 pm Seed Starting for the Vegetable Garden by Gordon Clark, owner of Montgomery Victory Gardens. Fee and must register for class #8022, at Visitor Center Adult Classroom, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902. http://www.brooksidegardens.org.

2/16, Tuesday, Vegetable Gardening: Planning and Seeding 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Taught by VCE Master Gardeners. Same topic presented on 2/9 and 2/20. Free; register in advance, call (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com. http://www.mgnv.org

2/17, Wednesday, Cooking Demonstration with Ancient (Heirloom) Beans, free, no pre-registration required, Conservatory Garden Court, 12:00 to 12:45 and repeated at 12:45 to 1:30 (same presentation/times on Thursday 2/11). U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

2/18, Thursday, Spring Ahead with Cool Season Flowers presented by Lisa Ziegler. A Horticultural Magazine webinar at 2:00 pm ET. Free; register at http://hortmag.com

2/19, Friday, Everything You Wanted to Know About Pruning (But Were Afraid to Ask!) by Jim Deramus, Brookside Gardens staff. 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Fee; must register for class #8023. Visitor Center Adult Classroom, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

2/20, Saturday, The Basics of Gardening: A Series of Classes for the Serious Gardener presented by the Virginia Cooperative Extension of Prince William County. 2/20, 2/27, and 3/12, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Powell’s Creek, McCoart Administration Building, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193; $5/class or $10 for series of three classes, includes light refreshments and materials. Register in advance, e-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org or call (703) 792-7747. Taught by Master Gardeners. http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/Pages/ENR-Program-Information.aspx

2/20, Saturday, Eco-Savvy Symposium: Water-Wise Gardening, 9 am-4 pm. Learn practical, water-wise gardening techniques and creative solutions to conserve, capture, contain and sustain this precious natural resource. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 188 5501 or call 703-642-5173.

2/20, Saturday, Pruning Class, 1:30 to 3:30, taught by Rachel Habig-Meyers. Hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension of Prince William County. In the Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9424 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. Classroom and hands on, dress for weather, free; register in advance, space is limited. E-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org or call (703) 792-7747. http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/Pages/ENR-Program-Information.aspx

2/20, Saturday, Vegetable Gardening: Planning and Seeding 10:30 am to noon, Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. Taught by VCE Master Gardeners. Same topic presented on 2/9 and 2/16. Free; must register in advance. (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com. http://www.mgnv.org

2/20, Saturday, Designing a Sustainable, Manageable Yard, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington VA 22206.  Taught by VCE Master Gardeners. Free; must register in advance. (703) 228-6414 or e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com. http://www.mgnv.org

2/20, Saturday, 2016 Spring Gardening Conference: “Exploding the Myths: Fascinating Facts to Help You Avoid Common Gardening Mythstakes! 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. University of Maryland Extension Montgomery County Office, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855. Presented by the Montgomery County Master Gardeners. For more information, contact Terri Valenti at mc.growit@gmail.com. Fee and must register at http://mcmgconference.eventbrite.com. Snow date is February 27. https://extension.umd.edu/growit/montgomery-county-vegetable-gardening-classes-and-events

2/20 & 2/21, Saturday and Sunday, Plants to Support Wildlife, Behnke Nurseries, 2:00 pm, free and must register. Behnke Nurseries, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

2/21, Sunday, Lecture: Mt. Cuba Plant Trials, 1:30-2:30 pm. Hear about Mt. Cuba Center’s ongoing trials of native plants and their related cultivars from the center’s education and research director, Eileen Boyle.  Learn about the center’s partnership with Dr. Doug Tallamy to test the ecological value of the trial plants. $10/person for advance registration ($12 for out-of-county registrants) or $12 at the door.  Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 182 1801 or call 703-642-5173.

2/21, Sunday, Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes, presented by Thomas Rainer, co-author of book, “Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes,” 2-4 pm. Books will be available for sale and book signing will occur after the presentation. Manassas Park Community Center, 99 Adams Street, Manassas, VA 20111; free; must register in advance, hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension of Prince William County. E-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org or call (703) 792-7747. http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/Pages/ENR-Program-Information.aspx

2/25, Thursday, Gorgeous Superhero Flowering Shrubs and Groundcovers for Right-Size Flower Gardens, by Kerry Ann Mendez, 2:00 pm EST. A Horticulture Magazine webinar, free, register at http://hortmag.com

2/26, Friday, Garden Talks with Master Gardeners: Small Space Veggie Gardening, 1:30-2:30 pm. Master Gardeners will demonstrate how to grow vegetables in limited space. $10/person. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 184 5401 or call 703-642-5173.

2/27, Saturday, Don’t Waste Space: Small Scale Vegetable Garden for Everyone, Behnke Nurseries, 2:00 pm, free and must register. Behnke Nurseries, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

2/27, Saturday, Beginning Beekeeping, 11 am-12:30 pm. Discover what it takes to begin beekeeping from Mount Vernon’s beekeeper, John Ferree. Class takes place indoors as well as outdoors at Green Spring’s beehives. $12/person. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 102 2601 or call 703-642-5173.

2/27, Saturday, RootingDC, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, free all day gardening forum (but a $10 donation is suggested). Wilson High School, 3950 Chesapeake Street NW, Washington DC 20016. Hosted by DC Greens. Can register in advance or walk in.  http://www.rootingdc.org

2/27, Saturday, “Perennially Inspired,” a day-long seminar with five horticultural experts, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm. Hosted by the Perennial Plant Association and the Horticultural Society of Maryland. Sheppard Pratt Conference Center, 6501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204. Fee; must register online or mail at http://www.mdhorticulture.org

2/27 & 2/28, Saturday and Sunday, The Basics of Creating Compost and Using Fertilizer to Improve Your Garden, Behnke Nurseries, 11:00 am, free and must register. Behnke Nurseries, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

2/28, Sunday, Choosing the Right Gardens Tools and How to Keep Them for Life, Behnke Nurseries, 2:00 pm, free and must register. Behnke Nurseries, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

2/28, Sunday, Lecture: Garden Design from Nature, 1:30-2:30 pm. Thomas Rainer and Claudia West, leaders in ecological landscape design, reveal how plants fit together in nature and how you can use this knowledge to create a home landscape that is resilient, beautiful, and diverse. Book signing follows lecture. $10/person for advance registration ($12 for out-of-county registrants) or $12 at the door.  Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring using code 290 182 2201 or call 703-642-5173.

Two series of three beekeeping classes hosted by Greenstreet Gardens and presented by Azure B LLC. First series is at the Greenstreet Gardens Lothian store, 391 West Bay Front Road, Lothian, MD, on Saturday 2/6 and 2/13. 10:30 to 1:30.  Third class is at the apiary on Saturday March 26 10 to 1:00 pm at Azure B LLC in Marbury, MD (the apiary).  $80 for all three classes; register with Greenstreet Gardens. Second series is at the Greenstreet Garden store at 1721 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA, on Sunday, 2/21, and 2/28, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Third class is at Azure B LLC in Marbury, MD (the apiary) on March 26, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. http://www.greenstreetgardens.com

Merrifield Garden Center has Saturday seminars at their three locations, all starting at 10:00 am. The three classes that were scheduled for January 23 were rescheduled for Saturday February 6 at 2:00 pm (Delicious Landscapes at Merrifield location; Winter Vignettes at Fair Oaks; and Indoor Gardening at Gainesville). Free, no need to register in advance. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

2/6: Designing a Garden for Children, Merrifield (M), 8132 Lee Highway, Merrifield VA 22116; Low Maintenance Gardening, Fair Oaks (FO), 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030; Seed Starting, Gainesville (G), 6895 Wellington Road, Gainesville, VA 20156

2/13: Great Plant Combinations, M; Just for Kids, FO; Landscape Renovations, G

2/20: Using Stone in the Landscape, M; Boxwood and Flowering Shrubs, FO; Gardening for the Birds, G

2/27: Prune Like a Pro Part 1, M; Gardening with Native Plants, FO; Creating Real Curb Appeal, G

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Peg’s Picks: November Gardening Events in Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on November 1, 2015 | Leave a comment

pumpkins on a bench Dumbarton OaksNovember is a transition time in our area, outside gardening activity diminishes but the number of inside holiday displays increase as well as speaking events.

5, Thursday, Plant NoVA Natives Campaign Community Leader training, held at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, 3040 Williams Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22031, 7:00 to 8:45 pm, for more information contact Corey Miles at cmiles@novaregion.org or visit http://www.plantnovanatives.org. This is a free training (but must register in advance) for existing and new volunteers with gardening, landscaping or naturalist experience who would like to help promote the use of native plants in the residential landscape. Will learn how to: reach local companies, identify and recruit new volunteers, successfully communicate the Plant Northern Virginia Natives message, make presentations to community groups, and influence the local retail market to make purchasing native plants easy and fun.

10, Tuesday, Claudia West, author of Planting in a Post-Wild World (with Thomas Rainer) will be speaking on Stunning Plant Communities that Stand the Test of Time at 7:30 pm. Free to Horticultural Society of Maryland members, non-members $10. Hosted by the Maryland Horticulture Society at the Vollmer Center Auditorium, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209; (410) 821-5561. http://www.mdhorticulture.org (410) 821-5561 or programs@mdhorticulture.org

14, Saturday, Designing the Sustainable Landscape, 9:00 am to noon. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 Stafford Street, Arlington, VA 22206; (703) 228-6414. http://www.mgnv.org. Free and open to public but must register.

Forrest Pritchard, author of Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food and Saving the Family Farm (I have read this book; very good story), has just recently published Growing Tomorrow: Behind the Scenes with 18 Extraordinary Sustainable Farmers Who Are Changing the Way We Eat (can’t wait to read his new book). According to his web site, http://www.forrestpritchard.com, Forrest will be at the following locations in the month of November to promote his new book. He owns Smith Meadows in Berryville, VA, where he sells meat, eggs, and pasta directly and through Farmers Markets.

  • 10, Kramerbooks in Washington DC, 7 pm
  • 15, Dupont Circle Farmers Market signing with Kramerbooks in DC
  • 17, National Press Club, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
  • 18, Arlington Central Library with One More Page Books, 7:00 pm
  • 21, Arlington Courthouse Farmers Market, 8:00 am to noon
  • 24, Busboys and Poets, Takoma Park, MD 7:00 pm

From November 26 through January 3, the U.S. Botanic Garden will have a holiday exhibit in the conservatory, free and open to the public.  The conservatory boasts a tropical paradise; one of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington, DC; a showcase of poinsettias; and a miniature train display. Also, there will be a Pollination Station where one can see oversized flowers, bees, and butterflies in this year’s scenic wonderland. Landmarks such as the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, all made from plants, will be on display in the Garden Court. Check the website for times, http://www.usbg.gov

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Peg’s Picks for June Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on May 29, 2015 | 1 comment

Peg’s Picks for June 2015 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area, with an emphasis on edibles

3, Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:30 am or 4, Thursday, 10:00 to 11:30 am, Herb Container Garden, fee and must register, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; http://www.brooksidegardens.org

6, Saturday, 10:00 am to noon, Saturdays in the Garden: Keep Your Garden Growing Strong, presented by the VCE Loudoun County Master Gardeners, free. Outside at the Loudoun County Master Gardeners demo garden, Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

6, Saturday, Joe Yonan, food/dining editor at the Washington Post and author of “Eat Your Vegetables,” will talk on eating and growing vegetables, 2-3 pm. The U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333; free but must register. There are many more events and exhibits; check out the USBG’s calendar on their web site, http://www.usbg.gov

6, Saturday, Behnke Nurseries’ Annual Garden Party, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Behnkes, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

6 & 7, Saturday and Sunday, Virginia Herb Festival, hosted by the Sunflower Cottage Garden Center; admission fee required.150 Ridgemont Road, Middletown, VA 22645; (540) 869-8482. http://www.virginiaherbfestival.com

12, Friday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, A Permaculture Homestead, spend a summer morning at local author and permaculture expert Michael Judd’s homestead. Fee and must register, meet at Wheaton Regional Park, 11715 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton, MD, for van transportation, register via http://www.parkPASS.org

13, Saturday, 9:00 am to noon, Saturday in the Garden: A Walk Through the Native Bed and tips and tricks used in the Drought Tolerant Bed. Taught by VCE Prince William Master Gardeners at the teaching garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA 20136. Free but must register. E-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org or call 703 792-7747

13, Saturday, 11:00 am, 8th annual DC plant swap hosted by The Washington Gardener at the U.S. National Arboretum, R Street parking lot, Washington, DC 20002. For more information & instructions on how to do a plant swap, check out “events” on http://www.usna.usda.gov

18, Thursday, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, “Managing Pests and Diseases in the Landscape.” Presented by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA 22206. Offered again on Saturday, June 20, 10:30 to noon at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Free but must register. http://www.mgnv.org

19, Friday, Todd Brethauer, USBG science education volunteer, will talk about “The Right Soil and Fertilizers,” noon to 1:00 pm. The U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333; free but must register. http://www.usbg.gov

27, Saturday, Under the Arbor: In Love with Lavender, at the National Arboretum’s National Herb Garden, presented by the Potomac Unit of the Herb Society of America, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, free. 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002. http://www.usna.usda.gov

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. http://library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks/

  • June 3:             Insect pests & beneficiaries
  • June 10:           Weeds, mulches, tillage
  • June 17:           to be determined
  • June 24:           Pollination, pollinators, and perennials

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation is offering over 50 free garden workshops from May through September, taught by the leaders of DC’s urban garden movement. Each class is 2 hours long, on Monday or Wednesday evening, and there are various Saturday field trips. Free but must register online at http://www.dcdpr.asapconnected.com. For a full list of classes and locations, check out http://dpr.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dpr/publication/attachments/SummerGardenWorkshopSeries2015.pdf

For further questions, contact the DPR community garden specialist, Joshua Singer, e-mail: Joshua.singer@dc.gov. Here is a sample of June topics:

  • medicinal and edible plant walk
  • garden pests and diseases
  • edible annuals tour
  • native and invasive identification walk
  • garden leadership course
  • urban fruit tree management

 

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