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

Posted on February 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

You know spring is around the corner when there are so many gardening events, lectures, and shows in March that I can list only a sample below. Check out the organization’s web site for more and don’t forget the Philadelphia Flower Show from February 28 to March 8, see previous article posted on January 24 (http://www.pegplant.com/2015/01/24/philadelphia-flower-show-in-five-weeks/

Saturday, February 28 to Sunday, March 1 and Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8. Maryland Home and Garden Show, Maryland State Fairground, Timonium, MD. Admission fee http://www.mdhomeandgarden.com

Saturday, March 7, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Worm composting, Greenstreet Gardens, 1721 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 998-3030. Free http://www.greenstreetgardens.com

Saturday, March 7, 10:00 to 5:00 pm Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo, Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street, South, Arlington, VA 22204; free http://www.columbia-pike.org/ArlHomeShow

Monday evening, March 9 through April 13, (except March 23), 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Local gardening talk series of five classes on Capitol Hill by Kathy Jentz, owner of Washington Gardener magazine. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington DC 20003; (202) 549-4172; Fee and must register, http://www.hillcenterdc.org

Sundays, Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series at Green Spring Gardens,1:30 to 2:30. After lecture, meet presenter and enjoy refreshments. Can register for individual topics or for all; fee. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

  • 3/1: Teaming with Nutrients, Jeff Lowenfels
  • 3/8: Hellstrip Gardening, Evelyn Hadden
  • 3/15: Plants I Haven’t Killed (Yet).. and Potential Victims, Sandy McDougle

Saturdays Sessions at Merrifield Garden Center, free lectures at 10:00 am in three locations. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

  • 3/7: Merrifield, Making a big impact in a small space; Fair Oaks, Grass roots initiative; Gainesville, Repotting your bonsai workshops
  • 3/14: M, Bulbs corms, and tubers; FO, Gardening for year round interest; G, Seed starting
  • 3/21: M, Spring cleaning in the garden; FO, Perennials in every garden; G, And now for something different
  • 3/28: M, Spring color with trees and shrubs; FO, Growing herbs; G, Growing herbs 2:00 (same speaker and content as the 10:00 am session at FO)

Vegetable Gardening Series, three-part series (first part already occurred in February), hosted by the VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 South Stafford Street, Arlington, VA. Free but must register, (703) 228-6414; e-mail: mgarlalex@gmail.com. Register at http://www.mgnv.org

  • Session 2: Preparing the Vegetable Garden, Saturday, March 14, 9:30 to 11:00 am; or Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
  • Session 3: Managing the Vegetable Garden, Saturday April 11, 9:30 to 11:00 am; or Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Also by VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia: Monday, March 16, 7:00-8:30 pm, Introduction to Sustainable Gardening at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington; and Monday, March 23, Herb Gardening, 7:00-8:30 pm, Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, free but must register at http://www.mgnv.org (see above).

Wednesdays in the Garden, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, these gardening sessions are Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 or 9:00 pm, from mid-March through mid-October, at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990, free. In addition, Saturday, March 21, is the AFAC Spring Garden Kickoff. http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks

  • 3/4: Seed starting & portable sunshine (starting seed under lights)
  • 3/11: Principles of garden layout, design, and orientation
  • 3/18: Soil building and testing
  • 3/25: From the grocery store to the garden to the kitchen

Saturday, March 21, Annual Gardening Symposium, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Loudoun County Master Gardeners, Ida Lee Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176; fee and must register. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org/events/annual-symposium

Garden Talks at Behnkes Nursery, free, also, Saturday, March 21 is Behnke’s Spring Open House, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

  • Sunday, March 1, Garden Talk: Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes: Planting, Pruning and Preparing for Spring, with Bill Mann
  • Saturday, March 7, 11:00 am and Sunday March 8, 1:00 pm Garden Talk: Your Edible Garden, Starting from Seed and Planting Spring Vegetables, with Carol Allen

Tuesday, March 24, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Introduction to Organic Food Gardening, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1400; fee and must register. http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside

Saturday, March 28, the 29th Annual Lahr Symposium, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. “Native Plants: Making Connections.” U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002; (202) 245-4521. Fee and must register (native plants will be for sale and entrance to the plant sale is free; one can buy plants even though one is not registered for the symposium). http://www.usna.usda.gov

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Peg’s Picks February Gardening Events Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on January 31, 2015 | Leave a comment

You would be surprised at how many gardening events occur in February, there are a variety of workshops, lectures, and symposiums. February events also will be on the “Classes, Events” Page of http://www.pegplant.com

Sundays, Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series at Green Spring Gardens, Sundays in January, February, and March from 1:30 to 2:30. After lecture, meet presenter and enjoy refreshments. Can register for individual topics or for all; fee. See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring for topics and speakers.

  • February 1: Ornamental Edible Gardens, Sandra Clinton
  • February 8: Windowsill Floral Displays, Nancy Ross Hugo
  • February 15: Winning Against Weeds, Mary Godinez
  • February 22: Rhododendron and Relatives, Steven Kristoph

Sunday, February 1, 1:00 pm, Garden Talk: Your Edible Garden, Behnke Nurseries, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. Free but must register. (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

Monday through Wednesday, February 2-4, Garden Club of Virginia gardening symposium in Williamsburg. Fee and must register. Contact is Ann Heller, GCV Communications Coordinator (804) 643-4137 or communications@gcvirginia.org and http://www.gcvirginia.org/symposium/speakers.cfm

Saturday, February 7, the 10th Annual Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Exchange, at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA. This event includes two lectures on two different topics, the seed swap, and a “goody bag” of freebies. 12:30 to 4:00 pm. Must register and fee, for more information call Kathy Jentz, (301) 588-6894. http://www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com

Saturdays, February 7 & 21, 10:30 to 1:00 pm Sustainable Vegetable Gardening series, VCE-Prince William Master Gardeners, Chinn Park Regional Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge, VA; free but must register; (703) 792-7747; http://www.mgpw.org

Saturdays, February 7, 14 and 21, Merrifield Garden Center, free lectures at 10:00 am in three locations

  • 2/7: Merrifield, Tips From Your Extension Agent; Fair Oaks, Evergreens for Every Garden; Gainesville, Shrubs: A New Look at Old Favorites
  • 2/14: M, Romance in the Garden; FO, It’s All about the Birds and the Bees; G, Romancing with Plants
  • 2/21: M, Success with Seeds; FO, Boxwood and Flowering Shrubs; G, Gardening for the Birds.

In addition, on February 7, 2:00 pm, Fair Oaks will have a seminar to introduce children to gardening, activity targeted to children ages 6-12 years to complete, adult must be present, sign up online. (703) 560-6222. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

Vegetable Gardening Series, three-part series, hosted by the VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 South Stafford Street, Arlington, VA.

  • Session 1: Planning the Vegetable Garden, Sat, February 7, 9:30 to 11:00 am; or Tues, February 17, 7-8:30 pm (same content repeated)
  • Session 2: Preparing the Garden, Sat, March 14; or Tues, March 17
  • Session 3: Managing the garden, Sat April 11; or Tues, April 21

Free but must register, (703) 228-6414; e-mail: mgarlalex@gmail.com. Register at http://www.mgnv.org

Wednesday evenings, February 11 to March 25, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, (first one till 8:30 pm), plus one field trip on Saturday 3/21. Organic food gardening winter class. Fee and must register in advance. Neighborhood Farm Initiative. 1525 Newton Street, NW, Washington DC; (202) 505-1634; http://www.neighborhoodfarminitiative.org

Saturday, February 21, the 11th Annual Eco-savvy Symposium: Evolving Landscapes 8:30 to 4:00 pm at Green Spring Gardens, fee and must register in advance, (703) 642-5173; http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Friday, February 27, Green Matters Symposium, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Theme is “Protecting our Pollinators,” an annual symposium at Brookside Gardens but this year will take place at Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza. Fee and must register. (301) 962-1451
http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/green_matters_symposium.shtm#schedule

Saturday, February 28, RootingDC Forum, an all-day, free gardening forum with many lectures and vendors, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (a ten dollar donation is suggested). Registration started January 15. Wilson Senior High School, 3950 Chesapeake Street, NW, Washington DC. http://www.rootingDC.org

Saturday, February 28, Middleburg Horticultural Symposium, 8:30 am to 3:15 pm, sponsored by the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club at the Salamander Resort and Spa, 500 North Pendleton Street, Middleburg, VA. Fee and must register. E-mail elaineburden1@aol.com or call (540) 687-6940. www.flgardenclub.org

Saturday, February 28, 1:00 pm, Garden Talk: Discouraging Deer in Your Garden, Behnke Nurseries, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. Free but must register. (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

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Peg’s Picks Winter Gardening Events Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on December 29, 2014 | Leave a comment
American holly

American holly

You would be surprised at how many gardening events occur in the winter months! This list includes both January and February because it is best to register as soon as possible in January for some of the February events

 Saturday, January 10, Pruning Workshop, Casey Trees, 9:30 to noon at the American Elm Nursery, 50 Marina Drive, Alexandria, VA; (202) 833-4010; free but must register. http://www.caseytrees.org

Monday, January 12, 8:00 – 9:30 pm, Lecture entitled “Native Plants for a New American Cottage Garden” by local landscape architect, Thomas Rainer. Hosted by the Silver Spring Garden Club; open to the public and free. Lecture at the Montgomery College, Takoma Park/ Silver Spring campus, Health Sciences Center Building, Room 122; doors open at 7:30 pm. For more information, contact SS Garden Club president, Kathy Jentz, (301) 588-6894 or WGardenermag@aol.com

Saturdays, January 24, February 7 & 21, 10:30 to 1:00 pm Sustainable Vegetable Gardening series, VCE-Prince William Master Gardeners, Chinn Park Regional Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge, VA; free but must register; (703) 792-7747; http://www.mgpw.org

Saturday, January 24, noon to 1:00 pm, Garden Talk “Growing Winter Vegetables and Using Cold Frames” with Behnkes staff, Christopher Lewis. At 2:00 pm, Starting Seed Indoors with Mr. Lewis, free, The Behnke Nursery Company, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

Saturday, January 31 and February 7, the 10th Annual Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Exchange, on January 31, the event will be at Behnke Nurseries, Beltsville, MD; and on February 7, at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA. This event includes two lectures on two different topics, the seed swap, and a “goody bag” of freebies. 12:30 to 4:00 pm Must register and fee, for more information call Kathy Jentz, (301) 588-6894. http://www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com

Sundays, January 11, 18, and 25: Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, VA; in January, February, and March from 1:30 to 2:30. After lecture, meet presenter and enjoy refreshments. Can register for individual topics or for all; fee. See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring for topics and speakers.

  • January 11: Beautiful Winter Gardens presented by James Gagliardi,
  • January 18: Amazing Papyrus Plant presented by Dr. John Gaudet
  • January 25: The Cold Truth on Plant Hardiness presented by Dr. Allen Hirsh

(more to come in February and March)

Saturdays, Garden Design Series for Homeowners, Lecture from 9:30 to 11:30 am or combine morning lecture with afternoon work sessions (9:30 to 3:00 pm). Presented by landscape designer Amy Neiberline at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, VA. Must register and fee. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

  • January 17: Elements of Design
  • January 24: Biology of Garden Sites
  • January 31: Putting Your Garden Together

Saturdays, 10:00 am, Merrifield Garden Center, three topics at their three locations every Saturday at 10:00 am. M = Merrifield; FO = Fair Oaks; G = Gainesville. Call Merrifield for more information (703) 560-6222; http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

  • January 17: M – Winter Interest; FO – Delicious Landscapes; G – Houseplants
  • January 24: M – Flowers for your home; FO – Landscape Renovation; G – Pruning
  • January 31: M – Landscaping with Native Plants; FO – Growing Plants Indoors; G – Principles of Landscape Design
Scarlett O'Hara holly

Scarlett O’Hara holly

 Sundays, Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, VA; in January, February, and March from 1:30 to 2:30. After lecture, meet presenter and enjoy refreshments. Can register for individual topics or for all; fee. See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring for topics and speakers.

  • February 1: Ornamental Edible Gardens, Sandra Clinton
  • February 8: Windowsill Floral Displays, Nancy Ross Hugo
  • February 15: Winning Against Weeds, Mary Godinez
  • February 22: Rhododendron and Relatives, Steven Kristoph

Monday through Wednesday, February 2-4, Garden Club of Virginia gardening symposium in Williamsburg. Fee and must register. Contact is Ann Heller, GCV Communications Coordinator (804) 643-4137 or communications@gcvirginia.org and http://www.gcvirginia.org/symposium/speakers.cfm

Saturdays, 10:00 am, Merrifield Garden Center, three topics at their three locations every Saturday at 10:00 am. M = Merrifield; FO = Fair Oaks; G = Gainesville. Call Merrifield for more information (703) 560-6222; http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

  • February 7: M – Tips from Your Extension Agent; FO – Evergreens for Every Garden; G – Shrubs: A New Look at Old Favorites
  • February 14: M – Romance in the Garden; FO – It’s All About the Birds and Bees; G – Romancing the Plants
  • February 21: M – Success with Seeds; FO – Boxwood and Flowering Shrubs; G – Gardening for the Birds
  • February 28: M – Garden Accents and Focal Points; FO – Pruning Made Easy; G – Using Stone in the Landscape

Saturday, February 11, the 11th Annual Eco-savvy Symposium: Evolving Landscapes 8:30 to 4:00 pm at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, VA; fee and must register in advance, (703) 642-5173; http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Saturday, February 28, RootingDC Forum, an all-day, free gardening forum with many lectures and vendors, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (a ten dollar donation is suggested). Registration starts January 15. Wilson Senior High School, 3950 Chesapeake Street, NW, Washington DC. http://www.rootingDC.org

Friday, February 27, Green Matters Symposium, theme is “Protecting our Pollinators,” an annual symposium at Brookside Gardens but this year will take place at the Silver Spring Civic Center, Friday 8:30 to 4:00. Fee and must register; (301) 962-1451

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/green_matters_symposium.shtm#schedule

 

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Peg’s Picks November Gardening Events Washington DC Area

Posted on October 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

As the gardening season ends, look to botanical or public gardens for classes and workshops. These organizations have other events as well; I just picked a few “edibles.”

Saturday, November 1, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Inviting Native Pollinators, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA; (703) 642-5173; Fee required; must register; http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Saturday, November 8, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Homeowner Rain Garden Workshop, Green Spring Gardens; Fee required; must register; http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Saturday, November 8, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Fun with Winter Containers, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182; (703) 255-3631, Free with paid admission to garden, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens

Saturday, November 8, 10:30 to noon, Putting the Garden to Bed for Winter, Fairlington Community Center and Park, 3308 South Stafford Street, Arlington, VA; (703) 228-6414; presented by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners, Free but must register, http://www.mgnv.org

Wednesday, November 12, noon to 1:30, Cooking demonstration: Winter Greens (Brookside has a series of cooking demonstrations; I thought this would be helpful because gardeners often don’t know what to do with their winter greens once they have grown them), Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1400; Fee required and must register, http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside

persimmon tree in neighbor's yard Virginia

persimmon tree in neighbor’s yard

 

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Peg’s Picks October Gardening Events Washington DC Area

Posted on September 29, 2014 | Leave a comment
Oudraat-Brown Residence in Washington DC Photo by Roger Foley

Oudraat-Brown Residence in Washington DC
Photo by Roger Foley

October is the time for harvest festivals and pumpkin patches. Check the “public gardens” and “nurseries” tabs on my blog for events; I have only listed a few “edible” ones below. That being said, there is one annual event that isn’t covered in those lists. This year, on Saturday, October 18, the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program will share four private, DC and MD gardens with the public, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission to each garden is $7, no reservations required. The Garden Conservancy, a non-profit organization based in New York, introduced the Open Days program in 1995 as a means of introducing the public to gardening, providing easy access to outstanding examples of design and horticultural practice, and proving that exceptional American gardens are still being created. The Open Days program is America’s only national private garden-visiting program and is made possible by volunteers. Private gardens are open to the public across the country throughout the year. The proceeds from the Open Day program support the national preservation work of the Garden Conservancy. Visitors may begin the self-guided tour at either one of these locations:

Macleish Garden, 3525 Springland Lane, NW, Washington DC

Meandering walks, vistas, and garden rooms distinctly different from each other, offering surprises of color and texture throughout

Underwood Property, 4002 Underwood Street, Chevy Chase, MD

Garden and house support each other through the use of rainfall, natural ventilation and drainage, and solar and geothermal energy, with rooftop vegetable gardens, gabion walls, green roofs, rain gardens, and native plants

Directions will be provided to these locations in DC.

Oudraat-Brown Residence: a playful, non-traditional garden of bold colors, a curving “ribbon wall,” a cantilevered deck, repeating rounded boxwood and hawthorn trees, and perennials that spill over and soften the edges of the walkways.

Rauser Garden: a Japanese inspired woodland garden featuring fall highlights of nandina, camellias, and beautyberry, a fishpond and waterfall, pebble paths, and a hidden Zen garden

For more detailed directions and descriptions of these gardens, visit http://www.opendaysprogram.org. To learn more about the Garden Conservancy, visit http://www.gardenconservancy.org.

Other gardening events in October

Friday, October 17, U.S. Botanic Garden, noon to 1:00 pm, “What Science Says about GMO Food,” lecture by Beth Burrous, biochemist and USBG volunteer, free but must register. 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC (202) 225-8333 (general) and (202) 225-1116 (to register for events). http://usbg.gov

Saturday, October 11, U.S. National Arboretum, “Under the Arbor” is a series of informal, drop in demonstrations on an herb or herb related topic, presented by members of Mid Atlantic Units of the Herb Society of America. In October the topic is Chile Peppers, 1:00 to 4:00, National Herb Garden, free. 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002 (202) 245-2726. http://www.usna.usda.gov

Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19, Loudoun’s 2014 Fall Farm Tour. A free, self-guided tour of privately owned farms (about 21 farms & wineries in Loudoun County). Visit farm animals, gather eggs, pick pumpkins and apples, and enjoy many family oriented activities. Visit the web site for more information and for a brochure with a map of the farms and description of activities; Sponsored by Loudoun Virginia Economic Development. http://www.loudounfarms.org

 

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Peg’s Picks September Gardening Events Washington DC Area

Posted on August 30, 2014 | 2 comments

fallgardenAug2014 018Wow! So many events in September, from plant sales to harvest festivals! Below are Peg’s Picks for local events related to edible gardening except for one big event at Monticello, which I described at the end — it is on my bucket list!

Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, Arlington Central Library hosts the “Garden Talks” series of free presentations every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm starting mid-March through end of October. The website lists the topics and provides gardening resources for gardeners in the area. 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990. http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks/

Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25, Food in the Garden: Waterways & Foodways: 1814-2014. Four different presentations on Thursday evenings in September starting at 6:00 pm in the Victory Garden at the National Museum of American History, Washington DC. Register, fee. http://americanhistory.si.edu/events/food-garden

Saturday, September 6, Weeds, Soil Health and Cover Crops, 9:00 am to noon, “Saturdays in the Garden” at the Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery, presentations are given by VCE Prince William Master Gardener Volunteers. 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA 20136. Free but must register (703) 792-7747. E-mail: master-gardener@pwcgov.org; http://pwcgov.org/grow

Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, Managing the 4 P’s: Pollinators, Parasites, Predators and Pests, Saturday, September 6, 2:00 to 4:00 pm and Sunday, September 7, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. (presentation given twice).U.S. Botanic Garden, presentation in the Conservatory classroom. Free but must register. 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC (202) 225-8333 (general) & (202) 225-1116 (to register for events). http://usbg.gov

Tuesday, September 9, Composting Yard and Kitchen Waste, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Presented by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington. Free but must register (703) 228-0949. E-mail: mkot@arlingtonva.us. http://mgnv.org

Saturday, September 13, Fall Garden Day & Plant Sale at Green Spring, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/events.htm

Saturday, September 13, Friends of Brookside Gardens annual plant sale, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Brookside Gardens Service Hill, follow signs on Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, MD. call for more information (301) 962-1435. http://www.friendsofbrooksidegardens.org.

Saturday, September 27, “Living Garden Spaces,” Green Spring Gardens’ Garden Symposium, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA (703) 642-5173. Learn about native plants, attracting native beneficial insects, and managing the unwanted wildlife in your garden. Co-sponsored by the Virginia Native Plant Society and Washington Gardener magazine. Must register by 9/19 and fee. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/gsg-symposium.htm

8th Annual Heritage Harvest Festival, September 12-13, at Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

The 8th Annual Heritage Festival is presented by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello in partnership with the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Thomas Jefferson is often called America’s “founding foodie”. He championed vegetable cuisine, plant experimentation, and sustainable agriculture. Each year the Heritage Harvest Festival honors Jefferson’s legacy with this fun, affordable, family-oriented, educational event promoting gardening, sustainability, local food, and the preservation of heritage plants. Participants enjoy tastings, workshops, hands on demonstrations, interpretive walks, and a variety of garden tours and exhibits. Friday and Saturday offer more than 100 programs and workshops, 90 vendors and exhibitors, and sample food from local farms and restaurants. On Friday evening, Aaron Keefer, the culinary gardener of The French Laundry, will offer the keynote speech and there will be a Chefs’ Harvest Dinner on Montalto, Jefferson’s high mountain overlooking Monticello. This year an additional pre-festival program on edible landscaping will be held at Montalto on Thursday, September 11. For more information, including ticket information, see http://www.heritageharvestfestival.com

Jefferson's Monticello, copyright Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, photography by Robert Llewellyn

Jefferson’s Monticello, copyright Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, photography by Robert Llewellyn

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Peg’s Picks of August Gardening Events Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on August 1, 2014 | Leave a comment

Peg’s Picks of August 2014 gardening events for the Washington DC Metropolitan area with an emphasis on edible gardening

Virginia
The Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia host many events. The following are free, open to the public (that is, you do not have to be a Master Gardener), and registration is required. Call (703) 228-6414; e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com; http://mgnv.org

  •  August 23, Saturday, 10:00 – 12:00 p.m., Fall Vegetable Gardening, Burke Branch Library 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA
  •  August 26, Tuesday, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Composting for Home Gardeners, Fairlington Community Center, 3801 S. Stafford Street, Arlington VA

The Master Gardeners of Prince William County has “Saturdays in the Garden.” Every month, from April through October, the Master Gardeners host an event from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the teaching garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA., Free; must register in advance, (703) 792-7747. http://www.mgpw.org

Arlington Central Library hosts the “Garden Talks” series of free presentations every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm starting mid-March through end of October. The website lists the topics and provides gardening resources for gardeners in the area. 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990; http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks/

Green Spring Gardens has several classes and workshops. Gardeners may be interested in “Backyard Composting Basics” on Saturday, August 2, 10:00 to 11:00 am. Registration and fee required via Fairfax County Park Authority’s ParkTakes; (703) 222-4664. 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA (703) 642-5173; http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Washington DC

Casey Trees is sponsoring a free Fruit Tree workshop, but must register in advance, Saturday, August 9, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Stuart Center, 821 Varnum Street, NE, Washington DC 20002; (202) 833-4010; http://www.caseytrees.org

The U.S. Botanic Garden is hosting “Fruits and Berries from City Lots Workshop,” in their conservatory classroom on Saturday, August 9, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm & a repeat performance on Sunday, August 10, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The USBG has many other exhibits and events, check out their calendar on their web site.100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC (202) 225-8333; http://www.usbg.gov

Maryland

The Washington Gardener magazine is hosting its 7th annual tomato tasting at FreshFarm Market in Silver Spring, Ellsworth Drive between Fenton Street and Georgia Avenue, Saturday, August 23, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, free; http://washingtongardener.blogspot.com

The Behnke Nurseries Company has a variety of workshops including “Planting for Fall Crops” on Saturday, August 2, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm & Sunday, August 3, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm (same topic delivered four times). Free but registration required, (301) 937-1100l 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; http://behnkes.com

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Peg’s Picks for May Events, 2014

Posted on April 28, 2014 | 1 comment

May is such a busy time in the gardening world – peak time to plant as well as to visit festivals, events, and plant sales. Below are “Peg’s Picks” of gardening events in the Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland area for May 2014. Visit the corresponding web site to learn more details.

Flower Mart sponsored by the All Hallows Guild, National Cathedral, Washington, DC
May 2, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and May 3, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
http://www.nationalcathedral.org
or http://www.allhallowsguild.org

Celebrate Herb Day Festival, U.S. Botanic Garden, Washington, DC
May 3, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
http://www.usbg.gov

Grow It Eat It Spring Open House, May 3, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Maryland’s Food Gardening Network, University of Maryland Extension
http://extension.umd.edu/growit/montgomery-county-vegetable-gardening-classes-and-events

Garden Fest at the Smithsonian, May 9, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Enid A. Haupt Garden behind Smithsonian Castle, Washington, DC
http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/garden-fest.html

Spring Garden Day – The Big Plant Sale, May 17, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, VA
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Baltimore Herb Festival, May 24, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Leakin Park, Baltimore, MD
http://www.baltimoreherbfestival.com

Mt. Vernon Triennial Symposium, May 30 – June 1
At George Washington’s Mt. Vernon in Virginia
also, Special Exhibit called Gardens and Groves from 2/22/2014 – 1/10/2016
http://www.mountvernon.org/gardens/symposium

Washington DC Green Festival
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
May 31 – June 1
http://www.greenfestivals.org/wdc

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