Tag Archives: gardening events

Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

free seed swap

At the end of the month, I list the gardening events for the next month in the Washington DC metro area. Last year, in 2019, there were more than 1,000 events and exhibits, which is an average of 90 per month or 3 per day. We have a lot of botanical activity in the Capital Region! I have just posted the March 2020 events and there are more than 100 events. The number increases as the gardening season warms up. To be in the know, you can either check my “Monthly Events” tab or you can subscribe to Pegplant’s Post, my free newsletter, to have the link to the Monthly Events sent to your e-mail box at the end of the month. This is a great resource for planning your social calendar.  It also enables you to reserve your spot in advance — some events are so popular they sell out fast. Plus my list is cumulative, thus serving as a resource if you are a garden club member looking for a speaker or a speaker looking for a venue. To give you an example, below are the activities for the upcoming 2 weeks. For the rest of March, click here.

Local Gardening Events from March 1-15, 2020

1, Sunday, Timeless Fragrance Gardening, Gainesville location, 1:00 pm and free. Merrifield Garden Center. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

1, Sunday, Sunday Funday House Plant Care Clinic, 11:00 am, free, sponsored by Rock Paper Plant and held at Femme Fatale popup shop, 401 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington DC. http://www.rockpaperplant.com/

1, Sunday, Garden Bed Planning Workshop, Fair Oaks location, 10:00 am, fee and must register. Merrifield Garden Center. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

2, Monday, Bus Trip to Philadelphia Flower Show, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, fee and must register. Also offered on Wednesday, March 4. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

3, Tuesday, Bus Trip to Philadelphia Flower Show, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, fee and must register, Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org

3, Tuesday, Stop! Smell and Touch Our Plants, 1 to 2:30 pm, free and registration required. Also offered on Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 am. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

3, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: An Orchid-Filled Greenhouse, 11:00 am or 1:00 pm, included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also on many other days in March, check website for specific times. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. https://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/

3, Tuesday, Bus Trip to Philadelphia Flower Show, 8 am to 8 pm, fee and must register. Also offered on Thursday March 5, 9:00 am. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

3, Tuesday, Bus Trip to Philadelphia Flower Show, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, fee and must register. Homestead Gardens, 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. https://homesteadgardens.com/

3, Tuesday, Bus Trip to Philadelphia Flower Show, via Alexandria or the Lothian store, fee and must register, Greenstreet Gardens, see website for times. https://greenstreetgardens.com/events/

3, Tuesday, Eat, Sleep, Garden: Top Annuals for Your Cut Flower Garden, 11:30 to 12:30 pm. Fee and must register. Greenhouse classroom, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Green Spring Avenue, Baltimore, MD http://cylburn.org/

3, Tuesday, Microgreens: What Are They, Why They Are So Fabulous, and How to Grow Them, 7 to 8:30 pm. Free and registration requested. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria. Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

4, Wednesday, Lecture: Horticulture and Women in History with Martha Keen. 7:00 pm, free, open to the public. Annapolis Horticulture Society, St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 199 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD. http://annapolishorticulture.org/lectures/

5, Thursday, Roots and Reflections: Orchids, 2 to 3:30 pm, free and registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

5, Thursday, Political Appetites: Culinary Activities in the Early Republic with Nancy Siegel, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, fee and must register. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

5, Thursday, Tour: Medicinal Plants Yesterday and Today, 1:30 to 2:30 pm, free and will be offered again on March 12, same time. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

5, Thursday, Spring House Plant Swap, 6:30 pm, fee and must register. Sponsored by Rock Paper Plant and held at Femme Fatale popup shop, 401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC. http://www.rockpaperplant.com/

5, Thursday, Bus Trip to Philadelphia Flower Show, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, fee and must register. Also offered on March 3, Tuesday, 8:00 am. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

5, Thursday, Lecture: The Gardens of Spain, 7:00 pm, free. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, NW Leesburg, VA. Sponsored by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners. http://loudouncountymastergardeners.org/

5, Thursday, Grow What You Eat! 7 to 8:30 pm, free and registration requested. Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie Street, Arlington. Also offered on Sunday, March 8. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia.  http://www.mgnv.org

6, Friday, HOAs and Condo Association: Sustainable Solutions to Landscaping Headaches, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, free but must register. The Forum Meeting Room, Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center Building, Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Sponsored by Plant NOVA Natives, register at https://www.plantnovanatives.org/symposiums-for-hoa-and-condo-assoc-

6, Friday, Invasive Plant Workshop, 1 to 5:00 pm, fee and must register. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Prism and held at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, VA.  https://www.facebook.com/events/202662360920681/?active_tab=about
http://blandy.virginia.edu/home

7, Saturday, Plot Against Hunger 7th Annual Spring Garden Kick Off, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, free but should rsvp. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA. https://afac.org/afac-events/plot-against-hunger-spring-garden-kick-off-2020/

7, Saturday, First Saturday Guided Walk, 10:00 am, free for members, free with admission for non-members. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org

7, Saturday, The Science of Spring Blooms, Merrifield location; Common Plant Problems and Solutions, Gainesville location; From Seed and Stem to Nursery, Fair Oaks location. All 10:00 am and free.  Merrifield Garden Center. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

7, Saturday, Gardening in the Valley Symposium, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, fee and should register. Shenandoah University, Hester Auditorium, Henkel, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA. Sponsored by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association. http://nsvmga.org/events/symposium/

7, Saturday, Stop! Smell and Touch Our Plants, 10:30 am to noon, free and registration required. Also offered on Tuesday, March 3, at 1:00 pm. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

7, Saturday, U.S. Botanic Garden Production Facility Open House, fee and must register, will be at various times and will be at the facility. See website for details. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

7, Saturday, Vegetable garden series (topic is managing pests, vegetable profiles, food safety). Part three of three topics, free but seating is limited so register at master_gardener@pwcgov.org. Other dates were February 1 and 15. Sponsored by Prince William Master Gardeners. Held at Bull Run Library, 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA.  https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/Pages/Horticulture-Classes.aspx

7, Saturday, The Basics of Gardening, Session Three: Rain Gardens, Insects, and Diseases and IMP. This is part three of a three session series, other sessions were on February 29 and March7. Free but space is limited, register at pwcgov.org/grow or e-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org  Sponsored by Prince William Master Gardeners. Held at Haymarket Gainesville Community Library, 4870 Lightner Road, Haymarket, VA.  https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/Pages/Horticulture-Classes.aspx

7, Saturday, Great Shrubs for Home Gardens, 10 to 11:30 am, fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

7, Saturday, Nine Ways You Can Help Bee and Other Pollinators at Home, 9:00 am to 10:00 am, free but make reservations. Loudoun Wildlife Conservatory. Held at Wild Birds Unlimited, 44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ashburn, VA. http://www.loudounwildlife.org

7, Saturday, Grow Your Own Microgreens, 11:00 am to noon, fee and must register. Cultivate the City, 910 Bladensburg Road Northeast, Washington DC. http://www.cultivatethecity.com

8, Sunday, Bon-Chi! Learn and Practice the Art of Bonsai Using Edible Plants, 1 to 2:00 pm, fee and must register. Cultivate the City, 910 Bladensburg Road, NE Washington DC. At the H Street Farms at W.S. Jenks and Sons. http://www.cultivatethecity.com

8, Sunday, The Art of Pruning Workshop at Fair Oaks location, 1:00 pm, fee and must register. Merrifield Garden Center. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

8, Sunday, Grow What You Eat! 3 to 4:30 pm, free and registration requested. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Also on Thursday, March 5, sponsored by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

8, Sunday, Create and Sip: Succulent Potting Party at Gainesville location, 1:00 pm, fee and must register. Merrifield Garden Center. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

8, Sunday, through 10, Tuesday. Full Moon Hikes, 7:30 pm, fee and must register. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum, at the U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, Washington DC. https://www.fona.org/fullmoonhikes/

8, Sunday, through 10, Tuesday, Full Moon Forest Bathing, 7:30 pm, fee and must register. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum, at the U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, Washington DC. https://www.fona.org/fullmoonhikes/

9, Monday, Selecting Native Plants for your Home Garden, 7 to 8:30 pm, free, registration requested. Westover Branch Library, 1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington. Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

10, Tuesday, Lecture: Botanical Bullies with Carole Bergmann, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, free for members, fee for nonmembers, and open to the public. Vollmer Center Auditorium, Cylburn Arboretum. Sponsored by the Maryland Horticultural Society. https://mdhorticulture.org/

11, Wednesday, Seed Starting and Plant Propagation. 7:00 pm, free. Bluemont Room, Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org
https://afac.org/plot-against-hunger/pah-events/

11, Wednesday, Not in Our Backyard: How to Fight Spotted Lanternfly, 7 to 8:30 pm, fee and must register at Sustainability Matters Facebook page. Sponsored by Sustainability Matters and will be at the Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, VA.
https://www.facebook.com/events/808773166253213/
http://blandy.virginia.edu/home

12, Thursday, Turf Talk: How to Have a Healthy Lawn, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, free and registration requested. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

12, Thursday, Workshop: Hypertufa Containers and Desert Plantings, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, fee and must register. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

12, Thursday, Mounted Orchids, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, fee and must register. Sponsored by Rock Paper Plant and held at Steadfast Supply (Navy Yard), 301 Tingey Street, #120 SE, entrance on water street, Washington DC. http://www.rockpaperplant.com/

12, Thursday, Piecing Together Nature’s Puzzle with Alonso Abugattas, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, free. Hosted by Potowmack Chapter of Virginia Native Plant Society. Held at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. https://vnps.org/potowmack/events/natures-puzzle-the-interconnectedness-of-our-world-depending-on-plants-with-alonso-abugattas/

13, Friday, Houseplant Haven Grand Opening, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, free. Homestead Gardens, 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. https://homesteadgardens.com/

14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, Homestead Gardens Spring Kick Off, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, free. Homestead Gardens, 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. https://homesteadgardens.com/

14, Saturday, Propagation and Cloning Workshop, 11:00 am to noon, fee and must register. Cultivate the City, 910 Bladensburg Road NE Washington DC, at H Street Farms at W.S. Jenks and Sons http://www.cultivatethecity.com

14, Saturday, Winter Pruning for Woody Plants, 1 to 2:30 pm, free and advance registration requested. 4029 N. Tazewell Street, Arlington. Rain date March 21. Also offered on March 29. Hands on training and outside. Bring your own tools. Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

14, Saturday, Lecture: Exploring Orchid Evolution, Ecology, and Biogeography with Todd Brethauer, 2 to 3:30 pm, free and registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

14, Saturday, Lawn Care Q&A, Merrifield location; and Planting Herbs and Vegetables in Ground and in Containers, Fair Oaks location, both at 10:0 am and free. Merrifield Garden Center. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

14, Saturday, Workshop: Growing Vegetables in Containers, 2 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register, space limited. The Greenhouse Classroom, Cylburn Arboretum, sponsored by the Maryland Horticultural Society. https://mdhorticulture.org/

14, Saturday, Orchid 101: How to Get Your Orchid to Rebloom, 10:00 am to noon, fee and must register. Also offered on 15, 20, 28, and 29. Check website for specific times. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. https://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/

14, Saturday, Orchid Workshop: To Repot or Not? 2:00 to 4:00 pm, fee and must register. Also offered on 15, 27, and 29. Check website for specific times. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. https://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/

14, Saturday, How to Get Your Orchid to Rebloom, 1 to 2:30 pm, fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

14, Saturday and 15, Sunday, Friends of Brookside Gardens Orchid Festival at Brookside Gardens, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

14, Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day Floral Arrangement, 11:00 am, fee and must register. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD. http://www.willowoakherbs.com

15, Sunday, Orchid Family Day, 1 to 4:00 pm, free and no registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

15, Sunday, Hydroponics and Vertical Gardening, 1 to 2:00 pm, fee and must register. H Street Farms and 910 Bladensburg Road NE Washington DC. Cultivate the City. http://www.cultivatethecity.com

15, Sunday, Native Plant Picks for Spring, Gainesville location, and Lawn Care Q&A at Fair Oaks location, both at 1:00 pm and free. Merrifield Garden Center. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

Peg’s Picks: December 2017 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

For December, there is plenty happening in the gardening world as we get ready for the holidays — over 60 events!.  More wreath making workshops than you can shake a stick at plus several holiday open houses, bus trips to Winterthur and Longwood Gardens, and a few gardening lectures sprinkled on top!

1, Friday through 16, on Fridays and Saturdays, Illuminated London Town at Historic London Town & Gardens, 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Walking outdoors, entertainment, and refreshments, register and fee, Historic London Town and Garden, 839 London Town Road, Edgewater, MD. http://www.historiclondontown.org

1, Friday, Workshop: Traditional Holiday Wreaths, 10 to noon and 1 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register.  Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

2, Saturday, Workshop: Traditional Holiday Wreaths, 10 to noon. Fee and must register.  Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

2, Saturday, Workshop: Contemporary Holiday Wreaths, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register.  Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

2, Saturday, Wreath sale and holiday open house, 10 to 2:00 pm, free. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org

2, Saturday, First Saturday guided walk 10 to 11:00 am, free. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org

2, Saturday, Workshop: Winter Wreath, 9:30 to 11:00 am. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

2, Saturday, Holiday Open House, 10-4:00 pm, free. From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm is the poinsettia and greens sale. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, MD. http://www.cylburn.org

2, Saturday, Workshop: Wreath, 10:30 to 11:30 am, fee and must register, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA. http://www.meadowlarkgardens.org

2, Saturday, Beginner Hands-On Bonsai Class, 2-4 pm, fee and must register. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Road, Beltsville, MD. http://www.behnkes.com/

2, Saturday, Workshop: Holiday Wreath at Fair Oaks location of Merrifield Garden Center, 10:00 am, fee and must register. See website for street address. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

2, Saturday, Holiday Home Decorating Tips at Gainesville location of Merrifield Garden Center, 10:00 am, free and must register. See website for street address. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

3, Sunday, Woodland Architecture (outdoor walk), 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Free for members; fee for non-members. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org

3, Sunday, Holiday Open House, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, free. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, MD. http://www.cylburn.org

3, Sunday, Workshop: Traditional Holiday Wreaths, 10 to noon. Fee and must register.  Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

3, Sunday, Workshop: Boxwood Holiday Wreaths, 1 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register.  Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

3, Sunday, Family Event, Gardeners’ Holiday Open House at Green Spring Gardens, noon to 4:00 pm. Free admission. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

4, Monday, Bus Trip: Winterthur–A Yuletide Experience, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Fee includes coach transportation, entry fees, and lunch. Must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

5, Tuesday; 6, Wednesday; 12, Tuesday; and 14, Thursday. Candlight Tours in the Mansion, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, fee and must register, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

5, Tuesday and 6, Wednesday, Workshop: Wreaths, 11:00 am, fee and must register, Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA, http://www.oatlands.org

5, Tuesday, Bus Trip: Longwood Gardens, 10 am to 9 pm, fee includes coach bus, entry tickets, and boxed lunch. Homestead Gardens, 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD.  http://www.homesteadgardens.com

6, Wednesday; 12, Tuesday; and 14, Thursday (and on December 5, Tuesday). Candlight Tours in the Mansion, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, fee and must register, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

6, Wednesday, Lecture: Plants for Winter Interest by Tony Dove, 7:00 pm, Annapolis Horticultural Society, St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 199 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD. http://www.annapolishorticulture.org

7, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Holiday Décor, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered in December 8, 12, 14, and 15. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

7, Thursday, Tudor Lights, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tudor members are free, non-members pay fee. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

7, Thursday, Bus Trip: Longwood Gardens Holiday Lights, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Fee includes motor coach, garden admission and tour. Must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

7, Thursday, Create and Sip: Fresh Greens Workshop, 6:00 pm. Gainesville location of Merrifield, fee and must register. See website for street address. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

7, Thursday, Workshop: Wreaths, 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Fee and must register. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, MD. http://www.cylburn.org

8, Friday through 10, Sunday, Christmas Open House and Greens sale, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, free for Ladew members, non-members pay fee. Ladew Topiary Garden, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD. http://www.ladewgardens.com

8, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Holiday Décor, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered in December 7, 12, 14, and 15. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

9, Saturday, Holiday Open House, 10:00 to 3:00 pm. Free. American Horticultural Society, River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA.  http://www.ahsgardening.org

9, Saturday, Handmade Christmas ornaments made from natural materials, 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Fee and must register. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD. http://www.willowoakherbs.com

9, Saturday, Candlelit Caroling Celebration, 5 to 8 pm. Fee and must register, Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org

9, Saturday, Holiday Open House, 10-4 free. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Maryland. http://www.cylburn.org

9, Saturday, Workshop: Wreaths, 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Fee and must register, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Maryland. http://www.cylburn.org

9, Saturday, Workshop: Herbal Wreaths, 10 to noon, fee and must register, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

9, Saturday, Workshop: Wreaths with Historic Greenery, 1:30 to 3:30 fee and must register, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

9, Saturday, Workshop: Natural Holiday Ornaments, 9:30 am to 11:00 am, fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

9, Saturday (9:30 am to 4:30 pm) and 10 Sunday, (9:30 am to 4:30 pm) Orchid Diagnostic and Repotting clinic, free but if need orchid repotted, will do for a fee. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Road, Beltsville, MD. http://www.behnkes.com/

9, Saturday, Decorating with Fresh Greens, 10:00 am, free. Fair Oaks location of Merrifield Garden Center, See website for street address. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

9, Saturday, Refresh Your Home for the Holidays, 10:00 am, free. Gainesville location of Merrifield Garden Center. See website for street address. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

10, Sunday, Workshop: Herbal Wreaths, 10 to noon, fee and must register, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

10, Sunday, Workshop: Wreaths with Historic Greenery, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, fee and must register. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

10, Sunday, Floral Design Workshop: Williamsburg Centerpiece, fee and must register, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

10, Sunday, Holiday Open House, 10-4:00 pm, free. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Maryland. http://www.cylburn.org

12, Tuesday, Workshop: Faux Mini Tree Arrangement, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, fee and must register. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD. http://www.willowoakherbs.com

12, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: Holiday Décor, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered in December 7, 8, 14, and 15. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

12, Tuesday, and 14, Thursday (and December 5 & 6). Candlight Tours in the Mansion, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, fee and must register, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

12, Tuesday, Workshop: Festive Wreaths, 10 to 11:30 am, fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

12, Tuesday, Lecture: Holly Shimizu on Great Gardens of Japan, 7:30 pm. Members of Maryland Horticultural Society are free, non-members pay a fee but open to public. Hosted by the Maryland Horticultural Society at Vollmer Center Auditorium, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, MD. http://www.cylburn.org and http://www.mdhorticulture.org

13, Wednesday, Workshop: Festive Centerpieces 10:00 to 11:30 am fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

14, Thursday, Workshop: Mini Tabletop Christmas Tree, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Fee and must register. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD. http://www.willowoakherbs.com

14, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Holiday Décor, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered in December 7, 8, 12, and 15. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

14, Thursday, (and December 5, 6, and 12). Candlight Tours in the Mansion, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, fee and must register, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

14, Thursday, Holly Daze: Stroll through the Garden of Lights outside and then come inside for paired wine and cheese with dessert and make holiday ornaments. 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Fee and must register. Fee includes refreshments, ornament to take home, and admission to Garden of Lights. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

15, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Holiday Décor, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered in December 7, 8, 12, and 14. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

16, Saturday, Workshop: Williamsburg Candle Centerpiece, 10:00 am to noon, fee and must register. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD. http://www.willowoakherbs.com

16, Saturday, Holiday Floral Design, 10 to noon and 1 to 3 pm. Fee and must register. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

18, Monday, Bus Trip: Longwood Gardens, fee and must register. Different departing times and places, see website. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org

19, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered on December 21, 22, 26, 28 and 29. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

21, Thursday, Workshop: Fresh Flower Christmas Wreath, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, fee and must register. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD. http://www.willowoakherbs.com

21, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered on December 19, 22, 26, 28 and 29. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

22, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered on December 19, 21, 26, 28, and 29. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

26, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered on December 19, 21, 22, 28, and 29. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

28, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered on December 19, 21, 22, 26, and 29. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

29, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 12:45 pm, fee is included in suggested donation to enter Hillwood. Also offered on December 19, 21, 22, 26, and 28. Hillwood Museum and Garden, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC.  http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

Don’t forget these holiday attractions at botanical gardens

Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Garden Court, Vienna, VA. Outdoors, walk through, requires admission ticket.  https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights

Brookside Gardens’ Garden of Lights, outside, walk through, admission fee, check website for times. Winter display and garden railway exhibit in South Conservatory and winter display at North Conservatory, both are indoors and free. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. Indoors and free. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

Seasons Greenings Exhibit at U.S. Botanic Garden, theme is Roadside Attractions, free, indoors. 100 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington DC.  http://www.usbg.gov/plan-your-holiday-visit

 

Peg’s Picks: June 2017 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

Summer’s here! There are so many gardening events to attend and “million of things” to do in the garden!

1, Thursday, Let’s Talk Gardens Series: Disease Resistance Roses, 12:15 to 12:45 pm. Free; no registration necessary. East Walk of the Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian Gardens, Washington DC. http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/lets-talk-gardens.html

2, Friday, Annual Garden Fiesta fundraising event and celebration. 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Free and open to the public. Hosted by City Blossoms at DC Bilingual, 33 Riggs Rd., NE, Washington DC http://www.cityblossoms.org

2, Friday, Lecture: Low Maintenance Roses: The Earth Kind Way. Noon to 1:00 pm. Free but must register. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

2, Friday, open day for private garden in Silver Spring, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Takoma Horticultural Club, see website for street address and details; will have a different private garden every Friday in June. Free and open to the public. http://www.takomahort.org

2, Friday, Lecture: No Fuss Roses, 10:00 am to noon. Fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

3, Saturday, Washington Gardener’s annual plant swap. 11:30 am. Free to participate. At the R street parking lot of the U.S. National Arboretum. http://www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com

3, Saturday, Summer Maintenance and Vegetable Garden, 10:00 to 11:00 am. Free. Hosted by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners, Loudoun County Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden, Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org.

3, Saturday, Pollinator’s Day, 11:00 to 3:00 pm. Free. Talks, tours, and book signing (11:00 am walking tour of what is in bloom, and 2:00 pm talk on planting for pollinators. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. http://www.behnkes.com

3, Saturday and 4, Sunday, Secret Garden Tour in Annapolis. Noon to 5:00 pm. Tickets required. Sponsored by Hammond Harwood House Association. http://www.hammondharwoodhouse.org/secret-garden-tour

4, Sunday, Garden Tour, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Sponsored by the Horticultural Society of Maryland (HSM) HSM members free; non-members pay admission fee. All gardens are private gardens in Annapolis. http://www.mdhorticulture.org

3, Saturday, Belle Grove Plantation Garden Fest, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free admission. Belle Grove Plantation, 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA. Sponsored by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners. http://www.nsvmga.org and http://nsvmga.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Final_Color_MG_GF2017.pdf

3, Saturday, Iris Culture and Care in the Integrated Landscape. 10:00 to noon. Free but must register. Historic Manassas Courthouse, 9250 Lee Avenue, Old Town Manassas, VA. Sponsored by Prince William County Master Gardeners. http://www.pwcgov.org/grow

4, Sunday, Brookland House and Garden Tour in Washington DC, Noon to 5:00 pm. Tickets required. Hosted by the Greater Brookland Garden Club. http://www.gbgc.org

5, Monday, Waterwise Gardening, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Free and advance registration required. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington. http://www.mgnv.org

6, Tuesday, In the Garden Series: Tree and Shrub Pruning. Fee and must register, 9:00 am, Ladew Topiary Garden, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD. http://www.ladewgardens.com

7, Wednesday, Native Plant Sale, 10 to noon, the Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society has a Wednesday plant sale at their propagation beds at Green Spring the first Wednesday of the month, also welcomes volunteers to work in the propagation beds. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

7, Wednesday, Insects: Pests and Beneficials, Wednesdays in the Garden Series, 7:00 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. http://www.mgnv.org

8, Thursday, Lecture and film: Hometown Habitat. Lecture by Catherine Zimmerman. 7:00 pm. Free but registration required; sponsored by Friends of Brookside Gardens and by Maryland Native plant Society. Visitors Center Auditorium. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

8, Thursday, Let’s Talk Gardens Series: Small Space Food Gardens, 12:15 to 12:45 pm. Free; no registration necessary. East Walk of the Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian Gardens, Washington DC. http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/lets-talk-gardens.html

9, Friday, open day for private garden in Silver Spring, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Takoma Horticultural Club, see website for street address and details; will have a different private garden every Friday in June. Free and open to the public. http://www.takomahort.org

9, Friday, Gilded Age-inspired Garden Party, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets required. East Terrace of the Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian, Washington DC. Sponsored by the Smithsonian Libraries and Smithsonian Gardens. http://library.si.edu/event/garden-party

10, Saturday, Festival: You Can Grow It Celebration. 10 am to 4:00 pm. Free. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

10, Saturday, Growing and Healing with Common Garden Herbs, 10:00 am to noon. Fee and registration required. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

10, Saturday, Garden Conservancy’s Open Day in Frederick. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets required. Visit several private gardens in Frederick on your own, rain or shine. https://www.gardenconservancy.org/open-days

10, Saturday and 11, Sunday, Virginia Herb Festival, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission fee. Sunflower Cottage and Backroom Brewery, 150 Ridgemont Road, Middletown, VA, http://www.virginiaherbfestival.com

11, Sunday, Sunday in the Organic Vegetable Garden, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Free, no registration necessary. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia.  Potomac Overlook Park, 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington. http://www.mgnv.org

11, Sunday, Eastport Home and Garden Tour in Maryland, 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Tickets required. http://www.eastportcivic.org

13, Tuesday, Simpson Garden Stroll, 11:00 am to noon. Free, no registration necessary. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Simpson Park Demonstration Gardens, 420 E. Monroe Street, Alexandria, VA. http://www.mgnv.org

14, Wednesday, Pollination, Pollinators and Flowers, Wednesdays in the Garden Series, 7:00 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. http://www.mgnv.org

15, Thursday, Workshop: Edible Container Gardens. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Free but must register. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

15, Thursday, Let’s Talk Gardens Series: Plant for Water Features, 12:15 to 12:45 pm. Free; no registration necessary. East Walk of the Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian Gardens, Washington DC. http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/lets-talk-gardens.html

16, Friday, open day for private garden in Silver Spring, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Takoma Horticultural Club, see website for street address and details; will have a different private garden every Friday in June. Free and open to the public. http://www.takomahort.org

17, Saturday, Aquatic Gardening for Everyone, 11:00 am. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. http://www.behnkes.com

17, Saturday, The Most Reliable Perennials for Sun and Shade, 2:00 pm. Free.  Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. http://www.behnkes.com

17, Saturday, Talk and Tour: Daylily Daze: Past, Present, and Future of Daylily Breeding, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Fee and registration required, meet in Visitor Center, National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC. http://www.usna.usda.gov/

17, Saturday, Saturday in the gardens Series Sponsored by the Prince William County Master Gardeners. 9:00 am to noon. Topics will be Your Small Space Garden, Breath-taking baskets and potted posies, and vegetable of the month. Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery. 9535, Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. Free but must register and dress for weather. http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/pages/saturday-in-the-garden.aspx http://www.pwcgov.org/grow

17, Saturday, Terrarium workshop, either 10:30 to 11:30 or 1:30 to 2:30. Fee and must register. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

18, Sunday, Mini Mid-Season Native Plant Sale. 10:00 to 2:00 pm. Host by Plant NOVA Native Plants. At Earth Sangha, 6100 Cloud Drive in Franconia Park, Springfield, VA.  http://www.earthsangha.org

21, Wednesday, Summer Pruning and Plant Care, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Free, no registration necessary. Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria. http://www.mgnv.org

21, Wednesday, Best Practices in the Garden, Wednesdays in the Garden Series, 7:00 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. http://www.mgnv.org

21, Wednesday, Workshop and Lecture: Succulents Container, 10:00 to 11:30 am. Fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

22, Thursday, Let’s Talk Gardens Series: Invasive Plant Removal, 12:15 to 12:45 pm. Free; no registration necessary. East Walk of the Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian Gardens, Washington DC. http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/lets-talk-gardens.html

23, Friday, open day for private garden in Silver Spring, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Takoma Horticultural Club, see website for street address and details; will have a different private garden every Friday in June. http://www.takomahort.org

23, Friday, Special Event Pollinator Party 11:00 am to 11: 45 am. Free; no registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC. http://www.usbg.gov

23, Friday, Road Trip: Burpee’s Test Gardens: Fordhook Farm, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Fee and registration required. Meet at the Visitors Center entrance; bus will take you to Doylestown, PA, for the day. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

23, Friday, garden tour of Tudor’s gardens, 10:30 to 11:30 am. Must register and requires the admission fee to the estate. Tudor offers tours on the fourth Friday of the month but people can take self-guided tours other times when the estate is open. 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC. https://www.tudorplace.org/

24, Saturday, Walking Tour: the Best Summer Shrubs and Trees for Birds and Bees. Free. 11:00 am. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. http://www.behnkes.com

26, Monday, Growing Cut Flowers in your Garden. 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Free and advance registration required. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria.  http://www.mgnv.org

27, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: Summer Designs. 2:45 to 3:30 pm. Head gardener highlights summer seasonal plantings. Also offered on Thursday June 29 and Friday June 30. Limited number of free tickets distributed upon opening each day but must pay admission fee to Hillwood. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

28, Wednesday, Mushroom Growing, Wednesdays in the Garden Series, 7:00 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. http://www.mgnv.org

28, Wednesday, Small Space Gardening in Urban Settings, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Fee and must register. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

29, Thursday, Let’s Talk Gardens Series: Indoor Garden Inspirations, 12:15 to 12:45 pm. Free; no registration necessary. East Walk of the Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden, Smithsonian Gardens, Washington DC. http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/lets-talk-gardens.html

29, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Summer Designs. 2:45 to 3:30 pm. Head gardener highlights summer seasonal plantings. Also offered on Tuesday June 27 and Friday June 30. Limited number of free tickets distributed upon opening each day but must pay admission fee to Hillwood. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

30, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Summer Designs. 2:45 to 3:30 pm. Head gardener highlights summer seasonal plantings. Also offered on Tuesday June 27 and Thursday June 29. Limited number of free tickets distributed upon opening each day but must pay admission fee to Hillwood. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

30, Friday, open day for private garden in Silver Spring, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Takoma Horticultural Club, see website for street address and details; will have a different private garden every Friday in June. Free and open to the public. http://www.takomahort.org

The DC Parks and Recreation has a Summer Garden Workshop Series. Free workshops until September. Focused on practical urban gardening and taught by the leaders of DC urban garden movement. Check out the website for more details:

https://dpr.dc.gov/node/1124742

The Smithsonian Libraries and Smithsonian Gardens present a new exhibit “Cultivating America’s Gardens,” at the National Museum of American History now through August 2018, in Washington DC. The exhibit highlights plant exploration and the establishment of botanical gardens, the rise of the lawn, gardens of the Gilded Age, gardens of World’s Fairs, Victory and school gardens, preservation and documentation of historic gardens, the seed industry and plant breeding, and sustainable gardens of today. The “Cultivating America’s Gardens” features such iconic books as Philip Miller’s The Gardener’s Dictionary (1768) and Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962) as well as World War I posters and leaflets, gardening tools and a 1903 gardening journal from a private estate in Massachusetts designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm. Visitors will view books, trade catalogs, stereographs, lantern slides, illustrations and color photography that played an important role in the dissemination of horticultural and design knowledge and in influencing the American garden as it is known today. The exhibit is made possible through the support of the Burpee Foundation, Inc.

http://www.library.si.edu/exhibition/cultivating-americas-gardens

 

 

Peg’s Picks: March 2017 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

Every month I have listed my pick of gardening events in the Washington DC metropolitan area. This list has grown so much that March has over 60 events. Such a long list is cumbersome on a website so from now on I will post monthly gardening events on the “Classes/Events” tab at http://www.pegplant.com.

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

The holidays are here: visit public gardens to see winter lights, conservatories to see orchids and poinsettias, and historic estates to see mansions decorated with greens. Register for wreath making workshops, attend indoor gardening lectures, and pop into a few open houses for hours of holiday merry making.

1, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Seasons Greetings, 12:45 to 1:15 pm, free but limited tickets available. Tour of mansion’s holiday décor by staff horticulturist on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

2, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Seasons Greetings, 12:45 to 1:15 pm, free but limited tickets available. Tour of mansion’s holiday décor by staff horticulturist on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

2, Friday, Illuminated London Town, 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Fee and register in advance, dress for weather, also offered on December 9 and 16. Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD.  http://www.historiclondontown.org

2, Friday, Fabulous Wreaths Workshop, 10:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register. Also offered on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

3, Saturday, Fabulous Wreaths Workshop, 10:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register. Also offered on Friday, December 2 and Sunday, December 4. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

3, Saturday, Winter Wreath Workshop, 10:00 am to noon, fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

3, Saturday, Deck the Halls: A family at Christmas, 1:00 to 4:00, Fee and must register. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

3, Saturday, Fresh Greens Workshop, Merrifield Garden Center, Fair Oaks location, 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA. 10:00 am, Free. Learn how to make holiday wreaths, garlands and arrangements with fresh flowers, pine, holly, cedar, boxwood, magnolia and adornments. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

3, Saturday, Wreath Workshop, 10:00 to noon, fee and register in advance. Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD. http://www.historiclondontown.org

3, Saturday, Wreath Workshop, Merrifield Garden Center, Gainesville location, 6895 Wellington Road, Manassas, VA. 10:00 am. Fee and must register. http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

4, Sunday, Fabulous Wreaths Workshop, 10:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register. Also offered on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

4, Sunday, Gardeners Holiday Open House, noon to 4:00 pm, free admission and puppet show for kids, advance registration for puppet show recommended, Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

6, Tuesday, Lewis Ginter: Garden Fest of Lights, bus trip to Lewis Ginter in Richmond, 2:00 to 10:45 pm. Fee and must register. Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

6, Tuesday, Candlight Tour, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Fee and must register. Also available on December 8, 20, and 21. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

7, Wednesday, Lecture: Deer Resistant Plants by Ruth Rogers Clausen, 7:00 pm, St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 199 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD. Annapolis Horticultural Society, free and open to the public. http://www.annapolishorticulture.org

7, Wednesday, Tudor Nights: Home for the Holidays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Fee and must register. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

7, Wednesday, Wreath Making Workshop, 11:00 am, Fee and reservation required. Also on December 9 and 12. (Mansion decorated for the holidays). Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA. http://www.oatlands.org

8, Thursday, Candlight Tour, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Fee and must register. Tudor (also available on December 6, 20 and 21). Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

8, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Seasons Greetings, 12:45 to 1:15 pm, free but limited tickets available. Tour of mansion’s holiday décor by staff horticulturist on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

9, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Seasons Greetings, 12:45 to 1:15 pm, free but limited tickets available. Tour of mansion’s holiday décor by staff horticulturist on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

9, Friday, Wreath Making Workshop, 11:00 am, Fee and reservation required. Also on December 7 and 12. (Mansion decorated for the holidays). Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA. http://www.oatlands.org

9, Friday, Illuminated London Town, 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Fee and register in advance, dress for weather, also offered on December 2 and 16. Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD.  http://www.historiclondontown.org

10, Saturday, Candlelight Tours of Mansion, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Fee but reservation not required. Also on December 11, Sunday, and December 17 & 18. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA. http://www.oatlands.org

10, Saturday, Wreath Making Workshops: herbal wreaths from 10 to noon and pine cone wreaths from 1:30 to 3:30. Fee and must register. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

10, Saturday, Natural Holiday Ornaments Workshop, 9:30 to 11:30 am, fee and must register, Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

10, Saturday, Holiday Open House, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, free. Also from December 1-23 is the Indoor Holiday Display at River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA. http://www.ahs.org

11, Sunday, Candlelight Tours of Mansion, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Fee but reservation not required. Also on December 10, Saturday, and December 17 & 18. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA. http://www.oatlands.org

11, Sunday, Floral Workshop: Creating a Williamsburg Centerpiece, 2:00 to 3:30, fee and must register. Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

12, Monday, Wreath Making Workshop, 11:00 am, Fee and reservation required. Also on December 7 and 9. (Mansion decorated for the holidays). Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA. http://www.oatlands.org

13, Tuesday, Lecture: The Art of Gardening by William Thomas, executive director and head gardener at Chanticleer Gardens, 7:30 pm. Hosted by the Horticultural Society of Maryland, lecture is free for HSM members, non-members pay fee at door. Vollmer Center Auditorium, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD (410) 821-5561. http://www.mdhorticulture.org

13, Tuesday, Holly Daze, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Enjoy the Garden of Lights and then come inside for paired wine and cheese, create festive holiday air plant ornaments to take home. Fee includes refreshments, air plant ornament, and admission to Garden of Lights. See last paragraph for information about Brookside Gardens’ Garden of Lights. Fee and must register. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

13, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: Seasons Greetings, 12:45 to 1:15 pm, free but limited tickets available. Tour of mansion’s holiday décor by staff horticulturist on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

14, Wednesday, Festive Fresh Greens, 10:00 to 11:30 am, fee and must register. Also offered on December 15, Thursday. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

15, Thursday, Festive Fresh Greens, 10:00 to 11:30 am, fee and must register. Also offered on December 14, Wednesday, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

15, Thursday, Gardener’s Focus: Seasons Greetings, 12:45 to 1:15 pm, free but limited tickets available. Tour of mansion’s holiday décor by staff horticulturist on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

16, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Seasons Greetings, 12:45 to 1:15 pm, free but limited tickets available. Tour of mansion’s holiday décor by staff horticulturist on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

16, Friday, Wreath Making Workshop using boxwood, is offered in partnership with the Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 10 to noon and 1:30 to 3:30, fee and must register with Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org Workshop is one block away from Tudor at Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 3115 P Street NW Washington DC

16, Friday, Illuminated London Town, 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Fee and register in advance, dress for weather, also offered on December 2, and 9. Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD. http://www.historiclondontown.org

17, Saturday, Candlelight Tours of Mansion, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Fee but reservation not required. Also on December 10 & 11 and December 18. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA. http://www.oatlands.org

17, Saturday, Wreath Workshop, mixed greens, 10 to noon and 1:30 to 3:30. Fee and must register. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

17, Saturday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 11:00 to 11:30 am, free walking tour but limited tickets available. Tour given on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

18, Sunday, Candlelight Tours of Mansion, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Fee but reservation not required. Also on December 10 & 11 and December 17. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA. http://www.oatlands.org

20, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 11:00 to 11:30 am, free walking tour but limited tickets available. Tour given on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

20, Tuesday, Candlight Tour, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Fee and must register (also available on December 6, 8, and 21). Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

21, Tuesday, Candlight Tour 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Fee and must register (also available on December 6, 8, and 20). Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW Washington DC. http://www.tudorplace.org

23, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 11:00 to 11:30 am, free walking tour but limited tickets available. Tour given on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

24, Saturday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 11:00 to 11:30 am, free walking tour but limited tickets available. Tour given on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

27, Tuesday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 11:00 to 11:30 am, free walking tour but limited tickets available. Tour given on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

30, Friday, Gardener’s Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden, 11:00 to 11:30 am, free walking tour but limited tickets available. Tour given on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington DC. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

 

And there is more…….

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens has a new attraction this season in addition to its holiday decorations and events. The contemporary American artist and filmmaker Philip Haas has large sculptures in the garden inspired by the series The Seasons by Guiseppe Arcimboldo (1526-1593). These will be on exhibit through March 31, 2017. Haas’s re-creations transform Arcimboldo’s intriguing works, greatly enlarging the scale, altering the materials, and adding dimensionality to shed a contemporary perspective on the popular paintings.  Arcimboldo, an Italian renaissance painter born in Milan, created the series The Seasons comprising spring, summer, autumn and winter. These portraits depict faces composed of plants associated with each season. Admission fee. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

U.S. Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places is open until January 2, 2017. Immerse yourself in the sights, scents, and sounds of the season with wreaths, garland, trees, and thousands of blooms from exotic orchids to a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties. Throughout the Conservatory, the U.S. Botanic Garden will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. In this year’s model train show, the trains will chug around, below, through, and above re-creations of iconic national parks and sites in the National Register of Historic Places. See the Grand Canyon, the Gateway Arch, Old Faithful Inn and Geyser, Mount Vernon, Mount Rushmore, a 7-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, and many more representing 48 different national parks and historic sites, all made from plants and other natural materials. 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC. Free. http://www.usbg.gov

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is open until January 18, 5:30 to 10:00 pm. Admission fee and dress for weather, tickets are sold online or at door but best to buy online for timed entrance. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA.  http://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens is a winter walk-through light display open until January 1, but closed December 24 and 25. Open on Sunday through Thursday 5:30 to 9:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 5:30 to 10:00 pm. Cash at entrance or advance sale tickets. Garden of Lights info line is (301) 962-1453. Brookside Gardens also has a garden railway exhibit and a winter display in their conservatory. 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

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

September might look like summer is coming to an end but the gardening world is exploding full of activities and events!

1, Thursday, Fall gardening in Containers, 1:00 pm. Free and must register. Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th Street, South Arlington, VA. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

1, Thursday, Turf Renovation, 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

3, Saturday, Under the Arbor Series: 2016 Herb of the Year is the Chile Pepper, 1:00 to 4:00 pm in the National Herb Garden, free. Presented by the Herb Society of America and Arboretum staff. U.S. National Arboretum. U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC. http://www.usna.usda.gov

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

6, Tuesday, In the Garden Series: Meadow Gardening, 9:30 am, fee unless a member and must register. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD. (410) 557-9570 ext. 261 or rhebert@ladewgardens.com. http://www.ladewgardens.com

6, Tuesday, Putting Your Herb Garden to Bed, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA. Also offered on September 8, at 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

7, Wednesday, Putting Your Herb Garden to Bed for Winter, 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

8, Thursday, Beneficial Insects in the Garden, 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

8, Thursday, Putting Your Herb Garden to Bed, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Also offered on September 6, Tuesday, at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but must register in advance. http://www.mgnv.org

8, Thursday, Lecture: Paw Paw: In Search of America’s Forgotten Fruit by author Andrew Moore. 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Fee, must make reservations and book signing to follow. Sponsored by the Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, VA. (540) 837-1758. http://www.blandy.virginia.edu

9, Friday, Lecture: All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell, author of same book, noon to 1:00 pm. Free but must register. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

9, Friday, Lecture: Planting in a Post Wild World by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West. Free but must register. Doors will open at 6:00, lecture from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

10, Saturday, Under the Arbor Series: Lemon Herbs, 1:00 to 4:00 free. In the National Herb Garden. Presented by Herb Society of America and Arboretum staff. U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC. http://www.usna.usda.gov

10, Saturday, Class: Trees 201: Learn to Identify Trees (classroom instruction and field session) 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Casey Trees, 3030 12th street NE, Washington DC. Free but must register in advance, light breakfast and lunch provided. Casey Trees, 3030 12th Street NE Washington DC. (202) 833-4010. http://www.caseytrees.org

10, Saturday, Paw Paw Festival, noon to 4:00 pm. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD. Admission fee. http://www.montgomeryparks.org/events/pawpaw-festival-2/

10, Saturday, Ten Unusual Garden Beauties Tour, 7:30 to 8:30 am. Follow horticulturist Carol Miranda for a tour of the gardens to discover unique plants that can add pizza to any garden. Free with paid admission the gardens, wear walking shoes. Pre-registration required. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA. http://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens

10, Saturday, Lecture: Pome Fruit: Apples, Pears, and Quince: Botany, History and Production by Todd Brethauer, 10:30 am to noon. Free but registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

10, Saturday, Fall Garden Day, Plant Sale and More at Green Springs. 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. Free. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

10, Saturday, Friends of Brookside Gardens (FOBG) plant sale, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center South Terrace (8:00 to 10:00 am for FOBG members only). Second day, 11, Sunday, 9:00 am to noon and 10 percent discount for FOBG members. http://www.friendsofbrooksidegardens.org for details and listing of plants, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. http://www.brooksidegardens.org

10, Saturday, It’s Basic Gardening – Down and Dirty with Carol Allen, 1:00 pm. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

10, Saturday, Fall Herb Faire, 9:00 to 5:00 pm. Lavender Fields Herb Farm, 11300 Winfrey Road, Glenn Allen, VA. Free (also offers classes during month). http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com

11, Sunday, Organic Vegetable Garden Taste and Tour, hosted by VCE Master Gardeners. 1-4 pm. Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington, VA. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free. http://www.mgnv.org

11, Sunday, Composting Program in Conjunction with Organic Vegetable Garden Taste and Tour, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. No need to register, Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

13, Tuesday, Lecture: Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener by Joseph Tychonievich, horticulturist and author. Sponsored by the Maryland Horticultural Society. Vollmer Center Auditorium, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Green Spring Avenue, Baltimore, MD. Call (410) 821 5561 or e-mail programs@mdhorticulture.org for more information; free for members; fee for non-members. http://www.mdhorticulture.

14, Wednesday, Eat Fresh in December: Cold Frames and Hot Beds. 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, Wednesday, Lecture: Pollinators, Their Importance and Status by Sam Droege, biologist with U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh, Virginia Native Plant Society Potowmack Chapter; Fairfax Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists; VCE and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, free. 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA. http://vnps.org/events

14, Wednesday, Non Native Invasive Plant Removal, two parts, first part is class at Casey Trees at 3030, 12th Street, NE, Washington DC from 6 to 9 pm. Second part is a field session on Saturday 9/17 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Free and must register. (202) 833-4010. http://www.caseytrees.org

15, Thursday, Special Event: National Garden 10th Anniversary Gala, 6:00 pm. Must register in advance and fee.  U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

15, Thursday, Fall Soil Preparation for a Fertile Spring, 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, Friday, Lecture: Old Roses for a Modern World, noon to 1:00. Presented by the curator of Brooklyn Botanic Gardens’ Cranford Rose Garden. Free but must register. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

16, Friday, Garden talks with Master Gardeners; Grow Beautiful Bulbs, 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/

17, Saturday, Seed Saving in the Garden, from Vegetables to Flowers to More, with Carol Allen 11:00 am. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

17, Saturday, Saving Tender Plants and Tropicals for Next Spring — Propagation and Recovery with Carol Allen, 1:00 pm. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

17, Saturday, How to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden, 7:30 to 8:30 am. Join horticulturist Tammy Burke on a tour through the Pollinators Garden, free with paid admission to the gardens, pre-registration required. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA. http://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens

17, Saturday, Lush Autumn Container Workshop, 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Create a beautiful autumn garden container. Class includes plants, container, soil and design help. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

17, Saturday, National Garden 10th Anniversary Celebration 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Free and no registration required; an all day festival for all ages, family event. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

17, Saturday, Hyattsville Environmental Expo, featuring keynote speaker Thomas Rainer, author of Planting in a Post Wild World at 1:00 pm. Also opportunity to buy rain barrels. Festival is 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, MD. http://www.hyattsville.org/grassroots.

17, Saturday, First Annual Paw Paw Festival, noon to 5:00 pm, admission fee. Hosted by Michael Judd’s Ecologiadesign.com. Event at Long Creek Homestead, parking at Brook Hill Church, 8946 Indian Spring Road, Frederick, MD. http://www.ecologiadesign.com

17, Saturday in the Garden, Plant Propagation, Taught by VCE Prince William County staff and Master Gardener volunteers in the Teaching Garden of the St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. 9:00 am to noon; free but registration requested. Call (703) 792-7747 or e-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org.

18, Sunday, Divide and Conquer Your Perennials with Carol Allen, 11:00 am. Free. Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD. (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

18, Sunday AutumnFest Celebration at Glencarlyn Library Community Garden (and plant sale), sponsored by VCE master gardeners of NoVA. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Glencarlyn Library, 300 S. Kensington Street, Arlington, VA. http://www.mgnv.org

19, Monday, Tree Selection for Urban Street and Small Yard Plantings, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Sponsored by the Alexandria Beautification Commission.  Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but must register in advance. http://www.mgnv.org

20, Tuesday, Landscape for Life, a 6-session class on sustainable landscaping developed by Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and the U.S. Botanic Garden. Classes meet every Tuesday morning from 10:00 am to 12:30 from 9/20 to 10/25. Fee and must register. Classes held at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn, VA. http://www.lflclass.wordpress.com

21, Wednesday, topic to be announced. 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, Wednesday, A Day with Floral Designer Holly Heider Chapple. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Sponsored by the Leesburg Garden Club. Fee and must register. Held at the Riverside on the Potomac, 44337 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg, VA. http://www.leesburggardenclub.org.

22, Thursday, Rain Gardens, 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

24, Saturday, Under the Arbor: Natural Dyes, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Free. In the National Herb Garden. Presented by the Herb Society of America and Arboretum staff. U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC. http://www.usna.usda.gov

24, Saturday, Garden Program: All About Figs, 10:0 to 11:00 am. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

24, Saturday, Workshop: Autumn Seed Collecting 10:30 to noon. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

24, Saturday, Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. A collection of vendors from various states. St. Clements Church, 1701 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA. Corner of Quaker and Oakcrest. www.parkfairfaxnativeplantsale.org

25, Sunday, Simpson Park Gardens Fall Open House, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, 426 E. Monroe Avenue by the YMCA, Alexandria, VA. Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free. http://www.mgnv.org

25, Sunday, Hometown Habitat Film Screening. 90 minute film, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Seating limited; advance registration requested. Sign up at http://bit.ly/2av1P2g. Sponsored by the VCE Master Gardeners of Arlington/Alexandria and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. Arlington Central Library Auditorium, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA http://www.mgnv.org

28, Wednesday, Inside Arlington Kitchens: Fermented? Home cooking? 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, Wednesday, Tour Backstage Pass of the USBG Production Facility, 10:30 to noon. Must pre- register but free and meet at greenhouses. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

28, Wednesday, Lecture: Dr. Richard Olson, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the Beltsville Garden Club, James E. Duckworth School, 11201 Evans Trail, Beltsville, MD. Free and open to the public. http://www.beltsvillegardenclub.org

29, Thursday, Fall Tree Care Tips, 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

29, Thursday, Fall Pruning and Care of Trees and Shrubs by Scott Johnston of Johnston Tree Care, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Workshop begins in library and then outside for demonstration and hands on practice, dress for weather. Free but reservations required. Sponsored by the Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, VA. (540) 837-1758. http://www.blandy.virginia.edu

29, Thursday, Lecture: Soil Evaluation and Composting, sponsored by VCE. 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA.  Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but must register in advance. http://www.mgnv.org

29, Thursday, Ladew’s Fall Lecture Series: Living with Southern Style with James Farmer (author of many books). Fee and must register in advance, optional lunch and by reservation. Coffee and Danish served at 10:00 am, lecture begins at 10:30, book sale afterwards. Contact Rachel Hebert (410) 557-9570, ext. 261; rhebert@ladewgardens.org. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD.  http://www.ladewgardens.com

30, Friday, Garden Talks with Master Gardeners: Plant More Natives. 1:30 to 2:30. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

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

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

 

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

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.comhttp://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.

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

tulipsMay is the time to visit demonstration gardens, attend plant sales, and buy tickets for house and garden tours!

April 30 through May 28, Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage, in Queen Anne’s, Harford, Talbot, Baltimore, and Charles County, tickets required. http://www.mhgp.org.

1, Sunday, Grow It Eat It Spring Open House noon until 4:00 pm hosted by the Montgomery County Master Gardeners at the Agriculture History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD. Free but some classes require registration and fee.

1, Sunday, Glencarlyn Library Community Garden Plant Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 300 S Kensington St, Arlington, VA. Hosted by the Master Gardeners of Norther Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

1, Sunday, Organic Vegetable Demonstration Garden Open House, 1 to 4 p.m., held in conjunction with the Open House at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA. Hosted by the Master Gardeners of Norther Virginia. http://www.mgnv.org

1, Sunday, Takoma Park House and Garden Tour of 14 American Craftsman houses in the Willow-Park-Valley View neighborhood of Takoma Park, MD, 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Ticket required. http://www.historictakoma.org

4, Wednesday, Foraging for Wild 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

6, Friday, Garden Fest in the Enid A. Haupt garden (south side of the Smithsonian Castle). 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Sponsored by the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Free.  http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/garden-fest.html

6, Friday, 10 to 6; and 7, Saturday, 10 to 5, Flower-Mart at the Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC, (202) 537-2937. Free. http://www.allhallowsguild.org/Flower-Mart/flower-mart/

6, Friday and 7, Saturday and 13 and 14, 9 to 5 pm. Lavender Field Farm Spring Herb Faire. Free admission and parking, rain or shine. 11300 Winfrey Road, Glen Allen, VA (804) 262-7167. http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com

7, Saturday, Ladew Garden Festival: Specialty Plants and Garden Ornaments, 10 to 4:00 pm, free. Ladew Topiary Garden, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD (410) 557-9570. http://www.ladewgardens.com

7, Saturday, Market Day, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. free, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD. (410) 396-0180. http://www.cylburn.org

7, Saturday, Sweet Treat with Chile Heat, learn about chiles. Part of the Under the Arbor Series in the National Herb Garden. Presented by the Tidewater Unit of the Herb Society of America, free, walk in, no registration required. U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002; (202) 245-4523. http://www.usna.usda.gov.

7, Saturday, Silver Spring Garden Club’s GardenMart plant sale, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center South Terrace, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD http://www.brooksidegardens.org

7, Saturday, Georgetown Garden Tour, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets required. Headquarters is Christ Church, 31st and O Street NW. http://www.georgetowngardenclubdc.org

7, Saturday, 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Sunday, 8, noon to 5:00 pm. Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Annual House and Garden Tour. Tickets required. Call (202) 543-0425 or visit http://www.chrs.org

7, Saturday, Transitioning from a spring to summer vegetable garden with topics on planting summer veggies, 10 to noon. Free garden talk followed by a Q&A session, Saturday in the Garden Series hosted by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners, Loudoun County Master Gardeners’ demo garden, Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org or call (703) 777-0373.

7, Saturday, SpringFest and Plant Sale 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free to SpringFest, rest of the grounds are included with regular admission fee. Also on Sunday May 8 is SpringFest and Mothers’ Day Celebration, noon to 4:30 pm. Historic Londontown, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD (410) 222-1919. http://www.historiclondontown.org

6-8, Friday through Sunday, 12th annual DC Green Festival at the Washington DC Convention Center, times and admission fees vary.
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-d-c-2016-may-6-8.html#!1_photo_booth

10, Tuesday, All About Composting, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., presented by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria, VA. Free. Register at mgnv.org. Call 703-228-6414 or send an email to mgarlalex@gmail.com.

10, Tuesday, Superhero flowering shrubs and groundcovers for right size flower gardens, presented by Kerry Ann Mendez, sponsored by the Horticultural Society of Maryland. 7:30 pm. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD. (410) 821-5561 members free, nonmembers fee. http://www.mdhorticulture.org

11, Wednesday, Mighty Alliums cooking demonstration by the Cook Sisters, noon to 1:30, fee and must register, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. (301) 962-1470 http://www.brooksidegardens.org

11, Wednesday, Critter Control: Worms, Slugs, Bugs, Other. 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

12, Thursday, Mighty Alliums, cooking demonstration with the Cook Sisters, noon to 12:45 and repeated at 12:50 and again on Thursday May 26, free. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

12, Thursday, Bethesda Community Garden Club plant sale, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm., Bethesda Farm Women’s Market, 7155 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD. http://www.bethesdacommunitygardenclub.org

14, Saturday, Spring Garden Day — the Big Plant Sale, 9 am-3 pm. Sponsored by Friends of Green Spring. Free admission. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA.  Call 703-642-5173 for more information. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

14, Saturday, Garden Club of Chevy Chase Spring Garden Tour of 7 gardens in historic Chevy Chase, MD. Tickets required. Call (301) 657-1278 or for more information, e-mail gardenclubofchevychase@gmail.com

15, Sunday, Edible Tradition: Creating an Herb Knot Garden with Carol Allen, 11:00 am. At 2:00 pm, Carol will talk about Creating a Kitchen Herb Garden. Free lectures at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center but must register, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

18, Wednesday, Growing Food in Small Spaces. 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

19, Thursday, Farm to Fork: A Taste of Locally produced food from Anne Arundel County, 5 to 8 pm. ticket required, must register. Historic Londontown, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD (410) 222-1919. http://www.historiclondontown.org

21, Saturday, Sweet and Spicy: learn about roses and chiles, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Part of the Under the Arbor series at the National Arboretum, presented by the Herb Society of America. Free, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC; (202) 245-4523. http://www.usna.usda.gov

21, Saturday, Beneficial Insects, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Presented by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, VA. Free. Advance registration is requested at mgnv.org. Call 703-228-6414 or send an email to mgarlalex@gmail.com.

21, Saturday, A Year in the Life of a Vegetable Garden, 2:00 pm with Carol Allen. Free lectures at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center but must register, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

21, Saturday, Safely Using and Storing Garden Pesticides, Fertilizers and More with David Noto, 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

21, Saturday, Herb Garden Container workshop, fee and must register, offered at various times on Saturday. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington DC. (202) 686-5807. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

21, Saturday, container garden mania and master gardener plant sale at teaching garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9:00 am to noon.  Hosted by the Prince William Master Gardeners. 9535, Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. Free but must register and dress for weather. Call (703) 792-7747 or e-mail: master_gardener@pwcgov.org

21, Saturday, and 22, Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour of gardens in downtown Frederick and Baker Park, MD. Tickets required. Call (301) 600-2844 for more information.  http://www.celebratefrederick.com/events/garden-tour/

22, Sunday, 2-5 pm, Annual Shepherd Park Citizens Association Garden tour, ticket required. Self-guided tour of gardens in Shepherd Park, Colonial Village, and North Portal Estates in Northwest Washington DC. http://www.shepherdpark.org/garden.html or e-mail alexk@alumni.virginia.edu for more information.

22, Sunday, Why Choose Heritage Vegetables noon presentation with Carol Allen. Free lectures at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center but must register, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100. http://www.behnkes.com

22, Sunday in the Organic Vegetable Garden, 1 to 4 p.m., Potomac Overlook Park, 2845 Marcey Rd., Arlington, VA. The garden is located beyond the Nature Center. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. No registration necessary. For questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com. http://www.mgnv.org

25, Wednesday, Garden Structures; Vertical Gardening. 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

26, Thursday, Mighty Alliums, cooking demonstration with the Cook Sisters, noon to 12:45 and repeated at 12:50 and again on Thursday May 12, free. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

28, Saturday, Baltimore Herb Festival 2016 year of the pepper, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, Leakin Park, 1920 Eagle Park, Baltimore, outdoor rain or shine, fee but free parking, http://www.baltimoreherbfestival.com

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

 

Peg’s Picks: March 2016 Gardening Events for the Washington DC Metro Area

Thursday, March 3, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, Seed Starting 101, by VCE Master Gardeners in Loudoun County, free. Loudoun County Public Library, Gum Spring Branch, 24600 Millstream Drive, Stone Ridge, VA 20105. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

Thursday March 3, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, All About Water Gardening, free lecture by Richard Koogle, vice president of Lilypons Water gardens, courtesy of Loudoun County Master Gardeners. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, NW Leesburg, VA 20176. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

Saturday, 3/5: Merrifield, Prune like a Pro Part 2; Fair Oaks, Night Gardens; Gainesville, Spring Color with Trees. Saturdays Sessions at Merrifield Garden Center, free lectures at 10:00 am in three locations: (M=Merrifield; FO=Fair Lakes; G=Gainesville). http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

Saturday, March 5, 11:00 am to noon, The Birth of a Rain Garden: From Start to Finish Garden Free lectures at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

Saturday, March 5, 2:00-3:00 pm. Working with Pollinators: How to Make a Home for Solitary Bees Garden. Free lectures at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

Saturday, March 5; Sunday, March 6; Friday, March 11; Saturday, March 12; and Sunday, March 13. Maryland Home and Garden Show, Maryland State Fairground, Timonium, MD. Admission fee; check website for times. http://www.mdhomeandgarden.com

Saturday, March 5, 10:30 to noon (Arlington location) and Saturday, March 12, 2:30 to 4:00 (Alexandria location). How to Prune Practically Anything. Bring your own tools because you also will learn how to sharpen tools and dress warmly for this outdoor session. Presented by VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but register in advance at http://www.tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE If you have questions, call (703) 228-6414, e-mail mgarlalex.org, or see website http://www.mgnv.org.

Saturday, March 5, 10:00 to 11:00 am, Spring Garden Maintenance lecture. Free at Burke Nursery and Garden Centre, 9401 Burke Road, Burke, VA 22015; (703) 323-1188. http://www.burkenursery.com

Sunday, March 6, 1:30 to 2:30 pm, How and Whys of Botanical Nomenclature, by Lee Gordon. Part of the Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series at Green Spring Gardens, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. After lecture, meet presenter and enjoy refreshments. Fee and can register for individual topics or for all of the Sunday lectures. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Tuesday March 8, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Herbs: From the Grocery Store to the Garden to the Kitchen. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, 22314. Presented by VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. If you have questions, call (703) 228-6414, e-mail mgarlalex.org, or visit http://www.mgnv.org. Free but register in advance at http://www.tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE

Wednesday March 9, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Going Native: Tried and True Plants for the Landscape, Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, 22304. Presented by the VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. If you have questions, call (703) 228-6414, e-mail mgarlalex.org, or visit http://www.mgnv.org. Free but register in advance at http://www.tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE

Thursday, March 10, noon to 12:45 pm; repeated at 12:50. Spring Roots Cooking Demonstration (potatoes, radishes, and turnips) by the Cook sisters, also repeated on Thursday, March 24, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20002; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov.

Saturday, March 12 at 2:00 and again on Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 pm Start Now! Growing Potatoes, Onions, Asparagus — Cool Season Vegetables and More Garden Talks at Behnke Nurseries Garden Center, free, do not have to register. 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

Saturday, 3/12: M, Dramatic Garden Makeovers; FO, Displays Ready for Prime Time; G, Spring Cleaning in the Garden. Saturdays Sessions at Merrifield Garden Center, free lectures at 10:00 am in three locations. (M=Merrifield; FO=Fair Laks; G=Gainesville).  http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

Saturday, March 12, 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.loudounccountymastergardeners.org/events/annual-symposium

Saturday March 12, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Culinary Herbs, by VCE Master Gardeners in Loudoun County, free. Purcellville Library, 220 E. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

Saturday March 12, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Intensive Organic Vegetable Gardening Part I, free lecture by VCE Master Gardeners in Loudoun County. Philomont Community Center, 36592, Jeb Stuart Rd., Philomont, VA 20131. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 pm (and again on Saturday, March 12 at 2:00). Start Now! Growing Potatoes, Onions, Asparagus — Cool Season Vegetables and More. Free Garden Talk at Behnke Nursery Garden Center, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100; http://www.behnkes.com

Sunday, March 13, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Epic Tomatoes, by Craig LeHoullier. Part of the Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series at Green Spring Gardens. After lecture, meet presenter and enjoy refreshments. Can register for individual topics or for all; fee. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. (703) 642-5173 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Wednesday, March 16, noon to 1:30 pm, Spring Roots, Cooking Demonstration (potatoes, radishes and turnips) with the Cook sisters, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1400; fee and must register. http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside

Wednesday, March 16, 10:30 am-11:30 am. A Cultural Exploration of Chinese Gardens with Scott Rykiel. Ladew Gardens Spring lecture series, fee and must register. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111; (410) 557-9570. http://www.ladewgardens.com

Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Seed Starting. Part of the Wednesdays in the Garden Series, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE 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

Saturday, March 19, Multiplying Garden Treasures: Propagating from Cuttings, 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Fee and must register. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. (703) 642-5173  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Saturday March 19, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, Intensive Organic Vegetable Gardening Part 2, free lecture by VCE Master Gardeners in Loudoun County, Philomont Community Center, 36592, Jeb Stuart Rd., Philomont, VA 20131. http://www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org

Saturday, March 19, Merrifield, Fragrant Gardens; FO, Get to Know Perennials; G, Drainage Solutions. Saturdays Sessions at Merrifield Garden Center, free lectures at 10:00 am in three locations. (M=Merrifield; FO=Fair Lakes; G=Gainesville). http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

Saturday, March 19, Plot Against Hunger Spring Garden Kick Off, 9: 00 am to 1:00 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane at Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207; Learn about Arlington Food Assistance Center’s (AFAC’s) Plot Against Hunger Gardens and start you own garden. Learn about seed starting, straw bale and lasagna gardening, mulching, growing vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms, irrigation, rain barrels, composting, etc. RSVP to PlotAgainstHunger@afac.org by March 17. Free family event. http://www.afac.org

Saturday, March 19, 10:30 am to noon, Plant Propagation. Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, 22304. Presented by the VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but register in advance at http://www.tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE If you have questions, call (703) 228-6414, e-mail mgarlalex.org, or visit http://www.mgnv.org.

Sunday, March 20, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Growing Summer Bouquets, by Lisa Zeigler. Part of the Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series at Green Spring Gardens. After lecture, meet presenter and enjoy refreshments. Can register for individual topics or for all; fee. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. (703) 642-5173 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Vegetable Gardening 2: Management and Maintenance, Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington, 22206. Presented by the VCE Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Free but register in advance at http://www.tinyurl.com/RegisterVCE If you have questions, call (703) 228-6414, e-mail mgarlalex.org, or visit http://www.mgnv.org

Wednesday, March 23, Fine Gardening Meets Fine Dining, Delectable Plants for the Home Landscape with Pandora Young. Part of the Ladew Gardens Spring lecture series, fee and must register. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111; (410) 557-9570. http://www.ladewgardens.com

Wednesday, March 23, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Designing your Garden. Part of the Wednesdays in the Garden, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE 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

Thursday, March 24, noon to 12:45 pm and repeated at 12:50 pm. Spring Roots Cooking Demonstration (potatoes, radishes, and turnips) by the Cook sisters, also repeated on Thursday, March 10, noon to 12:45 pm; repeated at 12:50. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20002; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov.

Saturday, March 26, Merrifield, Build the Lawn of your Dreams; FO, Growing Herbs; G, Growing Herbs 2:00 (same speaker and content as the 10:00 am session at FO) Saturdays Sessions at Merrifield Garden Center, free lectures at 10:00 am in three locations. (M=Merrifield; FO=Fair Lakes; G=Gainesville). http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com.

Wednesday, March 30, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. From the grocery store to the garden to the kitchen. Part of the Wednesdays in the Garden series, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center volunteers and VCE 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

Wednesday, March 30, The Right-size Flower Garden with Kerry Ann Mendez. Part of the Ladew Gardens Spring lecture series, fee and must register. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111; (410) 557-9570. http://www.ladewgardens.com

Thursday, March 31, noon to 2:00-4:00 pm, Dealing with Deer and other Mammal Pests in Your Garden, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1400; fee and must register. http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside