Tag Archives: gardening events

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

Posted on January 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on December 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

GreenSpringsDecember2014 068You would think that not a lot happens in January in the gardening world but actually I had to trim this list down to make it manageable! Although my aim is to focus on edibles, I can’t help but include a few cooking classes because after all, if you grow it, you have to figure out how to eat it! January is an exciting time, lots of lectures, classes, and workshops.

Saturday, January 9, Pruning workshop 9:30 am, hosted by Casey Trees at 50 Marina Drive Alexandria, VA 22314, Free but must register in advance http://www.caseytrees.org

Saturday January 9, Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist by Michael Judd, author and edible landscape designer, course #8082, 2:00 to 3:30 $14 ($13 for FOBG), registration required, Visitors Center Auditorium, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, (301) 962-1451; http://www.brooksidegardens.org

Tuesday January 12 through February 16, Landscape for Life gardening course developed by the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and the U.S. Botanic Garden. Learn how to transform home landscapes and public places into healthy refuges that benefit birds, pollinators, and other wildlife including the community and the Chesapeake Bay. Classes are Tuesday mornings 10:00 am to 12:30, January 12 through February 16, (snow date February 23), at the Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn, VA. Fee, $60, and must register, for more information e-mail landscapeforlifeclass@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 13, Backstage pass at the production facility of the U.S. Botanic Garden, 10:30 am to noon, free but must register in advance. Meet at the production facility on 4700 Shepherd Parkway, SW, Washington DC 20032. http://www.usbg.gov

Wednesday, January 13, Roots of Flavor, Join Adrienne and Danielle Cook in learning how to cook with turmeric and ginger root, course #8021, noon to 1:30 $35 ($31 FOBG) registration required, Visitors Center Auditorium, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902, (301) 962-1451; http://www.brooksidegardens.org

Thursday, January 14, Join Adrienne and Danielle Cook in learning how to cook with turmeric and ginger root, noon and repeated again at 12:45 (also offered on Thursday, January 28 at noon and 12:45. Free; no registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

Saturday, January 16, Tea Tasting: Teas for Winter Health, 10-11:30 am. Taste a variety of the best teas and herbal infusions to boost immunity and cure the winter blues. Learn about their medicinal properties and discover new healthful brews to enjoy year round. Take home a sample. $22/person. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call 703-642-5173.

Sunday, January 17, Winter Lecture: Acts of Garden Wildness, 1:30-2:30 pm. Alan Ford and Laura Beaty of the Virginia Native Plant Society will show how to use a native plant palette to invite birds and beneficial insects to join your garden party. Learn about the natural relationships that bugs and birds have with these plants and how to recognize who has been visiting your garden. $10/person for advance registration ($12 for out-of-county registrants) or $12 at the door. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call 703-642-5173.

Monday, January 18, Lecture: Sugar: History, Botany, Production and Processing, 10:30 to noon, free and must register in advance. Conservatory Classroom of the U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

Thursday January 21, Horticulture Magazine’s webinar, “The Downsized Veggie Garden: How to Garden Small Wherever You Live, Whatever Your Space,” by Kate Copsey, 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The downsized garden is about adjusting your growing to small quarters. The audience will see what other creative gardeners have done to find room to grow herbs, tomatoes and other produce in a very small space. Kate Copsey is the author of The Downsized Veggie Garden (coming February 2016, St. Lynn’s Press). Free. http://www.hortmag.com/smart-gardening-workshops

Saturday, January 23, Lecture: Making Scree Sexy, by Peter Couchman, Executive Director, High Glen Gardens. As a designer and horticulture manager at Verdant Garden Design in Brooklyn, Peter worked on creating private residential landscapes. With Green Roof Associates, he helped create and install a green roof on a new corporate building that “broke the mold” of what people consider a typical green roof. Currently he is leading the transition of High Glen Gardens, which includes a sizeable Mediterranean garden, from a private estate to a public garden. Join Peter as he discusses the challenges and successes of working with a wide range of plant species in these diverse sites. Free but must register in advance. Conservatory Classroom of the U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

Sunday, January 24, Winter Lecture: Is it Better or Just New?, 1:30-2:30 pm. With so many new perennials released every year, it can be difficult to distinguish legitimately better cultivars from those that are simply marketable. Through production trials, garden visits, vendor visits and conversations with other growers, plantsman Paul Westervelt has worked to select the true winners for our region. $10/person for advance registration ($12 for out-of-county registrants) or $12 at the door. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call 703-642-5173.

Thursday, January 28, Horticulture Magazine’s webinar, “Good Berry, Bad Berry: Identifying Wild Edible Plants in Your Area” by Helen Yoest, 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Foraging is hot right now, but did you know there are berries in your own back yard that you can eat? Have you walked your local greenway and wondered if the berries you spied were edible? Good Berry, Bad Berry is a homeowners guide to who’s edible, who’s toxic, and how to tell the difference. Free. http://www.hortmag.com/smart-gardening-workshops

Friday, January 29, Garden Talk: Pruning Trees & Shrubs,1:30-2:30 pm. Master Gardeners offer basic pruning techniques and tips on tool selection to give you the confidence to tackle those pruning tasks in your landscape. $10/person. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call 703-642-5173.

Saturday, January 30, Lecture: The Science and Culture of Coffee, 10:30 am to noon, free but must register, U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

Saturday, January 30, Lecture: Bananas: Botany, History, Agriculture and Future, 2:00 to 3:30 pm, free but must register. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

Saturday, January 30, Plight of Urban Bees, 10-11 am, Author Alison Gillespie shares their stories with you and teaches how you can help bees survive. Book signing to follow lecture. $10/person. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call 703-642-5173. [As an aside, green springs has started a “Bee Programs” more lectures in February and March.]

Saturday January 30, Seed Exchange hosted by Washington Gardener Magazine at Brookside Gardens, (another one on Saturday, February 6 at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria). Both are 12:30 to 4:00 pm. Can register in advance or register at door. $20 or $15 for Friends of Brookside, Friends of Green Springs, and WG subscribers. http://www.washingtongardener.com

Sunday, January 31, Winter Lecture: The Art of Gardening, 1:30-2:30 pm. Meet Chanticleer gardener Joe Henderson as he shares content from the new book, The Art of Gardening: Design Inspiration and Innovative Planting Techniques from Chanticleer. Learn how techniques differ with site conditions and plant palettes; how to experiment successfully; and how to achieve union between plant and site. Book signing to follow. $10/person for advance registration ($12 for out-of-county registrants) or $12 at the door. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call 703-642-5173.

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

Posted on August 31, 2015 | Leave a comment

Here are Peg’s Picks for September 2015 gardening events focusing on edible gardening in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

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

  • September 2: Putting the herb garden to bed for the winter
  • 9: Cover crops and crop rotations
  • 16: Extending the season: cold frames, row covers, etc.
  • 23: Inside Arlington kitchens: tasting our cultures
  • 30: Preparing the garden for winter: tool and garden bed care

3, Thursday, Using Fresh Herbs in Summer Cocktails, 6 to 8 pm with a rain date of September 4, 6 to 8 pm, National Herb Garden, U.S. National Arboretum. Must register via e-mail, fee is $59 or $47 if a FONA member. Fee includes food and drinks, a garden tour, and demonstrations. 2400 R Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. http://www.usna.usda.gov

11, Friday, Garden Talk: Edibles: Mix It Up. Green Spring, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Must register; $10 fee.4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/events.htm

12, Saturday, Fall chores in the garden: clean up, plant division, soil preparation, fall cover crops in the cooks garden, MGPW plant sale, 9:00 am to noon, “Saturdays in the Garden” at the Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery, presentations are given by VCE Prince William Master Gardener Volunteers. 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA 20136; Free but must register (703) 792-7747. E-mail: master-gardener@pwcgov.org. http://pwcgov.org/grow

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

12, Saturday, Fall Herb Faire, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Free admission, parking, classes and tours. Lavender Fields Herb Farm, 11300 Winfrey Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059; (804) 262-7167; http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com

14, Monday, through October 5, Landscape for Life (sustainable gardening practices), Monday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 pm with a field trip on October 3.  Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147. $60 and must register, call Sharon Hines (703) 729-5100 to register or e-mail instructor Nan McCarry at landscapeforlifeclass@gmail.com for more information. http://www.landscapeforlife.org

19, Saturday, Fall Garden Day & Plant Sale at Green Spring, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/events.htm

26, Saturday, Hot! New! Plants! Walking tour. 9:00 to 10:30 am, meet in visitor center at the U.S. National Arboretum. Hot: thrive in hot humid weather; New: creative designs include new cultivars; Plants: incorporated into striking designs. Free but registration recommended. Call (202) 245-2708 to register. 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002. http://www.usna.usda.gov

9th Annual Heritage Harvest Festival, September 11-12, at Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

The 9th Annual Heritage Festival is presented by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello in partnership with the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Each year the Heritage Harvest Festival honors Jefferson’s legacy with this fun, affordable, family-oriented, educational event promoting gardening, sustainability, local food, and the preservation of heritage plants. Participants enjoy tastings, workshops, hands on demonstrations, interpretive walks, and a variety of garden tours and exhibits.  Friday and Saturday offer more than 100 programs and workshops, 90 vendors and exhibitors, and sample food from local farms and restaurants. On Thursday, September 10, from 1 to 4: pm, there is a special presentation with Craig LeHoullier author of Epic Tomatoes; Nan Chase, author of Drink the Harvest; and Ira Wallace, author of the Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Southeast. Afterwards, there will be questions and answers, book signings, and a tomato tasting. For more information, including ticket information, see http://www.heritageharvestfestival.com.

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

Posted on June 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

In addition to my pick of edible gardening events below, remember that July is National Park and Recreation Month so check local parks to see if they have demonstration gardens, classes, and tours related to gardening.

11, Saturday, 9 to noon, Composting and Starting the Fall Vegetable Garden. Hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Prince William County Master Gardeners as part of their “Saturdays in the Garden” series. Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. Free but must register in advance, (703) 792-7747 or e-mail master_gardener@pwcgov.org. http://www.pwcgov.org/grow

25, Saturday, 10 to 11:30 am., Low Tunnels and Winter Gardening, Course #316453, Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. Must register, fee involved; (301) 962-1451.
http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/

25 and 26, Saturday and Sunday, The Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale, most farms will be open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm both days. A map and brochure are on the site below.
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/AgServices/agfarmtour.html

The Arlington Central Library hosts the “Garden Talks” series of free, one-hour presentations every Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm starting in mid-March through the end of October. The web site lists the topics and also serves as a resource for gardening in the area.
1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA; (703) 228-5990.
http://library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks/

July 1: Top Ten Vegetable Plant Diseases: Rot Not!
July 8: Solar Cooking
July 15: Foraging the Wild Edibles
July 22: Lasagna Gardens – the Layered Approach
July 29: Preparing Your Entry for Arlington County Fair

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

For further questions, contact the DPR community garden specialist, Joshua Singer, e-mail: Joshua.singer@dc.gov. Here is a sample of July topics:
• Starting Seeds, Propagating and Grafting at Home
• Intro to Urban Bee Keeping
• Fall Asian Vegetables from the Garden
• Dealing with Deer and Other Mammal Pests in Your Garden
• Soil Biology

Look ahead: August 1, Saturday, University of Maryland Extension’s Grow It Eat It Open House, 8:30 to 1:00 pm, Agriculture History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD. Free but must register for some classes, check out their brochure.
http://extension.umd.edu/growit/montgomery-county-vegetable-gardening-classes-and-events

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Peg’s Picks May Gardening Events for Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on April 30, 2015 | Leave a comment

May is the time for plant sales, home and garden tours, and festivals. So many that this is only a sample but enough to give you the feeling that the gardening season has begun!

1, Friday and 2, Saturday, starts at 10 am the 76th Annual Flower Mart sponsored by the Washington National Cathedral’s All Hallows Guild. This year’s festival celebrates Asia, free admission, rain or shine. National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20016; https://www.allhallowguild.org

2, Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Ladew’s 7th Annual Garden Festival, fee required. 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111; (410) 557-9570; http://www.ladewgardens.com

2, 11:00 am on Saturday and on Sunday May 3, 1:00 pm, Garden Talk: Your Edible Garden: Choosing the right summer crops, growing in raised beds and containers, and uses for manure tea, taught by Carol Allen. Also, on May 31, Sunday, noon, Carol will discuss Growing Herbs in Containers and at 2:00 pm, she will discuss Growing a Kitchen Herb Garden. Free and do not have to register, Behnkes Nursery, 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705; (301) 937-1100; http://behnkes.com

2, Saturday 10:30 am to noon, Composting & Vermicomposting workshop, hosted by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304; (703) 228-6414, e-mail mgarlalex@gmail.com, free but must register. http://www.mgnv.org

2, Saturday, 8:00 am to noon, London Town and Gardens Spring Plant Sale, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD 21037; (410) 222-1919. http://www.historiclondontown.com

3, Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm 42nd Annual Takoma Park House and Garden Tour, fee and rain or shine. http://www.historictakoma.org

3, Sunday through 30, Saturday, Annual Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage. Headquarters is at 6200 N. Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21212; (410) 821-6933.  Must buy tickets, see web site for schedule to tour home and gardens in St. Mary’s, Dorchester, Anne Arundel, and Washington Counties and Baltimore City. http://www.mhgp.org

3, Saturday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Glencarlyn Library Community Garden Plant Sale, 300 S. Kensington Street, Arlington, VA 22204. Northern Virginia Master Gardeners available for garden-related questions. (703) 671-5310. http://mgnv.org

5, Tuesday, 11:00 am to noon, “Seed packets and plant labels” (free seeds), Simpson Park Demonstration Gardens, 420 E. Monroe Street, Alexandria, VA, by the YMCA. On the first Tuesday of the month, VCE Master Gardeners of Arlington and Alexandria will be at the Simpson Park to answer questions and feature a monthly highlight. http://mgnv.org

Wednesdays in the Garden, led by Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) volunteers and VCE Master Gardeners, these gardening sessions are Wednesdays,7:00 to 8:00 pm at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA; (703) 228-5990, free. http://www.library.arlingtonva.us/events/garden-talks

  • May 6:             Garden structures and vertical gardening
  • May 13:           Gardening with and for kids
  • May 20:           No room? No problem. Growing food in small spaces
  • May 27:           Critter control–mammals, worms, slugs, etc.

8, Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Garden Fest in the Smithsonian Enid A. Haupt Garden (behind the Castle), family friendly event highlighting each of the Smithsonian Gardens and connecting people to plants through engaging hands on activities and educational demonstrations. This year will celebrate National Public Gardens Day with an array of activities focused on the importance of pollinators. http://www.gardens.si.edu

9, Saturday, 9:00 am to noon, Good Guys and Bad Guys (bugs in the garden) and Plant Sale, Saturdays in the Garden series, taught by Prince William Master Gardeners at the teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Rd, Bristow, VA 20136. Free but must register. (703) 792-7747; e-mail: master_gardener@pwcgov.org http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/vce/Pages/Saturday-in-the-Garden.aspx

9, Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Eco Savvy Gardening Symposium: Evolving Gardens, (was originally scheduled in February), Green Springs, fee and must register by May 2. 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

9, Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Silver Spring Garden Club’s GardenMart,74th Annual Plant Sale, at the Historic Silver Spring Train Station parking lot, 8100 Georgia Avenue, rain or shine, cash or check only

9, Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, 87th Georgetown Garden Tour, headquarters is at Christ Church 31st and O streets, NW, Washington DC, presented by the Georgetown Garden Club, tickets required, e-mail georgetowngardentour@gmail.com.  sidenote: see website for new book called “Gardens of Georgetown: Exploring Urban Treasures,” text by Edith Schafer, photography by Jenny Gorman. http://www.georgetowngardentour.com

14, Thursday, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, Bethesda Community Garden Club Plant Sale at the Bethesda Women’s Farm Market, 7155 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD http://www.bethesdacommunitygardenclub.org

16, Saturday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Combined event celebrating Endangered Species Day and Herb Day, representatives from the Herb Society of America and organizations working with threatened and endangered species will be available, free, no registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 225-8333; http://www.usbg.gov

16, Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Green Spring’s Spring Garden Day, the Big Plant Sale. 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

16, Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sandy Spring Museum Garden club’s Garden Tour of Sandy Spring Maryland, (301) 774-0022. Tickets required. http://www.sandyspringmuseum.org

23, Saturday, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, Baltimore Herb Festival, $7 for adults, children 12 and younger are free and parking is free. Leakin Park, 1920 Eagle Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207; rain or shine. http://www.baltimoreherbfestival.com

30, Saturday, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Under the Arbor: Garden Classics, Lavender and Roses (in the National Herb Garden). Discover more about these plants; view the National Arboretum’s collections; and learn how to make soap with these herbs. Presented by the Potomac Unit of the Herb Society of America. Free, no registration required (202) 245-2726, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20003; http://www.usna.usda.gov

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Peg’s Picks February Gardening Events Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on January 31, 2015 | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Peg’s Picks for June 2014 Gardening Events

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

The following are just a sample of June gardening events in the Washington DC metropolitan area, with a focus on edible gardening.WhiteHouseApril2014 145

The U.S. Botanic Garden always has exhibits & events; check out their calendar on their web site. This year they have an Amber Waves of Grain exhibit where staff are growing different types of wheat outside in raised beds. There will be a lecture on Saturday, June 7, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday, June 14, a festival with “wheat-related activities for all ages” from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. Also of interest for those of you work in the area and can take a lunch break, on Thursday, June 12, a lecture and tasting of tropical fruits from noon to 1:00; and on Friday, June 20, a presentation on “What Science Says About GMO Foods” from noon to 1:00.

American Botanicals: Mid Atlantic Native Plants exhibit at USBG

American Botanicals: Mid Atlantic Native Plants

While you are at the USBG, don’t miss the American Botanicals: Mid-Atlantic Native Plants exhibit of botanical illustrations before it ends on June 15. 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC; (202) 225-8333.

Common Good City Farm hosts “Seed to Table” workshops throughout the summer. On June 28, they have a container gardening workshop from 10:30 to 12:30; fee and registration required. V Street between 2nd and 4th Streets, NW, Washington, DC; (202) 559-7513

Green Spring Gardens also has several classes and workshops. Edible gardeners may be interested in Edible Container Gardens, Saturday, June 7, 10:00 to 11:00 am; and School Yards Edible Gardens and Composting, Thursday, June 12, 4:00 to 6:00 pm (for adults, not kids). 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA; (703) 642-5173. Registration and fee required via Fairfax County Park Authority’s ParkTakes; (703) 222-4664.

Behnke Nurseries always has something going on – June features the annual Garden Party to benefit the Friends of Brookside Gardens, June 7, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD; (301) 937-1100.

The Washington Gardener is hosting the 7th annual DC plant swap on Saturday, June 14, 11:00 a.m., U.S. National Arboretum, R Street parking lot.

Take a road trip to the Virginia Herb Festival, hosted by the Sunflower Cottage Garden Center, on Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15; admission fee required.150 Ridgemont Road, Middletown, VA 22645; (540) 869-8482

The Arlington Central Library hosts the “Garden Talks” series of free, one-hour presentations every Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm starting in mid-March through the end of October. The web site lists the topics and also serves as a resource for gardening in the area.
1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA; (703) 228-5990.

June 4: Insect pests & beneficiaries
June 11: Weeds, mulches, tillage
June 18: Pollination, pollinators, and perennials
June 25: Top 10 vegetable plant diseases

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