Tag Archives: holidays

Frosty Fern: A Unique Holiday Gift Plant

Posted on December 7, 2023 | Leave a comment

Frosty Fern available for sale now in garden centers

Poinsettias are traditional and cyclamens are beautiful, but a truly unique holiday gift plant is Frosty Fern. “Frosty” because of the white tips on the green foliage but “Fern” is just a marketing gimmick. Frosty Fern is not a fern but a type of spike moss (Selaginella), cousin to the resurrection fern (S. lepidophylla).

close up of the aerial roots

Only about 6 to 8 inches tall, Frosty Fern has fern-like, scalloped foliage with many aerial roots – the thin strands hanging down from the stems. The more humid the air, the more aerial roots develop. Keep in mind that the plants at the garden centers have green foliage and white tips with plenty of aerial roots because they have been grown in humid greenhouses. Now they look great as gift plants, filling that need to give someone a holiday gift who already has everything.

Although Frosty Fern does not mind your low light levels in your home, it does object to your dry home. This houseplant requires high humidity, as high as 70 percent. Likely this will prove a challenge, so it is best to think of Frosty Fern as a terrarium plant. Unless Frosty can take a shower with you in a bathroom with a bright window, it may be best to insert Frosty in a large terrarium or glass bowl.

In the summer, as the temperature increases, its frosty tips will revert to green but should become white again in the fall when temperatures drop. As a slow grower, Frosty Fern does not require a lot of food. Fertilizer once in the summer at a very diluted strength.

close up of the white-tipped foliage

The soil should be moist but don’t let the plant sit in standing water. If the plant came in a decorative foil wrapper, remove it and make sure the container has drainage holes.

Frosty Ferns can be found at independent garden centers now but don’t expect to find them after the holidays. These special plants only make an appearance during the holidays so purchase one now!

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Lemon Cypress Dressed for the Holidays

Posted on December 9, 2022 | Leave a comment

As Christmas approaches, lemon cypress plants emerge, draped in holiday costumes. You have seen these small, yellow evergreens for sale at garden centers, food markets, and gift shops. Greenstreet Gardens is selling a gnome carrying a basket with a lemon cypress. The gift shop at Longwood Gardens has draped them in mini lights. A few years ago, Trader Joe’s sold Grump trees inspired by Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The trees were wrapped to bend and droop with a large ornament. Admittedly, these are cute and would make great gifts but then what? How do you take care of the live plant? Continue reading →

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Herbs for the Holiday Festivities

Posted on December 2, 2022 | Leave a comment
pie

pumpkin pie with sage and mums

When I think of herbs for Christmas, I always think of the Simon and Garfunkel Scarborough Fair song:  “Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.” Sure there other herbs and plenty of spices but these herbs seem to be the most popular during the holidays. The great thing is that these are easy to grow here in the DC mero area. Continue reading →

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Herbs for Holiday Cooking, Baking, as well as Decorating

Posted on December 16, 2020 | 2 comments
pie

pumpkin pie with sage and mums

When I think of herbs for Christmas, I always think of the Simon and Garfunkel Scarborough Fair song:  “Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.” Sure there other herbs and plenty of spices but these herbs seem to be the most popular during the holidays. I think it is because these plants are still green in the garden. In my zone 7 Virginia garden, I can still harvest in December to use in the kitchen. I also use mint for the holidays which overwinter well in containers. Continue reading →

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Poinsettia Pointers to Prolong Healthy Plants

Posted on December 12, 2020 | Leave a comment

Odds are you have a poinsettia in your home for the holidays. In the United States, poinsettias are grown in greenhouses and programmed to bloom in time for Christmas. To keep your plant healthy for as long as possible, try to emulate the greenhouse conditions in your own home: bright light and balmy 70 degrees. Keep the soil moist but don’t let the roots sit in water. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. If it is in that decorative foil, either remove the foil or cut the bottom out of the foil so excess water drains out.

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Culinary Herbs and Edible Flowers Decorate Pumpkin Pies

Posted on October 19, 2020 | Leave a comment

Yesterday I made pumpkin pies using Libby’s can of pumpkin and recipe (the one on the can). This is a traditional recipe I have used every year and the pies taste great. This year however I decorated the pies with fresh sage leaves and chrysanthemum blossoms from my garden. Keep culinary herbs and edible flowers in mind during the upcoming holidays as you bake and cook. Right now, mums, pineapple sage, rose, calendula and signet marigolds are blooming and can be used to garnish dishes. Perennial herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano can be used when preparing dishes and also to garnish and decorate. Remember to always wash your herbs and flowers before you put them on food.

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Poinsettia Pointers: Before and After the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2018 | 1 comment

Odds are you have a poinsettia in your home for the holidays. In the United States, poinsettias are grown in greenhouses and programmed to bloom in time for Christmas. Try to emulate the bright light and balmy 70 degrees the greenhouse has to offer in your home so your poinsettia will survive the holidays. Keep the soil moist but don’t let the roots sit in water. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. If it is in that decorative foil, either remove foil or cut bottom out of foil so excess water drains out.

After the holidays, grow it as if it were a houseplant. With luck, you may be able to see colored bracts (the “flowers”) again next year. Keep the plant in bright light and 70 degree temperature. In the spring, cut the stems back about half the length. Keep indoors or put outdoors in the warm summer months. Apply a houseplant fertilizer and make sure the plant does not dry out. In June, transfer into a slightly bigger pot. In September bring the plant back indoors. To induce flowering, give the plant bright light each day and fourteen hours of uninterrupted dark each night beginning in early October (as in cover with a box or put in a closet). Keep the soil moist but stop fertilizing. The color should form on the bracts in six to eight weeks.

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Season’s Greenings Exhibit at Washington DC’s U.S. Botanic Garden

Posted on November 23, 2018 | 1 comment

Check out the U.S. Botanic Garden’s holiday season exhibit, Season’s Greenings: All Aboard. Season’s Greenings showcases historic railroad stations across the country including three Maryland stations (Ellicott City, Viaduct Hotel, and Point of Rocks) and DC’s own Union Station. Each year, the U.S. Botanic Garden staff and Applied Imagination of Alexandria, Kentucky, collaborate to create a theme and then to build the plant-based sculptures based on that theme. All the train stations are made of plant materials.

Salt Lake City Union Pacific Depot, Utah

Clock of Salt Lake City Union Pacific Depot made of cinnamon, acorn cap, anise fruit and driftwood

There are more than 20 replicas of railroad stations and two fantasy stations: Dino Depot (a large dinosaur) and the North Pole. Located in the West Gallery, the iconic stations take up the entire room with G gauge model trains running through. In addition, there is a “caboose” tall enough for kids to walk through to view dioramas of peanut farms, citrus groves, and grain fields. Outside the U.S. Botanic Garden at the front entrance is another train set among winter greens.

Point of Rocks Station, Maryland

In the Garden Court, there are 12 Washington DC landmarks plus the new Union Station. Each building is constructed on a frame of acrylic-based foam, casting resin is poured in the window cutouts, and wall surfaces are finished with sand-based grout. Each building is made of plant materials and if you look closely, you will see everything from walnuts to acorns.

Union Station in Washington DC

Statues of Union Station are made of corn husks, tulip poplar seeds, lafi pods, and other plant materials.

National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC

Walnut shells on walls of Nat. Museum of African American History and Culture

Also in the Garden Court are thousands of poinsettias, from traditional red, to white, marbled, and lime green. Upright, red twigs and fully decorated live trees punctuate each river of poinsettias.

Many different types of poinsettias among ferns, red twigs, and decorated trees

The Season’s Greenings exhibit runs from Thanksgiving to January 1, 2019. The U.S. Botanic Garden, located at 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC, is open to the public, free of charge, every day of the year from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. On most Tuesdays and Thursdays in December the Conservatory will be open until 8:00 pm for live seasonal music concerts and after-dark holiday exhibit viewing. For more information and the music schedule, visit http://www.usbg.gov.

Cincinnati Union Terminal, Ohio

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

Posted on November 29, 2017 | Leave a comment

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

 

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

Posted on November 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

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

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