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

Posted on July 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Posted in Events

Tagged August, classes, events, gardening events, lectures, speakers, workshop

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

Posted on June 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23 and 24, Saturday and Sunday, 27^th 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 28^th. Focused on practical urban gardening and taught by the leaders of DC urban garden movement. Monday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Deanwood Rec – 1350 49th St. NE; Wednesday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Raymond Rec – 3725 10th St. NE; Saturday Classes: 10-12pm – Times and locations vary. Check registration for more details:
http://bit.ly/UrbanGardeningPrograms

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

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

Cool Flowers Virtual Book Study

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

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Posted in Books, Events

Tagged 2016, books, classes, events, exhibits, gardening events, July, lectures, Maryland, speakers, Virginia, Washington DC, workshops

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

Posted on May 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A full schedule flyer is at this link

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

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

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Posted in Events

Tagged classes, events, exhibits, garden parties, garden tours, lectures, open houses, tours, workshops

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

Posted on April 28, 2016 | Leave a comment

May 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, 31^st 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, 12^th 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 28^th. Focused on practical urban gardening and taught by the leaders of DC urban garden movement. Monday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Deanwood Rec – 1350 49th St. NE; Wednesday Classes: 6:30-8:30pm – Raymond Rec – 3725 10th St. NE; Saturday Classes: 10-12pm – Times and locations vary. Check registration for more details:
http://bit.ly/UrbanGardeningPrograms

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

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

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Posted in Events

Tagged cooking, demonstrations, events, garden tours, gardening events, home and garden tours, lectures, May 2016, plant sales, workshops

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

Posted on March 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tagged April, classes, events, lectures, workshops

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

Posted on March 1, 2016 | Leave a comment

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

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Posted in Events

Tagged cooking, events, gardening events, lectures, March 2016, workshops

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

Posted on January 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

So 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 16^th 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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Tagged classes, events, February 2016, gardening events, lectures, seed exchanges, seed swaps, speakers, workshops

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

Posted on December 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

You 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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Tagged events, gardening events, January 2016, lectures, seed exchange, workshops

Peg’s Picks of December 2015 Gardening Events in the Washington DC Metro Area

Posted on November 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

Peg’s Picks of December 2015 Gardening Events in Washington DC Metro Area

The public gardens, nurseries, and historic homes are decorated for Christmas. Many have wreath making classes, open houses, and gift shops full of goodies. Here is a short list of December gardening events in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Don’t forget to look at tabs “Nurseries” and “Public Gardens” for more places to contact.

American Horticultural Society at River Farm, December 12 Saturday Holiday Open House from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (mansion will be decorated for Christmas), free and open to the public. 7931 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308; (703) 768-5700. http://www.ahs.org

Annapolis Horticultural Society, December 2, Wednesday, lecture, Paul Westervelt will speak on “Perennials for Multiple Seasons” at the St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 199 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD; free and open to the public. info@annapolishorticulture.org. http://www.annapolishorticulture.org

Brookside Gardens, The Garden of Lights, a winter walk-through holiday light display, is open from November 27 through January 3, hours and fee vary by day/time, check the web site or call (301) 962-1453. Other events and workshops are at Brookside Gardens in December, including a Tuesday, December 1, road trip to Maymont and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to check out their holiday decorations. Must register and pay in advance for this “Richmond Holiday Adventure.” 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902; (301) 962-1400. http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/

Green Spring Gardens, on Sunday, December 6, Gardeners’ Holiday Open House is from noon to 4:00 pm, free but must register and pay for puppet show and trackless train ride. 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; (703) 642-5173. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

Hillwood Museum and Gardens is decorated for Christmas and every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, staff horticulturist Bill Johnson gives a 20-minute tour focusing on the “bones” of the winter garden. Fee and register in advance for the Winter Garden tour. 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008; (202) 686-5807. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org

Homestead Gardens has a bus trip to Longwood Gardens to see their holiday light extravaganza on Tuesday, December 8, fee and must register in advance. 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, Md 20135; (410) 798-5000. http://www.homesteadgardens.com

Horticultural Society of Maryland, lecture on Tuesday, December 8, at 7:30 pm. “Beautiful evergreens for the garden and holiday cuttings” with David Thompson of Foxborough Nursery. Before and after the lecture author Kathy Hudson will sign her book, “On Walnut Hill: The Evolution of a Garden.” Lecture is free for members and $10 for non-members. Vollmer Center Auditorium, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209; (410) 821-5561 or programs@mdhorticulture.org. http://www.mdhorticulture.org

U.S. Botanic Garden has its annual holiday exhibit in the conservatory from November 26 through January 3, free and open to the public. The conservatory boasts a tropical paradise; one of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington, DC; a showcase of poinsettias; and a miniature train display. Also, there will be a Pollination Station where one can see oversized flowers, bees, and butterflies in this year’s scenic wonderland. Landmarks such as the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, all made from plants, will be on display in the Garden Court. Check the website for times. 245 First Street SW, Washington DC 20024; (202) 225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov

And speaking of the U.S. Botanic Garden, just around the corner is the 6-week, 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.

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Posted in Events

Tagged Christmas, December 2015, events, exhibits, holidays, lectures, Open House, trips

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

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

The 9^th 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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Tagged Arlington VA, gardening events, Green Spring, Herb Garden, lectures, National Herb Garden, September, Washington, Washington DC, workshops

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