Report from the Berkeley Botanical Garden
I spent the last week of January in the San Francisco region, and wanted to point out some of the charms of Berkeley. It was just a pass through on the way to Point Reyes, but it’s definitely worth…
Mistakes Gardeners Make
Having moved just last month, I’m thinking a lot about my new garden and I’m determined NOT to repeat these mistakes that I made in my last garden. 1. Neglecting to take “before” photos is something I’ve regretted a gazillion…
Become a Prince George’s County Master Gardener
Master Gardener training in Prince George’s County is starting soon – March 5 – and there ARE openings for this upcoming class. Act soon, though – it’ll fill up. Note that unlike other counties, Prince George’s training is given…
Introduction to Forest Gardening
We had a big turn-out on a brutally cold day for Lincoln Smith’s talk and slide show about Forest Gardening – thanks for coming, everyone! And if you couldn’t make it, hopefully these fast notes and links to more will…
Notes from a Winter Pruning Workshop
I traveled to Arlington, VA last weekend for the winter pruning instruction given by Kirsten Conrad Buhls, Extension Agent, and her well-trained Tree Stewards. It was kinda cold for note-taking, but thankfully there were hand-outs. Pruning Tips…
Book Giveaway: Creative Pruning
The surprise hit gardening book of 2011 is this intriguing one by Jake Hobson, who explores the creative side of pruning and shows readers some awesome sculptural landscapes – boxwoods trimmed into Russian nesting dolls, hedges inscribed with words, and…
How to put your Christmas tree to good use
You can get weeks more of enjoyment from your tree and help the birds by leaving the strings of popcorn and cranberries right where they are and moving the tree, stand and all, to your garden. Hang slices of oranges…
Holiday Lights and Wildlife-Friendly Gardening Tips at the National Zoo
Something new caught my eye during my most recent visit to the National Zoo – an exhibit called Zoo in your Backyard – and it’s one that hits close to home for us gardeners and really, all homeowners. It makes…
Don’t Miss Brookside’s Awesome “Garden of Lights”
If you haven’t yet visited Brookside Gardens to see this year’s stunning outdoor light display, do it soon! Here’s what Brookside has to say about it: Visualize close to one million twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the…
Longwood Gardens Wow all Year, but Especially at Christmas
Nobody does Christmas like Longwood Gardens, the famous public garden near Wilmington, Delaware. Their 4.5 acres of greenhouse are dolled-up for the holidays, and outdoors, over a half million lights make for a grand show. PLUS, there are performances…
Hostess Gift Ideas
I’m traditionally a horrible gift-chooser and I know I have plenty of company in that department, so when I came across this display at Behnkes in Beltsville I thought – What a godsend! It’s a collection of not-too-expensive, unwrapped gifts…
Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden for the Holidays
Ever seen the Conservatory at the U.S. Botanic Gardens all dressed up and action-packed for the holidays? No?!? Then get yourself and your family, especially the kids, down there for the big show – on display from Thanksgiving Day through…