Washington Gardener Enews January 2014

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ENEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2014

Welcome to the Washington Gardener Enewsletter!

This enewsletter is the sister publication of Washington Gardener Magazine. Both the print magazine and online enewsletter share the same mission and focus — helping DC-MD-VA region gardens grow — but our content is different. In this monthly enewsletter, we address timely seasonal topics and projects; post local garden events; and, a monthly list of what you can be doing now in your garden.

We encourage you to subscribe to Washington Gardener Magazine as well for indepth articles, inspirational photos, and great garden resources for the Washington DC area gardener.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This enewsletter is only sent out as a PDF via email to current subscribers. Without your support, we cannot continue publishing this enewsletter nor Washington Gardener Magazine! Our magazine subscription information is on page 11 of this enewsletter.

If you know of any other gardeners in the greater Washington, DC-area, please forward this issue to them so that they can subscribe to our print magazine using the form on page 9 of this enewsletter.

You can also connect with Washington Gardener online at: • Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com • Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Instagram Feed: http://instagram.com/wdcgardener • Washington Gardener Pinterest boards: http://pinterest.com/wdcgardener/ • Washington Gardener Discussion Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonGardener/ • Washington Gardener Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/washingtongardenermagazine • Washington Gardener Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Web Site: www.washingtongardener.com Sincerely, Kathy Jentz Editor/Publisher Washington Gardener Magazine

Inside This Enews Issue

• Back Issue Sale • 12 Gardening Trends for 2014 • Garden To-Do List • Latest Blog Links • Local Garden Events Listings • Magazine Excerpt: Oatlands • New ‘Green Tiger’ Squash • Photo Contest Details • Reader Contest to Win Passes to the Washington Gardener Seed Exchanges • Seed Exchange 2014 Details and Registration • Philly Flower Show Trip

Reader Contest

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Winter 2013-14 Issue

Our Winter2013-14 Washington Gardener Magazine issue is now in production. The cover story is on Fabulous Ferns for the Mid-Atlantic Gardens.

You’ll also find in this issue: • Beet Growing Tips • Daytrip to Chanticelle Gardens • Profile of Patterson Clark. The Washington Post’s Urban Jungle columnist • New Plant Introductions • Local Hort Happenings • Book Reviews • Native Plant Profile • Garden Tips and Tricks • And much, much more...

To subscribe, see the page 11 of this newsletter for a form to mail in or go to www.washingtongardener. com/index_files/subscribe.htm and use our PayPal credit card link.

For our January 2014 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, Washington Gardener is giving away two passes to either of the Washington Gardener Seed Exchanges (prize value $30).

The 9th Annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchanges, hosted by Washington Gardener Magazine, takes place on January 25, 2014 at the Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD AND on February 1, 2014 at Green Spring Gardens in Fairfax, VA. You have a choice on which side of the DC beltway you want to attend!

Seed Exchange attendees trade seeds, exchange planting tips, hear expert speakers, and collect goody bags full of gardening treats. The event also includes such “green” features as the garden book and catalog swap. Everyone will leave with a bag full of seeds and gardening inspiration!

To enter to win a Seed Exchange Passes, send an email to WashingtonGardener@rcn.com by 5:00pm on January 23 with “Seed Swap” in the subject line and in the body of the email, please also include your full name and mailing address. The pass winners will be announced and notified on January 24.

Quick Links to Washington Gardener Blog Posts

• Time-Lapse Video of a Year in the Washington Youth Garden • Favorite Flower Colors of DC-Area Gardeners • Growing Green Dreams at Local Schools • Featured Seed Exchange Speakers Announced • Art + Horticulture = Articulture at Philly Flower Show 2014 • Seed Exchange Frequently Asked Questions • Video Report from MANTS (the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show) See more Washington Gardener blog posts at WashingtonGardener.Blogspot.com.

January Garden To-Do List

New Plant Spotlight Squash Green Tiger F1 Green Tiger, a classic striped zucchini, stood out in the Harris Seeds’ test gardens with its long, cylindrical fruit and well-defined stripes of dark and medium green. Its glossy, smooth skin makes the fruit especially striking.

You will enjoy the tender skin and mild flavor when harvested at a 7" length or harvest young at 3" for baby zucchini. It is great for sautés, the grill, and raw salads.

Green Tiger, sold well at our cooperating grower’s farm stand. Untreated seed is clean and has not been treated using any chemical, biological, or physical method.

Good yields are borne on upright, open plants. Strong bush plants with intermediate resistance to some viruses. Seed to harvest is in 50 days.

This introduction is new for 2014 from Harris Seeds (http://www.harrisseeds.com/).

Photo courtesy of George Wiegel, http://georgeweigel.net 2

• Prune any dead or diseased wood off your small trees and shrubs.

• Plant frost-tolerant trees.

• Cut off the flower stalk on your amaryllis once flowers fade. Leave foliage to grow.

• Keep poinsettias in a well-lit area — but out of direct sun and away from drafts.

• Buy a few new house plants.

• Fertilize only your winter-blooming house plants – such as Violets.

• Give your house plants a quarter turn every few weeks.

• Build a compost bin.

• Repair your shed and repair/paint your fences.

• Clean out your cold frame or build a new one.

• Collect large plastic soda bottles to use as cloches. (A cloche is a clear, bellshaped cover used to protect tender plants from frost.)

• Clean and refill bird feeders.

• Wash and refill the birdbath or set out a shallow bowl of water in icy weather.

• Check on stored summer bulbs and seeds. Discard any that have rotted.

• Buy seeds and order plants from the new garden catalogs.

• Prune summer bloomers such as hydrangeas, rose-of-sharon, crepe myrtles, and butterfly bushes.

• Till and add organic matter to annual/vegetable beds.

• Weed – especially look for fast-growing vines such as honeysuckle, autumn clematis, bittersweet, wild grape, Virginia creeper, and poison ivy.

• Place a floating ball or a small plastic soda bottle filled two-thirds full with water and a tablespoon of salt in your pond to stop it entirely icing over especially if you have fish. When ice has formed, remove the ball/bottle by pouring hot water on it.

• Insulate outdoor containers by wrapping with bubble wrap or landscape fabric.

• Check that newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials have not been heaved out of the ground due to freezing and thawing cycles.

• Take hardwood cuttings from willow and dogwood to propagate them.

• Look for evidence of pest or fungal damage throughout your garden.

• Clean out your greenhouse and wash those windows.

• Set out your live potted evergreens from holiday decorating in a protected outdoor space to harden them off in advance of their planting.

• If we do get more snow in the DC area, gently dislodge snow from trees and shrubs with a broom to prevent damage to branches.

• Start hardy herbs, onions, cabbage, pansies, and perennials.

• Clean and tidy up pots and seed trays to a get good start in February.

• Use leftover holiday greens and cut up tree branches to mulch beds and create wind-breaks.

• Do not step on frozen soil in flower beds or lawns.

• Keep all houseplants out of drafts and away from heat vents.

• Use de-icer sparingly or use a nonchemical substitute such as sand, grit, fireplace ashes, or non-clumping kitty litter.

• Volunteer at a local public or historic garden.

• Paint a few terra cotta pots in spring-like colors.

• Pot-up any leftover bulbs that did not make it into the ground by now and force them for indoor blooms.

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

Gardening in a Shifting Climate Friday, February 28 8:30am–4:00pm Course #248349 Fee: $89 Register at www.ParkPASS.org

*New this year* Green Matters will be held at: Manor Country Club Great Oak Road and 14901 Carrolton Road, Rockville MD 20853

Our weather is changing.

This becomes especially apparent when gardening: plants that have flourished for years are failing; and planting dates are no longer as reliable.

What is a gardener to do?

Join Brookside Gardens for

Green Matters: Gardening in a Shifting Climate Hear from a variety of professionals on how we can adapt and learn how to successfully garden with such changeable weather.

Visit www.BrooksideGreen.org for a schedule of the day’s event, topics and information about the featured speakers.

1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902 For Information call: 301-962-1451 WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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Join Us For: Seed Swapping Door Prizes Planting Tips Expert Speakers Goody Bags Washington Gardener Magazine presents the

9th Annual Washington Gardener

Seed Exchange on Saturday, January 25, 2014 National Seed Swap Day! from 12:30 – 4:00PM

at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD AND

on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 12:30 – 4:00PM

at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA

Registration is now open at www.washingtongardener.com.

Space is limited, so act today!

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Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers get $5 off the $15 attendee fee!

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

Overview

Washington Gardener magazine, the publication for DC-area gardening enthusiasts, is hosting the seventh annual Washington Seed Exchange at Brookside Gardens and Green Spring Gardens. These seed swaps are inperson and face-to-face. You bring your extra seeds and swap them with other gardeners. Everyone will leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends, and expert planting advice.

When

On Saturday, January 25, 2014 in MD and on Saturday, February 1, 2014 in VA from 12:30 – 4:00PM (Foul weather that day? Call 240.603.1461, for updates about possible snow/ice delay.)

Where

We are holding dual Seed Exchanges one week apart on opposite sides of the Washington Beltway. We urge you to attend the one closest to you.

One exchange will be held in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium of the Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. The other will be at Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Road Alexandria, VA.

How To Register

Fill out the form on the opposite page.

Send the form in along with payment to Washington Gardener, 826 Philadelphia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910, Attn: SE Registration. Please make checks out to “Washington Gardener.”

Registration fee is $15 per person in advance. Friends Of Brookside (FOB) members, Friends of Green Springs. and current Washington Gardener subscribers receive a discount rate of $10 per person.

We strongly urge you to register in advance. There is a limited enrollment of 100 participants at each location and we expect both to sell-out, so be sure to register early!

We are GREEN!!!

Garden Book and Seed Catalog Exchange

Seed Exchange attendees are encouraged to bring their used or new garden books and seed catalogs to swap and share at this year’s event. We also ask you to bring your own water bottle or reusable mug and a home-made nametag.

Washington Gardener Magazine’s 9th Annual

Seed Exchange Details

If You Have Seeds to Bring and Swap

Please package them in resealable plastic zipper or wax sandwich baggies. Put an average of 20 seeds per baggy — more for small seeds like lettuce, fewer for large seeds like acorns. Then label each baggy with a white sticker (such as Avery standard 5160 address label sheets) giving all the information you have on the seeds. If known, include the plant's common and scientific names; its soil, sun, and watering needs; and, its origins — where and when you collected the seeds. If you don't know all the information, that's okay, just try to provide as much as you can.

Yes, you can bring unused or opened commercial seed packs also.

What If I Don't Have Any Seeds to Swap?

Come anyway! Even if you don’t have any seeds to trade, you are welcome to attend!

We'll have plenty of extra seed contributions on hand and many attendees will be there just to learn, network, and prepare for next year's seed collecting.

Education Program

from each of the category tables (if desired).

After the initial seed swap is complete, attendees are free to take any of the left over seeds and to trade seeds with each other.

Dividing of packets is encouraged and extra baggies with labels will be on hand for that purpose.

Schedule

What Types of Seeds?

Expert speakers from the local gardening community will give short talks on seed collection and propagation tips. There will be ample time for individual Q&A throughout the program with the featured speakers, and invited experts as well.

(Note: This schedule is subject to change.)

12:00-12:30 Registration check-in 12:30-12:40 Introductions 12:40-1:20 Gardening talk 1:20-1:40 Gardening talk 1:40-2:00 Gardening talk 2:00-2:15 Snack break and room reset 2:15-2:30 Seed swap preview time 2:30-3:00 Seed swap 3:00-3:30 Photo Contest winners 3:30-4:00 Door prizes and closing talk

How Do We Swap?

As you check-in, staff will collect your seeds and place them at the appropriate seed category tables.

You will be assigned a random seed swap number. There will be a short period for attendees to preview all the seeds brought in and available for swapping. Then, you will be called in by your number to pick a seed pack

Seed swap categories will include natives, edibles, herbs, exotics, annuals, perennials, and woodies (trees/shrubs). If you can presort your seeds in advance into whichever of these seven major categories fits best, that would help us speed up the process on the swap day.

Door Prizes! Goodie Bags!

All attendees will receive a goodie bag at the seed swap. The bags include seeds, publications, and garden items donated by our sponsors. In addition, we have some incredible door prizes to give away especially for area gardeners.

If your organization would like to contribute seeds or garden-related products for the goodie bags and door prizes, please contact Kathy Jentz at 301.588.6894 by January 21.

9th Annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchange Advance Registration Form

Please fill out this form and mail with your check/money order by January 23, 2014 to: Washington Gardener Magazine, 826 Philadelphia Ave., Silver Spring MD 20910

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address:____________________________________________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________________________________ Seed Exchange Date and Location:  Jan 25 at Brookside Gardens  Feb 1 at Green Spring Gardens (We will only use your email address for Seed Exchange notices and will never share them with anyone else.)

Seed Exchange Attendee Fee: $15.00 __________ Discount (if eligible*): -$5.00 __________ Optional: Washington Gardener Magazine Annual Subscription: $20.00 __________ TOTAL_____________ *The following group members are eligible to pay the discount attendee rate of $10.00, please CIRCLE if one applies to you: • Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers • Friends of Brookside Gardens • Friends of Green Spring Gardens WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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You’ve seen those gorgeous garden photos published in magazines and newspapers. Enter this year’s competition and have a chance of getting your winning images published, too! Whether you take the photos in your own backyard, a nearby public garden, or while visiting friends and family in their local gardens, there are so many photographic opportunities to be found. Let’s show off the best in DC-area gardening!

This contest offers an opportunity for all photographers to present their best shots of gardens in the greater Washington, DC area. Contest entries will be judged on technical quality, composition, originality, and artistic merit.

More than $500 in prizes will be awarded! Winning images will be published in Washington Gardener magazine, will be displayed during the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange, and will appear in a local photo exhibit.

By popular demand a NEW category has been added for this years contest!

“Garden Vignettes” is for those garden scenes that are in-between tight closeups and sweeping landscape vistas.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Each entrant is limited to a total of 10 images. Each electronic file must be identified with your name and phone number. All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared in the viewfinder.

Nothing should be added to an image and, aside from dust spots, nothing should be removed. Cropping and minor adjustments to electronic images to convert RAW files are acceptable.

If an image is selected as a finalist, a high-resolution digital file might be required prior to finalizing our contest results.

Digitally captured images should be taken at the camera’s highest resolution (3 megapixels or larger). For preliminary judging, digital files must be submitted in JPEG format sized to 1000 pixels on the longest side at 300 dpi.

If photos are taken with a film camera, they must be scanned in and submitted in JPEG format sized to 1000 pixels on the longest side at 300 dpi.

Before sending us your CD-ROMs, verify their integrity by making sure they 6

8TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST are readable and not damaged. We reserve the right to disqualify any disk that is unreadable or defective. Please check your CDs with the latest virus detection software. We will disqualify any disk that may contain a virus or a suspicious file.

Label each CD and case with your full name. We strongly suggest mailing CDs in a protective case. We are not responsible for disks damaged during shipping. No CDs will be returned but they can be picked up after judging.

Send your entries and entry fee to: Washington Gardener Photo Contest, 826 Philadelphia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Mailed entries must be received by January 21, 2014.

Contest entries can also be submitted via email to DCGardenPhotos@aol. com. Use the subject line “WG Photo Contest” and include an entry form for each image in your email’s text field.

You can print out blank entry forms from www.WashingtonGardener.com.

We will verify all entry receipts so please ensure your email address is included on all items.

Entrants must not infringe on the rights of any other photographer, landowner, or other person. Photos involving willful harassment of wildlife or destruction of any property are unacceptable.

The entrant must have personally taken the photo. By entering, you state this is your work and is free of copyright elsewhere.

Failure to comply with any contest guidelines will lead to disqualification.

COPYRIGHT NOTE

Your entry to this contest constitutes your agreement to allow your photographs and your name, city, state, and photo description texts to be published in upcoming issues of Washington Gardener and used for other related purposes including, but not limited to, Washington Gardener Photo Contest promotions, online, live presentations, and gallery exhibits. Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to future use of their photographs.

CATEGORIES

Each entrant is limited to a total of 10

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

images. You may submit a few in each category or submit all 10 in one category.

Photo must have been taken during the 2013 calendar year in a garden located within a 150-mile radius of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. • Garden Views: Beautiful, dramatic, or unusual perspectives of a garden landscape, including wide shots showing the setting. Subject can be a private or public garden.

• Garden Vignettes: Groupings of plants in beds or containers, unusual color or texture combinations, garden focal points, and still scenes. Subject can be photographed in a private or public garden.

• Small Wonders: Tight close-up images or macro shots of single flowers, plant parts, fruits, vegetables, etc.

Subject can be photographed in a private or public garden.

• Garden Creatures: Images of insects, birds, frogs, domestic pets, etc. in a private or public garden setting.

PRIZES

Prizes include gift certificates to area camera stores, gardening tools, new plant introductions, and much more!

If you would like to be a prize donor or sponsor, please contact us today.

WINNERS’ OBLIGATION

Photo contest winners will need to provide a high-resolution version of their image for publication and an 11x14 print suitable for framing. Winners may be asked to provide additional information for press and media coverage.

CONTEST ENTRY FEE

The entry fee is $15.00 or $10.00 for current Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers. The fee includes up to 10 total image submissions per entrant.

Please send a check or money order made out to “Washington Gardener” or send a payment via www.PayPal.com to DCGardenPhotos@aol.com.

DEADLINE

Entries due by January 21, 2014.

QUESTIONS?

Please call 301.588.6894 or email DCGardenPhotos@aol.com. o

Gardening Trends for 2014

By Susan McCoy

The Garden Media Group, based in Kennett Square, PA, has released its annual report identifying 12 trends that will impact gardening habits in 2014 and beyond.

According to the 2014 Garden Trends Report, consumers are spending more leisure time outdoors and not only “decorating” their homes, but their gardens as well.

The rise of social trends, like lawn games, glamping, and garden parties, are fueling a record growth in garden furniture and accessories, driving demand for tabletop fountains, outdoor chandeliers, garden art, decorative birdfeeders, unusual planters and candleholders.

The report notes the worldwide gardening and outdoor living market is expected to increase yearly by almost 3.5% through 2016, when it should reach almost $220 billion.

In North America, where the market was flat for the past four years at $58 billion, annual growth is expected at one percent over four years.

After several years of bleak economic reality, the sun is finally starting to shine again.

The economy is improving, and people across the country are exhaling a sigh of relief. This time around people are vowing to restore balance to their lives. Frivolous spending on more “things” is out. People are determined to be happy and thoughtful in their actions since they’ll have more money to spend in the upcoming year.

According to the 13th annual Garden Trends Report, people are beginning to truly understand the relationship between gardening and connecting with nature – and how this can lead to a fully satisfied, purposeful life.

The new twist? People still want their outdoor spaces to look beautiful, but want to invest their time and money into high quality, eco-friendly products with a smaller carbon footprint.

“2014 is all about balance. People finally appreciate that being in nature and in the garden is true bliss. But now, they want the garden to do double duty: A Zen oasis and the social hub for entertaining,” says Katie Dubow, creative director of Garden Media.

“Surrounding yourself with nature, with trees in the yard and houseplants in the office, brings a sense of peace, boosts productivity and enhances your quality of life—in addition to providing a great escape from the hustle and bustle of a technology intense life,” says Dubow.

So what’s fueling this growth? Looking ahead, Garden Media sees six balanced sets shaping greener lifestyle choices people are making for their homes, gardens and outdoor living.

1. Ground Up: Recycling food scraps and creating compost is the new recycling. Products like The Green Cycler® make it easy to pre-compost right on the kitchen counter.

2. Super Foods, Super Models: Edibles are going to the next

level with foodies growing everything from quinoa to dandelions in straw bales and keyhole gardens.

3. Drink Your Garden: People are drinking their gardens using such super foods from their gardens, like BrazelBerries® blueberries and raspberries to craft cocktails and green smoothies. Plus, “Fermentation gardens are the new chickens,” says Rebecca Reed of Southern Living – people are growing hops for home-brewing, grapes for homemade wine.

4. Dress Up Your Yard: From decorative throw pillows to decorative insect traps like the RESCUE!® OrnamenTrap™ and Perky-Pet®’s shabby-chic mason jar seed and humming bird feeders, people want their yards to have a personal stamp.

5. Bee-neficials: It’s all about the bees this year. Bees are at forefront of environmentally aware consumers’ minds, inspiring them to plant native, pollen rich flowers, trees ,and veggies to provide safe shelters.

6. Cultur-vating: Taking local to the next level, people are growing the world in their gardens, mixing cultures, and embracing what is local to their own region.

7. Simple Elegance: Think one color flower in an elegant container, like Suntory®’s Surfinia Heavenly Blue in an eco-chic, hand-cast NativeCast planter.

8. Frac’d Up: Neat clean lines are out as explosions of color in fractional shapes like triangles, circles, and squares dominate design.

9. Young Men Get Down and Dirty: Big surprise here: young men 18-34 are spending $100 more than the average gardener. They are grilling, growing their own hops for beer, and taking the kids out to play in the dirt.

10. Think Gardens: Plants make us smarter, more productive and less stressed and are showing up in offices, schools, and hospitals across the country.

11. Fingertip Gardens: Gardens go high-tech with mobile apps and technology, like Suntory®’s easy Virtual Container Designer app.

12. Tree-mendous Reversal: Losing more than four million urban trees a year, Americans are being asked to plant trees.

There are many environmental, economical, and emotional benefits of trees. Plant a tree – or care for one you have - this year and be part of this growing trend.

The complete 2014 Garden Media Trends report is available for free download at http://www.gardenmediagroup.com/ trends-page.

About the Author Susan McCoy is the strategic planner and key buzz maker at Garden Media Group. Well-known in garden-writing circles, she is active in Garden Writers Association of America, a member of the National Gardening Association, American Horticultural Society, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and a speaker in the field. Prior to founding IMPACT in 1987, she worked in both agency and corporate marketing and public relations.

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ January 16 - February 15, 2014 • Sunday, January 19, 1:30-3pm

Smithsonian: Archives of the American Garden Be a part of history. Discover how the Smithsonian is conserving American garden history with over 60,000 photographs and documents and how you can participate. Smithsonian Gardens’ Cindy Brown will share the interesting work that is being done and how you can help with the Mystery Gardens Initiative and your own garden tales.

Code: 290 182 1901. Fee: $10/person.

Register on-line at www.fairfaxcounty. gov/parks/greenspring or call Green Spring Gardens 703-642-5173.

• Monday, January 20, 8:00-9:30pm Gardening for the Butterfly Life Cycle Kathy Stevens, Brookside Gardens Wings of Fancy curator, will talk about the best butterfly plants for our region as well as how to care for them. This talk is Silver Spring Garden Club’s monthly meeting at Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD. Open to all. Free. For more information, contact Kathy Jentz, 301-588-6894, Laserblast@aol.com.

Directions: www.brooksidegardens.org.

• Tuesday, January 21, 6:30 -8pm Climate Change and Food Gardening Thus workshop will be given at beautiful Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, by Gordon Clark, Project Director of Montgomery Victory Gardens and Master Gardener Community Garden Advisor.

We know climate change is happening - how do we as food gardeners prepare for it? Please join us for this fascinating and challenging discussion. Details at: http://www.montgomeryparks.org/ brookside/xperience.shtm.

• Friday, January 24, 12noon-1pm 300 Years of Carolina Botany Repatriated Lecture 300 years ago explorers such as Mark Catesby and John Lawson roamed the Carolinas, collecting plants and sending them back to England. Through the project Botanica Caroliniana, Amy Hackney Blackwell and her colleagues have now digitally returned those plants to the Carolinas, where they form the basis of a centuries-old field survey that 8

yields insights into ecology, conservation, medicine, invasive species and endangered species, and the concerns of early American colonists. In the USBG Conservatory Classroom. FREE: Pre-registration required at http://www. usbg.gov/.

• Saturday, January 25, 12:30-4pm, Washington Gardener SEED EXCHANGE at Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD Washington Gardener, the publication for DC- area gardening enthusiasts, is hosting the 9th annual Washington Seed Exchange. This event includes lectures, face-to-face seed swap, and more. You bring your extra seeds to swap with other gardeners. Everyone will leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends and expert planting advice. Fee includes lectures, goody bag and seed swap. Fee: $15/person $10 for Washington Gardener subscribers and Friends of Brookside Gardens.

For more information, contact Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener, 301-5886894, WGardenermag@aol.com. Directions: www.brooksidegardens.org.

• Saturday, January 25 Stand Up for Trees Learn how to become an advocate for the trees in your community and turn your knowledge into action by joining our newly formed league of Tree Advocates! In this class, you will learn about the state of DC’s trees, how the local government is organized, and the key players who help manage our trees in public spaces. Then, you will learn techniques for engaging these key District officials and agencies in order to help protect (or even increase!) the tree canopy in your neighborhood and city.

This is a Citizen Forester qualifying course. Casey Trees, 3030 12th Street NE, Washington, DC. Call 202.833.4010 or go to caseytrees.org.

• Saturday, February 1, 12:30-4pm Washington Gardener SEED EXCHANGE at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, VA Washington Gardener, the publication for DC- area gardening enthusiasts, is

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

co-hosting the seventh annual Washington Seed Exchange at Green Spring Gardens. This event includes lectures, face-to-face seed swap, and more. You bring your extra seeds to swap with other gardeners. Everyone will leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends and expert planting advice.

Fee includes lectures, goody bag and seed swap. Register by calling 703642-5173. Fee: $15/person $10 for Washington Gardener subscribers and Friends of Green Spring. For more information, contact Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine, 301-5886894, WGardenermag@aol.com.

Directions: http://www.fairfaxcounty. gov/parks/greenspring/.

• Friday, February 7, 6:30-9pm Nature Movie Night: Planet Earth: Great Plains and Living Together Watch a documentary about the modest plant that feeds billions: grass and learn how we can preserve our world while living among such vast diversity.

Popcorn provided. At Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. Admission: $6. Register at: www.ParkPASS.org (Course #248600).

• Saturday, February 8, 10:00am12:00noon Zen Through-the-Lens Photography No need for knowledge of either Zen or photography to enjoy this illustrated presentation; the stunning nature photographs, many from the Arboretum, are reason enough to attend. Hear the entertaining and thought–provoking stories behind the prize-winning photographs and learn how training the eye and cultivating the mind enables the creation of more memorable images.

Note: Photographer Tuan Pham will teach a hands-on photography workshop in the spring. Fee: $15 Registration required. Held at the U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, DC. Registration required.

To register, visit www.usna.usda.gov or call 202-245-4521.

• Saturday, February 8, 9:00am Hands-On Bonsai One of the Northern Virginia Bonsai

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ January 16 - February 15, 2014 Society’s expert bonsai artists, Dr. Joseph Gutierrez a/k/a the magician, will demonstrate the art of wiring bonsai trees. Almost all bonsai trees are wired to achieve the overall design of the tree and to give them the appearance of great age. Dr. Gutierrez will present the program which will be followed by a workshop where everyone can practice with the expert assistance of Dr. Gutierrez the age-old art of wiring a tree. Bring your own tree, or just come to observe. All are welcome.

Meeting at the Walter Reed Civic Center, 2909 So. 16th Street, Arlington, VA. Contact: Gary A. Reese, Vice President, greese67@msn.com.

• Saturday, February 8, 1:30-3:30pm Prune It Right Learn best practices for timing, technique for pruning trees and shrubs.

This class includes a classroom and hands-on information. Dress for the weather. At the Benedictine Monastery, Subiaco Room, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA. Taught by Rachel HabigMyers, MS, MPS. This class is free, please register by phone 703-792-7747 or email master_gardener@pwcgov.org.

SAVE THE DATE: • PPA MidAtlantic Regional Symposium on Saturday, February 22 at the Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt, 6501 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD. Join The Perennial Plant Association & The Horticultural Society of Maryland, Inc. to be “Perennially Inspired” Details at www.perennialplant.org.

• Montgomery County Master Gardeners 14th Spring Gardening Conference on Saturday, February 22. The program, “Rooting for the Future: New Ideas + Small Changes = Gardening Success!”, will offer talks and workshops addressing topics of common interest and concern in our area to help you enjoy successful gardening. The conference will take place at the University of Maryland Extension, Montgomery County Office, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD from 8:30am-2:30pm. The charge for the conference is $55.00 per person, $100 for two people or $150

for three people. This includes the presentations, a bag lunch, handouts, door prizes, access to our speakers and on-line reference for the presentations. For additional information, email MCMGConference@gmail.com • Green Matters Symposium: “Gardening in a Shifting Climate” Friday, February 28, 8:30am-4pm.

Our weather is changing. This becomes especially apparent when gardening: plants that have flourished for years are failing; planting dates are no longer as reliable. What is a gardener to do? Join us for Green Matters: Gardening in a Shifting Climate. Hear from a variety of professionals on how we can adapt and learn how to successfully garden with such changeable weather. Visit BrooksideGreen.org for more information. Register early. Held at NEW location: Manor Country Club, 14901 Carrolton Road Rockville, MD. Admission: $89. www.ParkPASS.org (Course #248349)

Washington Gardener Book Club - Winter 2014 Selection

For our first 2014 selection of the Washington Gardener Magazine Book Club, we will be reading: Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful in the Business of Flowers by Amy Stewart.

We have reserving a meeting room at the Takoma Park DC Neighborhood Library in the downstairs meeting room on Thursday, February 13 from 6:00-7:30pm. The library is a couple blocks from the Takoma metro station and is near several bus lines. Street parking is available.

The basement meeting room allows food and drink and you may bring your dinner and/or snacks to share.

The book club meetings are FREE and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Please RSVP to “WG Book Club” at WashingtonGardener@rcn.com. I will be limiting attendance to 20. If you need to cancel, let me know ASAP so we can give your spot to someone else, should we have a wait-list.

• RootingDC is a FREE Urban Gardening Forum held annually in late winter.

Details to be posted soon at http:// fieldtoforknetwork.org/rootingdc/ for the event on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

• Philadelphia Flower Show trip with Washington Gardener Magazine on Wednesday, March 5 from downtown Silver Spring, MD. Includes lunch, bus transportation, goody bag, and show ticket. See page 12 for details and registration form.

A second trip departs on Thursday, March 6 from Behnke in Beltsville, MD. See details at: http://behnkes.com.

Still More Event Listings

See even more event listings on the Washington Gardener Yahoo discussion list. Join the list at http://groups.yahoo. com/group/WashingtonGardener/.

Event Listing Submissions

To submit an event for this listing, please contact: Wgardenermag@aol. com and put “Event” in the email subject head. Our next deadline is February 12 for the February 15 edition of this enewsletter featuring events taking place from February 16 - March 15.

Local Gardening Calendar

Each month includes a list of what to do in the garden for local DC-MD-VA and Mid-Atlantic gardeners, along with a gorgeous photo of a flower from a local public garden collection.

Go to http://www.cafepress.com/ washgardener to order. Note: you can specify it to start on ANY month.

A great gift idea or treat yourself!

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The ad deadline is the 10th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: wgardenermag@aol.com.

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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MARCH/APRIL 2005 • Landscape DIY vs. Pro • Prevent Gardener’s Back • Ladew Topiary Gardens • Cherry Trees

MAY/JUNE 2007 • Roses: Easy Care Tips • Native Roses & Heirloom Roses • Edible Flowers • How to Plant a Bare-root Rose

MAY/JUNE 2009 • Top Easy Summer Annuals for DC Heat • Salad Table Project • Grow and Enjoy Eggplant • How to Chuck a Woodchuck

MAY/JUNE 2005 • Stunning Plant Combinations • Turning Clay into Rich Soil • Wild Garlic • Strawberries

JULY/AUGUST 2007 • Groundcovers: Alternatives to Turfgrass • How to Pinch, Prune, & Dead-head •William Paca House & Gardens • Hardy Geraniums

SUMMER 2009 • Grow Grapes in the Mid-Atlantic • Passionflowers • Mulching Basics • What’s Bugging Your Tomatoes • Growing Hops

JULY/AUGUST 2005 • Water Gardens • Poison Ivy • Disguising a Sloping Yard • Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 • Succulents: Hardy to our Region • Drought-tolerant Natives • Southern Vegetables • Seed Saving Savvy Tips

FALL 2009 • Apples • How To Save Tomato Seeds • Persimmons

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005 • Container Gardens • Clematis Vines • Sponge Gardening/Rain Gardens • 5 Insect Enemies of Gardeners

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 • Gardening with Children • Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics • National Museum of the American Indian • Versatile Viburnums

WINTER 2009 • Battling Garden Thugs • How to Start Seeds Indoors • Red Twig Dogwoods • Unusual Edibles to Grow in Our Region

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 • Backyard Bird Habitats • Hellebores • Building a Coldframe • Bulb Planting Basics

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 • Dealing with Deer • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics • Delightful Daffodils

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006 • Garden Decor Principles • Primroses • Tasty Heirloom Veggies • U.S. Botanic Garden

MARCH/APRIL 2008 • Patio, Balcony, Rooftop Container Gardens • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Coral Bells (Heucheras)

SUMMER 2010 • Fragrance Gardens • Watering Without Waste • Lavender • Potatoes

MAY/JUNE 2008 — ALMOST SOLD OUT! • Growing Great Tomatoes • Glamorous Gladiolus • Seed Starting Basics • Flavorful Fruiting Natives

FALL 2010 • Vines and Climbers • Battling Stink Bugs • Russian Sage • Garlic

JULY/AUGUST 2008 • Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses • Edible Grasses to Graze On • Slug and Snail Control • Sage Advice: Sun-loving Salvias

WINTER 2010 • Paths and Walkways • Edgeworthia • Kohlrabi

MARCH/APRIL 2006 • Top 10 Small Trees and Large Shrubs • Azaleas • Figs, Berries, & Persimmons • Basic Pruning Principles MAY/JUNE 2006 • Using Native Plants in Your Landscape • Crabgrass • Peppers • Secret Sources for Free Plants JULY/AUGUST 2006 • Hydrangeas • Theme Gardens • Agave • Find Garden Space by Growing Up SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 • Shade Gardening • Hosta Care Guide • Fig-growing Tips and Recipes NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 • Horticultural Careers • Juniper Care Guide • Winter Squash Growing Tips and Recipes • Layer/Lasagna Gardening JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 • Indoor Gardening • Daphne Care Guide • Asparagus Growing Tips and Recipes • Houseplant Propagation MARCH/APRIL 2007 • Stormwater Management • Dogwood Selection & Care Guide • Early Spring Vegetable Growing Tips • Franciscan Monastery Bulb Gardens

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 • Autumn Edibles — What to Plant Now • Beguiling Barrenworts (Epimediums) • The Best Time to Plant Spring-blooming Bulbs • 14 Dry Shade Plants Too Good to Overlook NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 • Outdoor Lighting Essentials • How to Prune Fruiting Trees, Shrubs, and Vines • 5 Top Tips for Overwintering Tender Bulbs • Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 • Compost Happens: Nature’s Free Fertilizer • Managing Stormwater with a Rain Garden • Visiting Virginia’s State Arboretum • Grow Winter Hazel for Gorgeous Winter Color MARCH/APRIL 2009 • 40+ Free and Low-cost Local Garden Tips • Spring Edibles Planting Guide for the Mid-Atlantic • Testing Your Soil for a Fresh Start • Redbud Tree Selection and Care • Best Viewing Spots for Virginia Bluebells

SPRING 2010 • Community Gardens • Building a Raised Bed • Dwarf Iris • Broccoli

SPRING 2011 • Cutting-Edge Gardens • Final Frost Dates and When to Plant • Bleeding Hearts • Onions SUMMER 2011 • Ornamental Edibles • Urban Foraging • Amsonia/Arkansas Blue Star • Growing Corn in the Mid-Atlantic FALL 2011 • Herb Gardens • Toad Lilies • Sweet Potatoes • Cool Weather Cover Crops WINTER 2011 - EARLY SPRING 2012 • Green Roofs and Walls • Heaths and Heathers • Radishes SPRING 2012 • Pollinator Gardens • Brunnera: Perennial of the Year • Growing Yacon SUMMER 2012 • Tropical Gardens • Captivating Canna • Icebox Watermelons

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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Coming Soon!

Washington Gardener Magazine’s DayTrip columns compiled into one handy publication — available soon in both paper and e-book versions. Great gift idea!

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The ad deadline is the 10th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: wgardenermag@aol.com.

In Our Next Issue...

Fabulous Ferns

Daytrip to Chanticleer Gardens

Garden Event Season Wrap-Up Growing and Cooking BEETS

If your business would like to reach area gardeners, be sure to contact us by January 30 so you can be part of the next issue of our growing publication! oooooooooooooooooooooooo

Be sure you are subscribed!

Send a check or money order for $20.00 payable to Washington Gardener magazine to: Washington Gardener 826 Philadelphia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910

Magazine Excerpt: Local Hort Happenings

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership announced a joint initiative that will begin the JTHG Partnership’s Living Legacy Project. Oatlands serves as the pilot site for this extensive commemorative tree planting program. The Living Legacy Project is a sweeping and ambitious initiative by the JTHG Partnership to plant a new tree or dedicate an existing tree for each of the more than 620,000 soldiers who died during the American Civil War. The project will eventually stretch along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway, a 180-mile swath of land that runs from Gettysburg, PA, to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, VA. This initiative will create a unified color palette which reminds visitors that they are, indeed, on hallowed ground.

The first pilot phase of the project launched this past November with a ceremonial planting at Oatlands, quickly followed by planting of the trees planned for the Oatlands site. More than 400 trees will be either planted or dedicated at Oatlands as part of this program.

Oatlands is at the geographical center of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway, and as one of two National Trust Historic Sites within the corridor, is proud to be the first to host the Living Legacy Project. The pilot phase of the project will then expand from Oatlands to Gilbert’s Corner, at the intersection of Routes 15 and 50, six miles south of Oatlands, with 3,312 trees planted and another 269 existing trees dedicated to the Living Legacy Project.

Oatlands Board Chair Michael J. O’Connor praised the efforts of The JTHG Partnership to commemorate a defining chapter in American history in this way. Mr. O’Connor said, “The Living Legacy Project will enhance the landscape and environment along the Route 15 corridor while paying homage to the fallen soldiers of America’s Civil War. This project is in keeping with Oatlands’ commitment to sustainability and constant efforts to offset our carbon footprint. Oatlands is honored to be the pilot site for this important initiative. Oatlands is at the center of the Journey, and we would have the pilot in no other place.”...

Want to read more local gardening news in the HortHappenings column in the Winter 2013-14 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine out soon. See how to subscribe below to start with this issue.

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www.WashingtonGardener.com WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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8th Annual Washington Gardener Philadelphia Flower Show Tour Organized by Washington Gardener Magazine Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 10:00AM-10:00PM Leaving and returning from downtown Silver Spring, MD

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world. The theme for 2014 is “ARTiculture.”Experience the combination of art and horticulture as the 185th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show celebrates everyone from Michelangelo to Monet, Picasso to Pollock, and da Vinci to Dali. Join us for a visit to magnificent floral and garden exhibits, special programming, and new attractions like the interactive Butterfly Experience. This is not your grandmother’s Flower Show … but she’s going to love it! The Flower Show attracts non-gardeners as well as die-hard green-thumbed people of all ages. Foodies of all tastes will love the Garden to Table Studio. Participate in the Lectures and Demonstrations series, Gardener’s Studio, and new “Make & Take” workshops. First-time and returning riders will enjoy the welcoming, custom details of our coach service.

Schedule for the day: • 10:00AM coach leaves downtown Silver Spring with lunch, games, and DVD viewing en route • 12:45-7:15PM Explore Philadelphia Flower Show ~ dinner on your own • 7:30PM Coach departs Philadelphia Convention Center with snacks, games, and DVD showing onboard • 10:00PM Coach arrives at downtown Silver Spring This tour package includes: 1. Charter Passenger Coach - reserved seating and storage under the bus 2. Choice of Gourmet Box Lunch on the way up to the show 3. Snacks for the return trip 4. Listing of nearby restaurants for dinner on your own at the show 5. Information package on the show which will assist in prioritizing your day 6. Two Garden DVD showings 7. Admission to the show & Driver Tip 8. Convenient drop-off and pick-up at downtown Silver Spring, MD 9. Lively show and garden discussions led by Washington Gardener’s Kathy Jentz

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To register, please use the form below. (One form per person.)

Name _______________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ Phone number________________________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________________ Name of seatmate_____________________________________________________ We will try to seat groups together, but cannot guarantee group seating.

Name of group _______________________________________________________

Registration deadline: March 1, 2013

Full refund if canceled by February 6. $40 refunded until February 28.

No refunds after March 4.

Questions?

Kathy Jentz Wgardenermag@aol.com www.WashingtonGardener.com

Brought to you by:

Check/money order #_______ ~ Please make payable to “Washington Gardener” Send this registration form along with your payment to: Washington Gardener, 826 Philadelphia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

If you’ve never been to the Philadelphia Flower Show, this is your opportunity to escape from the last of winter’s cold winds and experience a garden paradise. Walk through floral wonderlands, take notes at one of the many workshops, enjoy new plants on display, and shop the vendors’ tempting array of goodies.

12 WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2014 Washington Gardener Magazine.

All rights reserved.

Code 3/5 Silver Spring

Fee: $100.00 each $95.00 each for Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers