Gardening

Visit Green Spring Gardens for ideas and inspiration for gardening in the Washington metro area. Gardens feature trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals, bulbs and vegetables that grow well in our region. • 22 Themed Gardens • Private Garden Tours • Nature Walks • Horticulture Center • Glasshouse • Library • Plant Shop • Event Rental Space • Gift Shop To book a private garden tour, call 703-941-7987. Cost is $12 per person for a group of two to 19; $10 per person for a group of 20 or more.

Horticulture Center open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 12-4:30 p.m. Plant Shop open until October 31, Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, 12-3 p.m. Gift Shop open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Park grounds open dawn to dusk daily.

(All Ages) Book a walk with one of our Youth and Family teachers and choose from a variety of topics for a themed tour of the park. Each tour will include a handson element and can be customized to include the science topics your students are learning in school. Choose one of the following topics: Pond Fauna & Flora, Native Virginia Plants & Trees, Watersheds & Geology of Green Spring, Virginia, Ecosystems Walk, History of Green Spring as a Farm or General Garden Tour. You can sign up for our scheduled walks ($45 per group) or schedule an on-demand tour ($50 per group). A group is up to nine people, one of which must be an adult. Contact Elizabeth Waugh at elizabeth.waugh@fairfaxcounty. gov, or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

(All ages) Join us at Green Spring Gardens for the annual Family Fall Festival! The festival will have activities for the entire family, including classes for children and adults, a silent auction, a book sale, and a bake sale. Vendors will be selling a large variety of plants and other items. Enjoy musical entertainment at the White Gazebo. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS). For more information, contact Green Spring at 703-642-5173.

(Adults) Do you have a small space but big garden dreams? In this half-day symposium, turn your growing dreams into reality and learn how to build a gorgeous and unique garden that showcases your personal style, while still being functional and productive. Presenters Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight share tips and tricks from their new book, “The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City,” to bring style and practicality into your own garden.

GrnSprGardn Sa 9am 52Y.ZVNK 10/29 $62/ea.

(All ages) Treat yourself to a day of holiday fun in the garden featuring holiday decorations and seasonal displays, holiday music, and a bake sale with seasonal breads. This festive day is for gardeners of all ages. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS). For more information, contact Green Spring at 703-642-5173.

(3-5 yrs.) Your preschooler enjoys nature-themed toys and puzzles while you meet other playgroup parents one Monday a month. Through games, songs, activities and a garden walk we explore seasonal topics. Program will take place outdoors, weather permitting.

GrnSprGardn M 10:30am C72.5E8A 9/12 $12/child GrnSprGardn M 10:30am C72.DGDW 10/3 $12/child GrnSprGardn M 10:30am C72.ZA70 11/7 $12/child GrnSprGardn M 10:30am C72.GF1A 12/5 $12/child

(4-Adult) Join us on the first Saturday of each month to learn about different aspects of nature and go on the hunt for themed objects around the park. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 11am VDE.BQHJ 9/3 $8/ea. GrnSprGardn Sa 11am VDE.N3DV 10/1 $8/ea. GrnSprGardn Sa 11am VDE.NLHF 11/5 $8/ea. GrnSprGardn Sa 11am VDE.Q5JF 12/3 $8/ea.

(5-Adult) Nature is full of creepy-crawly critters, slimy algae, and more things that will make you say ewwww! Come and explore the gooey side of nature in the garden. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am 483.UZSH 9/10 $10/ea.

(4-Adult) Join one of our educators and explore the corners of the garden that are often overlooked but full of stories to tell! In this session we’ll examine the very active lives of some of the slower creatures in the garden. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 2pm N5K.JNVP 9/10 $8/ea.

(2-Adult) Join us every other week at Green Spring Gardens for a story in the garden. Families can bring a picnic blanket or just sit in the grass and listen to our storytellers read a story. Afterwards, take some time to explore our gardens, ponds and Historic House. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn M 9am R1X.KQDN 9/12 $5/ea. GrnSprGardn Th 4pm R1X.O0EG 9/15 $5/ea. GrnSprGardn Th 4pm R1X.TWKX 9/29 $5/ea. GrnSprGardn M 9am R1X.6XBT 10/10 $5/ea. GrnSprGardn Th 4pm R1X.AJC0 10/27 $5/ea. GrnSprGardn Th 4pm R1X.DDVM 11/17 $5/ea.

(5-Adult) Ever wonder what it feels like to be a snake? Or a penguin? Or a bear? Experience hands on how different animals see the world and feel the weather through their skin. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am AST.QQ73 9/24 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) Learn the process of flower and leaf pressing, and create your own beautiful botanical creation to take home. Garden flower tour included. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 1pm WGX.IMFG 9/24 $15/ea.

(2-Adult) Do you love books, gardens and nature walks? Combine all three and join our storytellers as they move through the pages of a story and the beautiful gardens of Green Spring, connecting literature to the physical world. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Su 1pm N9E.FG9O 9/25 $8/ea. GrnSprGardn Su 1pm N9E.X0N7 10/30 $8/ea. GrnSprGardn Su 1pm N9E.XKTH 11/20 $8/ea. GrnSprGardn Su 1pm N9E.40DQ 12/18 $8/ea.

(5-Adult) Discover the fun of fungus! Take a walk in our garden to view the sprouting lichen and fungi, and become a junior mycologist as you discover their secrets. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 1pm MCB.HF3V 10/1 $10/ea.

(4-Adult) Join one of our educators and explore the corners of the garden that are often overlooked but full of stories to tell! In this session we will discover how spiders, plants, birds and more are connected. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 2pm QR2.9ZSZ 10/8 $8/ea.

(5-Adult) We’ve all poured it on our pancakes, now come and discover where syrup comes from! Learn the science behind this favorite condiment and take home a tasty treat. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am KTL.736Y 10/15 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) Cure your ailments and bring a bit of magic to your world with plant potions. Learn how ancient healers concocted mixtures that we still use today. Take home your own mini plant-potion garden. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am PAQ.GAD2 10/22 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) This iconic gourd has a unique life cycle and contributes to its ecosystem; come learn all about it and paint one to take home. Bring your own pumpkin or use one of our freshly harvested ones grown on site. Don’t miss this Falltastic program! All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am UCJ.R60X 10/29 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) It’s the spookiest time of the year – make some botanical candles to match! Learn the craft of candle making to light up your autumn season. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 1pm TAD.4YGS 10/29 $15/ea.

(7-Adult) Cultures around the world have legends and myths dedicated to rain, the bringer of life and hope. Listen to our storytellers and take home a craft. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am NTB.FYGH 11/12 $10/ea.

(4-Adult) Join one of our educators and explore the corners of the garden that are often overlooked but full of stories to tell! In this session we will travel back in time and learn how people interacted with the land. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 2pm VU1.XXRC 11/12 $8/ea.

The Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program is a community-based project designed to reduce invasive plants on our parklands.

(5-Adult) Our ancestors were masters of gardening and agriculture. Walk in their footsteps and explore how they created medicinal herb gardens, magical oases, and edible gardens full of life. Plant your own mini edible garden to take home and grow. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am 8CW.BDI0 11/19 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) Get cozy and learn the art of relaxing during this cold time of year. Make your own warm seasonal drink at our hot chocolate and tea bar, listen to wintertime poetry and stories, and take home a craft. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am NQC.PV02 12/10 $10/ea.

(4-Adult) Join one of our educators and explore the corners of the garden that are often overlooked but full of stories to tell! In this session we will discover the ways nature flourishes and evolves even in the cold of winter. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 2pm FL1.AG7Q 12/10 $8/ea.

(5-Adult) Learn about the wonderful world of evergreen trees and plants that really stand out this time of year. Enjoy a seasonal walk through the gardens and make an evergreen craft to decorate your home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am 4FD.OMUL 12/17 $10/ea.

(5-Adult) Weave greenery collected from our gardens into a wreath to decorate your door this season. Add pinecones, berries, glitter and more to personalize your design while sipping on warm seasonal drinks. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

GrnSprGardn Sa 1pm Q14.V0IU 12/17 $15/ea.

(Adults) Experience Green Spring Gardens with all of your senses. Join Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of local nonprofit Capital Nature for a slow, meditative walk around the gardens. Contemplative, but more active than meditation, this forest bathing walk will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and enhance mood and creativity. Decompress and feel a deeper connection with the natural world. Bring something to sit on the ground, which may be damp, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am Z0Y.ZVJ0 9/3 $35/ea. GrnSprGardn Sa 10am Z0Y.KYPK 10/15 $35/ea.

(16-Adult) Explore the bounty of Green Spring’s Edible Garden with an Extension Master Gardener docent who showcases many food plants – from vegetables to fruit trees – suitable for home landscapes. See how edibles can grow in containers and small spaces and discover their ornamental value in the garden.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am 96U.ZFL3 9/10 $15/ea.

(Adults) Don’t fall behind on fall gardening! Join Green Spring staff on a walk of the gardens as they highlight weeds and invasive plants to remove from your garden. Also, learn what plants to avoid at garden centers and get recommendations for tasks you can do to keep your own garden looking great this fall. Dress for the weather.

GrnSprGardn Sa 1pm TGN.WQQ4 9/10 $19/ea.

(Adults) Last year, a rogue rufous hummingbird spent the winter at Green Spring Gardens. Why did this one bird defy the regular migration pattern? Learn all about hummingbirds with amateur ornithologist Larry Cartwright. Take a close look at the ruby-throated hummingbird, the only species that breeds in the eastern United States, and discuss some vagrants that might show up this fall and winter. Discover how hummingbirds consume nectar and regulate their metabolism, and the dazzling array of male hummingbird plumages used in courtship. Stay after to enjoy a hummingbird photography exhibit.

GrnSprGardn Su 12:30pm F1C.R3WF 9/11 $15/ea.

(Adults) Learn how to propagate plants from cuttings following simple techniques demonstrated by Green Spring staff. Gain strategies to overwinter your favorite tender perennials so you can add them to your garden next year and save money. Take home a starter collection to begin your own saved treasures.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am 3UC.HSFG 9/24 $23/ea.

(16-Adult) Making connections between students’ cultures and nature can strengthen their understanding of their fellow students and the natural world. Learn how to explore and understand the ways culture and nature meet, and how to bring these concepts into your classroom. Open to all formal and informal educators!

GrnSprGardn Th 4pm P0X.HOB7 10/13 $15/ea.

(Adults) Extension Master Gardener docents lead a special “Grand Tour” of Green Spring! View some upper demonstration gardens, then take the garden path less traveled to explore the naturalistic lower garden areas: the Virginia Native Plant Garden, woodland stream valley and ponds. Tour involves a steep slope with loose gravel.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10am 8A0.2OUZ 10/22 $15/ea.

(Adults) Planting a fall vegetable garden will extend the gardening season so you can continue to harvest fresh produce. Many cool-season vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts produce their best flavor and quality when they mature during cool weather. Extension Master Gardeners share tips and recommendations.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10:30am 3A3.XWES 9/3 $12/ea.

For programs and activities for

Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fifty-plus

(Adults) Native critters can have a positive impact on our gardens. Extension Master Gardeners share tips and recommendations on the best plants you can use to invite pollinators, birds and other species into your landscape.

GrnSprGardn F 1:30pm 1C2.C4GF 9/9 $12/ea.

(Adults) Are you spellbound by the lovely trees you see? Learn about the native trees of Green Spring Gardens that can also bring beauty to your garden. Extension Master Gardeners will help you identify native trees and provide tips for growing and taking care of them.

GrnSprGardn F 1:30pm QEK.APFD 10/14 $12/ea.

(Adults) Bring the magic of fall to your landscape! Extension Master Gardeners show you a variety of perennials, shrubs and trees in rich gold, burnt orange, brilliant burgundy and vibrant red to add glorious fall colors to your existing plantings with remarkable results.

GrnSprGardn Sa 10:30am XCR.GDU1 10/22 $12/ea.

(Adults) With drought conditions and increasing water and lawn costs (for chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides), rethink your grass! Extension Master Gardeners show you how to shrink your lawn and design garden spaces with textured and lush plants for multi-seasonal interest.

GrnSprGardn F 1:30pm F83.J83R 11/4 $12/ea.