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Vol. 1, No. 5 ??” May 15, 2005
In This Issue:
Direct Sow Seeds
Proven Plant Selections
May To-Do List
What's Blooming
Local Gardening Events
Welcome to the
Washington Garden Enews!
This is the free sister publication of Washington Gardener magazine.
Both the magazine and enewsletter share the same mission and focus ??” helping Washington DC area gardens grow ??” but our content is different.
In this monthly enewsletter, we will:
address timely seasonal topics and projects; post local garden events; and, include a monthly reminder list of what you can be doing now in your garden.
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We encourage you to subscribe to Washington Gardener magazine as well for in-depth articles, inspirational photos, and great garden resources for the Washington DC area gardener.
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Easy as 1-2-3 to Direct Sow Seeds
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The May/June issue was mailed a few weeks ago and should be in all our magazine subscriber's homes by this week. If you do not receive it by May 20, please let us know. If you have not subscribed yet, please see link at bottom of this newsletter.
With the last frost date now officially past, we can look towards one of the easiest and most rewarding gardening tasks ??” directly sowing seeds.
In the February issue of the Enews, we covered the topic of seed starting indoors. Directly sowing seeds outside is a very similar process and for many it is much easier and more successful.
This is another great project for gardening with children and one of the ideal ways to get them started. Here are the basic steps:
1. Prepare your planting bed. Pick a site in full sun and prepare the soil. Clear the site of weeds and condition it by mixing in compost and fertilizer. Then rake it smooth, removing any rocks, for an even draining site. Finally, water the soil before sowing your seeds. It should be moist, but not soggy.
2. Plant your seeds. For depth and distance apart follow the seed packet instructions. You can scatter the seeds randomly, which is a nice effect for wildflowers, or plant in neat rows or evenly spaced holes. Note: if you scatter at random, wedding later may be harder. Next, cover the seeds lightly with top soil.
3. Tend your seedlings. Water daily (if no rain) to keep moist until seedlings first appear then keep checking on them for watering as needed. Thin seedlings after first few sets of leaves appear to avoid overcrowding and give the stronger seedlings their best chance of survival. Compost the discarded seedlings. Keep weeding the bedding area throughout this process since you've disturbed the soil when planting and this stirs up dormant weed seeds. Also as you've added new seeds, so has the wind and wildlife ??” they will flourish in your newly prepared planting bed so keep up or they will overtake your baby seedlings.
Here are some easy plants to direct sow to get you started: sunflowers, cosmos, nasturtium*, wildflowers, alyssum, morning glory, forget-me-not, watermelon, pumpkin, radish, carrots, and corn.
*With nasturtium, no need to fertilize or condition soil before planting. They actually like a less "nutritious" environment. I recommend them for your most barren, sunny spots of your yard.
Happy Growing!
Kathy Jentz
Editor/Publisher
Washington Gardener
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Local Gardening Events
Here is a selection of upcoming events in the DC area of interest to gardeners:
DC
Ornamental and Edible: Kitchen Gardening A to Z
May 19, 6-8:00pm
United States Botanic Garden Conservatory, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC
The best ???kitchen gardens??? really are located right outside everyone??™s favorite room in the house. Join garden radio personality, Mike McGrath,
for a lively discussion on how to grow great tasting edibles, including varieties so ornamental, you??™ll be tempted to plant
them front and center in the flower garden. Mike grows to cook and cooks to grow. Join the USBG as they kick off a season of
great eating with tips on how to enjoy your tastiest garden ever.
Fee: $12. Registration required.
To register, call the U.S. Botanic Garden at 202.226.4082 or visit www.usbg.gov
Save those Seeds!
June 4, 1:00-2:30pm
United States National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC
Create a simple, colorful journal for saving the seeds of your favorite plants during this workshop.
Fee: $15 (includes all materials). Registration is required.
For more information: call 202.245.4523 or www.usna.usda.gov
Native Plants: A Welcome Sign for Wildlife
June 11, 10-11:00am
Administration Building Auditorium, United States National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC
Discover how to enhance biodiversity by creating your own rain garden, butterfly garden, or backyard habitat using native plants during this lecture at the U.S. National Arboretum with Liz McDowell of Elk Ridge Nature Works.
Fee: $12. Registration is required.
For more information: call 202.245.4523 or www.usna.usda.gov
Houses & Gardens of Brookland
June 12, 12:00noon-5:00pm
Brookland neighborhood, NE, Washington, DC
Home and garden tour hosted by the Greater Brookland Garden Club followed by a picnic style reception from 5:00-6:30pm. Continuous trolley shuttle provided. Metro accessible.
Fee: $12 pre-sale at Petals Ribbons & Beyond or $15 day-of. Registration is not required.
For details, call 202.636.2048 or visit www.gbgc.org
MD
Cactus and Succulent Show & Sale
May 20-22, from 9:00am-5:00pm
Brookside Gardens Visitors Center, 1800 Glenallen Ave., Wheaton, MD
The National Capitol Cactus and Succulent Society with Cactus and Succulent Society of Maryland host this 28th annual show and sale. Lovely and unusual plants on display with winter-hardy ones available for sale.
Free. Registration not required.
For more information: 301.962.1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org.
Baltimore FlowerMart
May 18, 11:00am-8:00pm
Mt. Vernon Park, downtown Baltimore, MD
America's first Flower Mart has a full array of activities designed to both adults and children. The day is filled with plant sales, fun contests (such as ugliest tie), High tea, and much more. Baltimore's annual rite of spring will feature a free concert in the park beginning at 6:00pm. Rain date is May 19.
Free. Registration not required.
For more information: 410.323.0022 or www.flowermart.org.
Baltimore Herb Festival
May 28, 10-4:00pm
Held in Leakin Park, 1900 Eagle Dr., Baltimore, MD
The 18th annual festival featured herb is oregano. Come for an intoxicating blend of herbs, flowers, entertainment, and refreshments.
Fee: $5 adults, children 12 and under free. Parking is free. Registration not required.
For more information: 301.937.1100 or www.baltimoreherbfestival.com.
Kentlands House & Garden Tour
June 11, 11:00am??“5:00pm
Kentlands neighborhood, Gaithersburg, MD
Enjoy eight charming homes and gardens and an art show by local areas artists at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn.
Fee: $12 pre-sale from Main Street Home & Garden or $15 day-of. Registration is not required.
For more information: www.kentlandsgardenclub.org.
VA and WV
Garden Strolls & Tea
May 19, June 2, June 16, 1:00??“3:00pm
Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA
Spend a relaxing afternoon with us and have tea in the gardens. This is the perfect introduction to the mission and history of Green Spring Gardens, one of the premier places for horticulture in the Washington D.C. area. The bi-monthly guided tours of the over 20 demonstration gardens are followed by a full English tea. Great for individuals or groups. Groups may contact the Historic House to make arrangements for tours and teas on alternate days.
Fee: $25 all inclusive. Registration is required.
For more information: www.greenspring.org or call 703.642.5173.
Propagation by Cuttings
May 21, 10:00??“11:30am
Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA
Increase the number of your cherished plants without visiting a nursery. In this workshop you??™ll work alongside Nancy Olney, staff horticulturist, and learn the importance and advantages of propagation by cuttings. Cuttings are the most important means of propagating ornamental shrubs and many of the tender perennials (coleus, plectranthus, salvias, etc.). It is an easy and inexpensive way to multiply your garden favorites. Watch demonstrations, then practice your new skill and take home some of Green Spring??™s treasures.
Fee: $15. Registration is required.
For more information: www.greenspring.org or call 703.642.5173.
Shepherdstown Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea
June 4, 10:00am-4:00pm & June 5, 11:00am-3:00pm
Shepherdstown, WV
The event, which will be held rain or shine, will feature self-guided walking tours of public and private gardens in historic Shepherdstown, presentations and demonstrations by garden experts, vendors selling garden-related products, and a tea each day.
Admission is $15 in advance or $18 day-of. Advance tickets available by mail.
For more information: www.backalleygarden.org or call 703.
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Spring-time Heirloom Treasures
May 28, 9:30-11:30am
Jefferson Library, Monticello, VA
Rev. Douglas Seidel, an old friend, rosarian, and garden flower enthusiast from Emmaus, PA, will return for a talk on historic varieties of our favorite late spring herbaceous flowers: hellebores, peonies, dianthus, primroses, violets, columbine, and sweet peas. Doug's talk will preview a full slate of activities during our Center for Historic Plants' Open House.
Fee: $5. Registration is required.
For more information: www.monticello.org or call 434.984.9822.
To submit an event for this listing, please contact: editor@washingtongardener.com.
Our next deadline is June 12 for the June 15 edition of this enewsletter.
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What's Blooming
This month I think we should rename this column: "What is NOT Blooming" for that might be a far easier chore. The long, cool Spring has kept some things in bloom far best normal and the few unseasonably warm days lately have brought us some early tastes of summer color. Following are lists submitted by some of our readers working our way from north to south.
Jim Dronenburg up in Knoxville, MD, has in bloom: Wisteria sinensis (purple), Cornus florida (white), Cercis chinensis & canadensis purple & white, Viola odorata 'Queen Charlotte', Confederate violet, Arisaema triphyllum, bergenia 'Apple Blossom', the common Solomon's seal, Smilacina stellata, the Chinese forget-me-not, 'Jack Frost', Corydalis lutea and cheilanthifolia, Rosa banksiae, various tulips & daffs, Camassia leichtleinii, tree peonies, Paeonia obovata, Halesia (pink), various trilliums, Mertensia virginiana, Eomecon, dwarf bearded iris, Scilla hispanica, Veronica 'Georgia Blue' and 'Waterperry', various azaleas, Paulownia tomentosa, Chaenomeles japonica, 'Cameo" and an old, old red; Rhodotypos scandens, Disporum (flavum?), Daphne caucasica, various dwarf columbines, blueberries,
and Neviusia alabamensis.
Ursula Sukinik of North Bethesda, MD, has: Cornus florida, rhododendrons and azaleas, Tiarella black snowflake & running tapestry, Erythronium americanum, Dicentra spectabilis & eximia, ulmonaria saccharata & angustifolia, Muscari, syringa palabiniana, Podophyllum peltatum, Arisaema triphyllum, Corydallis blackberry wine, blefilla striata, sorbus aucuparia, brunnera jack frost, Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' & Johnson's Blue, and Violas.
Taffy Turner of Silver Spring, MD, has: corydalis, several varieties of geranium, pulmonaria, Jacob's ladder, Waterperry veronica, mazus, creeping phlox, all my azaleas, several varieties of epemedium, dicentra, and sweet woodruff.
I walked around my own garden a few days ago and here is my own list of bloomers in my Silver Spring/DC/Takoma Park border site: various phlox, azaleas, rhododendrons, mutabilis rose, blue-eyed grass, catmint, miniature yellow rose, yellow water iris, drumstick allium, vinca, lily of the valley, strawberries, daisy, groundcover geraniums, columbine, ajuga, heuchera, lamium, honey locust tree, bush honeysuckle, lilac bush, bearded purple iris, dianthus, wiegela, and various annuals (alyssum, geranium, pansies, violas, etc.).
While on the Georgetown Garden Tour yesterday (May 14), I noticed that various climbing roses and clematis were in full bloom everywhere there, while mine and my Maryland neighbors' are still a few days away from opening. Here is a photo of a striking one near 26th and P Streets.
Let us know what is blooming in your garden during the week of June 5 (esp. our Virginia readers!). Please include your name, city, state, and plant list. You may also send low-res digital images. Send to editor@washingtongardener.com by June 12 and we??™ll note it in our June 15 issue.
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May To-Do List
Spring has sprung all over! Pick and choose from the following list and do them as time, weather, and inclination
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- Cut back spent tulip and daffodil blooms but not the foliage
- Divide and replant crowded daffodils
- Feed your roses and new plantings with slow-release fertilizer
- Provide supports for fast-growing perennials such as delphiniums and lilies
- Tie up clematis and other fast-growing climbing vines
- Hose off aphids, white flies, or spider mites on your roses or other perennials
- Deadhead spent blooms on your annuals and perennials to encourage re-flowering
- Water newly planted additions to your garden
- Weed regularly
- Go on a local house and garden tour to see what is working on other home gardens
- Pinch back mums, salvias, and other late season bloomers to encourage bushy not leggy growth
- Check pots and containers daily for water needs
- Plant dahlias and cannas
- Direct sow annual seeds
- Thin vegetable seeds sown directly in the garden.
- Move your houseplants outdoors for a summer vacation on your porch
- Put out slug traps around your vulnerable edibles and hostas
- Prune back forsythia, spirea, and other early spring blooming shrubs
- Check for black spot on your roses ??“ remove and discard and affected leaves in the trash, never back into your garden or in your compost ??“ apply a fungicide every two weeks during the growing season
- Cut some flowers to enjoy inside ??“ make a small arrangement for every room
This is the time of year we are just itching to get out and garden. Who wants to be stuck inside??!! Take advantage of that energy and enthusiasm by tackling a few big projects like adding hardscaping such as planting bed borders or paths.
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Proven Plant Selection
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How would you like a personal garden mentor who could recommend to you foundation plants that will do well in your garden, thrive in our climate, and bring you years of joy and rewards?
Since its inception in 1978, the Gold Medal Plant Award program of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has recognized trees, shrubs and woody vines of outstanding merit. The program was originally conceived by noted nurseryman Dr. J. Franklin Styer, who realized homeowners and gardeners needed to learn about superior woody plants for their landscapes. These plants are evaluated and chosen for their superb eye-appeal, performance, and hardiness in the growing region of Zones 5-7. (That's us in DC, MD, and VA!) Many winners are hardy in a much broader geographic range.
When a gardener acquires a plant designated a Gold Medal winner, he or she can be assured the plant will exhibit standards of excellence for pest and disease resistance, as well as ease of growing, when planted and maintained by recommended methods. Gold Medal Plants are also chosen for their beauty through many seasons, whether it be foliage, flower, form or bark.
You may recognize many of the plants on their lists as old favorites. Many are given new popularity by being named Gold Medal Plants and are featured in garden publications, lectures, and TV/radio shows because of it.
Pictured here is one of the 2005 winners: Carolina Allspice. With distinct, very fragrant flowers blooming in May and June, the scent of fruit lures you to its reddish-brown 2" flowers. Use as a specimen plant or in the shrub border.
Go to www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org to see the full list of 2005 winners as well as those from previous years. The Web site includes the full plant name, description, photos, and sources. This is an invaluable resource to the garden trade and consumers.
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Next Issue
The June issue of Washington Gardener Enews will cover the Best Annuals for Summer Heat.
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Edited by Kathy Jentz
Contact: editor@washingtongardener.com or 301.588.6894.
?©Washington Gardener 2005
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