gardening

Judging Azaleas – Adams Morgan/Mt. Pleasant

By Prince Of Petworth

I know we normally judge buildings/architecture in this slot but the azaleas were in full effect around town this weekend. The ones shown are amazing every single year – it is from the 1700/1600 block of Harvard St, NW.

Incidentally the arboretum is also having a big event this weekend:

FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale

Really great plant sale this weekend!!! Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, remainders (if any) sold Sunday, May 1. Held at the US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, off Bladensburg Rd.

This annual event from the Friends of the National Arboretum is a long-standing favorite among serious and weekend gardeners alike – with affordable prices and the widest range of plants and vendors of any gardening event in Washington, D.C. Buy new, rare and hard-to-find plants, with offerings from the finest specialty nurseries in the region and more local plant societies than ever before. A great opportunity to get advice from National Arboretum horticulturists, FONA master gardeners, landscape designers and other local experts. Also fun and educational activities for children, music performances, food vendors, and garden accessories.

The fair coincides with the Arboretum’s spectacular display of more than 10,000 azaleas, so bring your friends, bring the family, and make a day of it!

HOURS: “Members Only” on Friday April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (but you can join at the door or in advance at www.fona.org.)

Open to the public on Friday April 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday April 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any remainders will be sold Sunday May 1 from 9a.m. to 12 noon.

Dear PoPville – Getting a Treebox Fence

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Last summer the flowers and other plants in my treebox didn’t fare so well (mostly from sidewalk traffic and the like). I’d like to get a nice low fence for the treebox like others that I’ve seen in the city, but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone provide recommendations of companies that do this type of work? What should I expect as far as
cost? (It’d be about 12ft by 3ft.) Do I need to get permission from the city?”

Anyone know how this works? Do you have to get permission from the city or can you just put one in?

What do you think of these Plantings?

By Prince Of Petworth

These are from Mt. Vernon Sq. near the Buddha bar on Mass Ave, NW. I kinda feel like it’s too rigid. Anyone else feel that? Anyone know what they are called? Personally I find them a bit overwhelming. What do you guys think: Thumbs up or down?

It’s Spring – Old City Green Opens Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

Old City Green is located in the lot at the corner of 9th and N St, NW.

From an email:

NOW is the time for our Third Opening!

We’ve been cleaning up our yard and making space for new product such as: spinach, lettuce, strawberries, and a few herbs. Not to mention a plethora of colorful pansies and snapdragons.

We will be open from 9 – 6:30

There will be snacks and drinks!!

Earth Springs Farm CSA Now Taking Memberships

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of Earth Springs Farm

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to let you know about a new CSA that has drop offs in Mt. Pleasant, Petworth, Takoma, Riverdale, Mt. Rainier., Arlington, and Annondale.

We are Earth Springs Farm

We are a small family farm that raises Naturally Grown Produce in South Central Pennsylvania.

CSA members get a box full of spring, summer, and fall vegetable every week.

We are now accepting 2011 memberships on our website.”

We’ve previously spoken about CSAs in detail here. If you have other CSAs that you recommend in addition to their name please say what neighborhood(s) they deliver to.

Garden District Closing at 14th and S St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

“Dear PoP,

Thought you’d like to know that the Garden District updated their Facebook page with the following:

“I regret to inform you Garden District, the business entity, has been closed.

I worked very hard to maintain it, but at a certain point it did not make sense to continue.

Thank you for supporting GD for 10 great yrs. It was a pleasure serving you.”

Garden District had moved from it’s original space at 14th and S (north east side, which is becoming a burger spot soon) to across the street and news of a closure had been circulating on and off for months. I am very sorry to see them go.

The 5pm Post – e. l. haynes holiday bazaar and BULB BASH AND SPOON EXTRRAVAAGANZAA this Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

“The school is having a craft/yard/bake sale this Saturday at 3600 Georgia Ave. NW from 10am – 2pm”

“You are cordially invited to the BULB BASH AND SPOON EXTRRAVAAGANZAA!!!!, a marvelous celebration of bulbed plants AND the autumn issue of your favorite food zine, The Runcible Spoon.

It takes place Saturday, November 20, from 12-3PM, at the Marion Street Garden (on Marion St. between P & Q Streets, NW). There will be cooking and planting demonstrations, glorious bulb-themed food, face-painting (for the kids, not for you) and zines up the wazoo. Come meet the writers from the issue and help us brainstorm story ideas for the winter issue!”

Dear PoP – What Should I Do With the Rocks?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user dullshick

“Dear PoP,

I’m removing a lot of landscaping stones from my property and I don’t know how to dispose of them–any ideas?”

At first I thought this was a funny question but thinking about it – I really have no idea. Release them into their natural habitat of Rock Creek or some other park? Taken to the dump? Use as a border around some trees or plants? What would you guys suggest?

Nice Landscaping in NoMa

By Prince Of Petworth

1st St, NE in NoMa is continuing to look good. I’m digging the new landscaping.

And I’m sure the folks who live nearby are psyched to see that the Potbelly’s has opened:

What the Helen of Troy is This For?

By Prince Of Petworth

Clearly this is mulch right? But I thought mulch was used in the spring? Are you supposed to mulch areas in the fall as well? If so, what areas are you supposed to mulch in the fall?

View More Stories