Tag: gardening
Community gardens reopen
The Bo White Gardens at Pine Ridge Park in Annandale. The Fairfax County community gardens have reopened, as of Wednesday, April 29. The garden plots will be available seven days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., weather permitting. “Since only the garden plots will be open and not the other park amenities, such as fields, shelters, … Continued
Gardeners urge Park Authority to reopen community garden plots
A sign closing the parking lot at Pine Ridge Park, barring access to the Bo White community gardens, as well as all other park facilities.. Many gardeners who rent plots from the Fairfax County Park Authority are unhappy that the community gardens are closed. All parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas. and parking lots are … Continued
Fairfax County phasing out plastic bags for yard waste
Plastic bags like these will be banned for yard waste. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors took action Feb. 25 to begin phasing out the use of plastic bags for yard waste. The plastic bag ban will apply to residents whose yard waste is collected by private companies, as well as the county. This change … Continued
Native seedling sale underway
Common buttonbush The annual native tree and shrub seedling sale is underway. The sale is sponsored by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District with the goal of adding more native plans to the environment to prevent soil erosion, cleanse the air and water, provide a habitat for wildlife, and cool the climate. Eastern … Continued
Summer internships available at Green Spring Gardens
Summer at Green Spring. College students are invited to apply for summer internships at Green Spring Gardens. Seven internships are available: horticulture, Virginia native plants, horticulture/plant shop, farmers market SNAP outreach, children’s education, historic resources, and invasive plant management at the White Gardens. Applicants must be enrolled in a two-year, four-year, or graduate program in … Continued
Supervisors approve front-yard gardens
Corn and zucchini are thriving on this front yard in Annandale. Homeowners can now legally have gardens in their front yards. That is part of a change in the zoning ordinance approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors June 25, along with changes to encourage more community gardens and farmers’ markets. The amendment is … Continued
Zoning amendment would allow front-yard gardens
A front-yard garden in Annandale. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering a zoning change to allow homeowners to have gardens in their front yards. Currently, gardens are only permitted in side and rear yards on lots less than 36,000 square feet. The proposal would allow gardens that are no more than 100 square … Continued
Garden Day and Plant Sale under way at Green Spring
Garden Day at Green Spring Gardens. [Photos by David Siegel] Big crowds turned out for the annual Spring Garden Day and Big Plant Sale today at Green Spring Gardens. It’s going on until 3 p.m. There are more than 40 vendors selling seedlings, shrubs, and garden supplies. There’s also a bake sale and food truck, … Continued
A ‘food forest’ planned to help the needy
A food forest [Greenability] A new nonprofit organization called Food Uniting Neighbors (FUN) is planning community gardens and a “food forest” to provide nutritious, organic fruits and vegetables to community members in need. The group hopes to get its first garden planted this year in raised beds at Peace Lutheran Church on Lincolnia Road, says the … Continued
Native seedling sale under way
Persimmons [NVSWCD] The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual seedling sale started Feb. 1. In keeping with this year’s theme, Incredible Edibles, the sale features native shrubs and trees that provide fruit, berries, and nuts for wildlife, and in some cases, treats for humans. Seedlings can be ordered online by April 2 or … Continued
School news: They’re off to a good start
First-graders hard at work at Wakefield Forest Elementary School. An occasional series highlighting programs and activities at schools in the Annandale/Mason District area. The information and photos here are from Fairfax County Public Schools. Healthy kids – Bailey’s Elementary School and Falls Church High School are among the 11 Northern Virginia schools awarded Healthy Kids … Continued
Green Spring volunteers honored
Volunteers helped renovate the gazebo at Green Spring Gardens. The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has named Green Spring Gardens volunteer Tatiana Lisle the recipient of the 2018 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award and named Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) the 2018 recipient of the Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award. Lisle was recognized … Continued
Hidden Oaks interpreter honored
Holland Naturalist Suzanne Holland, the visitor services manager at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, was honored as one of 30 “Shining Stars of Interpretation” in the United States by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). Holland is credited with increasing programming and visitation at Hidden Oaks, which is operated by the Fairfax County Park … Continued
Public invited to tour sustainable gardens
The Carosella residence. If you’ve always wanted to create a backyard oasis that focuses on sustainability, the annual Sustainable Garden Tour, hosted by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, is a great way to see some examples. The 2018 tour, on Sunday, June 10, 1-5 p.m., features homes, a church, and a school … Continued
Annandale Farmers Market opens May 3
The Annandale Farmers Market opens for the season May 3. The market, at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike, will be open every Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon, through Nov. 1. Eleven vendors will be onsite, offering seasonal produce, baked goods, and prepared foods. There will be a plant clinic at the market staffed by Master Gardeners … Continued