Tag: gardening
Native plant garden in Annandale is collaborative project
The Packard Center A new native plant garden is springing to life near the Hidden Oaks Nature Center through the combined efforts of the Fairfax County Park Authority, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), students at Poe and Luther Jackson middle schools, and volunteers. The new garden is located at the site of … Continued
Green Spring Gardens hosts fall garden club for kids
A garden at Green Spring. Green Spring Gardens is offering a Garden Club for kids ages 6-10 this fall. There are three monthly Saturday sessions. The first meeting of the Let’s Grow Garden Club, on Sept. 24, is on the topic salad days. Kids will help harvest the vegetables that grew in the summer to … Continued
Improvements to White Gardens to start this summer
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is starting work this summer on improvements to the John C. & Margaret K. White Gardens, a 13-acre park in Falls Church between Annandale Road and Sleepy Hollow Road. The Whites had cultivated rhododendrons and azaleas on the property, which they purchased in 1939. After John died, Margaret sold … Continued
New Master Plan approved for Green Spring Gardens
One of the ponds at Green Spring Gardens. A revised Master Plan for Green Spring Gardens calls for a potential expansion of the Horticulture Center, an outdoor classroom, a greater focus on historic preservation, and improved pedestrian and bicycle access. The new plan, approved by the Park Authority Board in April, serves as a guide … Continued
Volunteers are working hard to make Annandale beautiful
The median between Little River Turnpike and the service road. There might be lots to complain about in Annandale (see the viral video, for example), but some residents are working hard to make the community beautiful, including the Annandale Women’s Club and local shop owners who have planted flowers done some nice landscaping. On Friday … Continued
Six things to do at the farmers market
The Fairfax County farmers markets opened for the season last week – offering in-season fresh produce and all kinds of other homemade goodies. The Wakefield Market, in the parking lot at Wakefield Park in Annandale happens on Wednesday afternoons 2-6 p.m. The Annandale Market, at Mason District Park on Columbia Pike is open Thursday mornings, … Continued
Lots of statues, no limitations
All of the statues pictured here are in front of houses in Mason District. Some are on heavily traveled roads; others are more hidden away but all are visible from the street. Can you identify their location? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Master Gardeners offer free plant clinics at farmers markets
When the Fairfax County farmers markets open for the season next week, customers will find more than fresh produce: Volunteers from the Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association (FCMGA) will be at the markets, too, to answer gardening questions, identify plants and insects, and hand out soil test kits. The Wakefield Farmers Market, in the parking … Continued
A week of free activities at Green Spring Gardens planned for early May
The Historic House at Green Spring Gardens. Green Spring Gardens is hosting free events every morning May 1-6 during its celebration of Visitor Appreciation Week. Each event will be followed by afternoon refreshments in the Horticulture Center. Here’s the lineup: On Monday, May 2, at 11 a.m., visitors are invited to join Green Spring Master … Continued
Environmental education is a big deal at Belvedere Elementary School
Belvedere students at the School Environmental Action Showcase at George Mason University April 6. [Belvedere ES] Belvedere Elementary School is taking the “going green” concept to the next level. In addition to schoolwide recycling and cafeteria composting, students grow fresh vegetables for a food pantry and engage in “food rescue,” in which unopened food and … Continued
Invasive insects destroying local ash trees
This pest is killing ash trees. [Emerald Ash Borer Network] If you have an ash tree, it’s most likely infected with the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees in the United States since 2003. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is urging residents to … Continued
‘Mulch madness’ supports graduating seniors
The PTSAs at all three high schools in the Annandale/Mason area are selling mulch to support all-night graduation celebrations for the Class of 2016. These parties provide a fun, safe, alcohol-free environment for seniors on graduation night. The Stuart High School PTSA is selling mulch for $5.50 per bag. Orders must be placed by midnight … Continued
Public input sought on revising plan for Green Spring Gardens
The Horticulture Center at Green Spring Gardens. The public is invited to learn about and comment on a revised master plan for Green Spring Gardens Dec. 2, 7 p.m., in the park’s Horticulture Center. Written comments will be accepted through Jan. 11. The draft master plan considers several development options for generating revenue, such as … Continued
Unique items available at the Annandale Farmers Market
White peppers from the 78 Acres Farm. You can find things at the Annandale Farmers Market you’re not likely to find anywhere else around here. And while summer is nearly over, the Annandale market, at Mason District Park, will be running for another two months. It’s open Thursdays, 8 a.m.-noon through Nov. 12. Maura Niland … Continued
Enterprising kids sell food to raise money for charity
From the left: Francesca, Drew, and Paul. Francesca Gabriel, a 10-year-old resident of the Lincolnia Hills community, and her associates raised about $300 so far this summer selling lemonade, baked goods, and produce at their stand on Kling Drive, Alexandria. On Aug. 30, s steady stream of neighbors stopped by Francesca’s Lemonade Stand and Paul’s … Continued