Tag: gardening
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
Get free milkwood seeds at Hidden Oaks to help save monarch butterflies
A monarch on milkweed. Have you seen a lot of monarch butterflies this spring? Probably not, because the monarch population is in serious decline. Milkweed plants, the only food monarch caterpillars eat, is fast disappearing due to loss of habitat as vacant land is developed. To help save monarchs, the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in … Continued
Volunteers needed for meadow project at Americana Park
This grassy field at Americana Park will be transformed into a meadow. Annandale’s Americana Park is getting a facelift. A grassy field in the park that is subject to frequent flooding will be transformed into a meadow while invasive species will be replaced with native plants. Friends of Accotink Creek (FACC) is spearheading a planting … Continued
Join a community supported agriculture group for fresh organic produce
Some of the produce from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative. Who wants to receive a package of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits every week directly from a farm at a reasonable cost? That’s the idea behind Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Jennifer Auble of the Ravensworth Farm neighborhood in North Springfield has agreed to host a … Continued
Scene around A-Town: Crocuses!
As soon as the snow melted, this yard on Larchmont Drive in Annandale erupted with crocuses. Spring must be around the corner.
Beautify your yard with native plants
Silky dogwood The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is selling packs of seedlings in an effort to spread native plants throughout the region. Native plants use less water, attract wildlife, protect air and water quality, and bring beauty to your landscaping. They are also more disease resistant than imported plants. There are two … Continued
Order mulch, support schools’ graduating seniors
We’re still in the grips of winter, but it’s not too early to start thinking about spring and revitalizing your landscaping. The PTSAs at both Falls Church High School and JEB Stuart High School are selling mulch, with the proceeds supporting each school’s Class of 2015 all-night graduation party. Three cubic-foot bags of double-shredded hardwood … Continued