Washington Gardener Magazine April 2022 by Kathy J

APRIL 2022 VOL. 17 NO. 2

WWW.WASHINGTONGARDENER.COM

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gardener

the magazine for gardening enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region

2022 Is the Year of the Salad Greens Invasive Alert: Two-horned Trapa Candytuft Plant Profile

Why Plant Natives? Use Rain Barrels to Capture Rainwater

How Do Nutrients Get in My Veggies? Great Corn Varieties for the Home Garden 33,000 Daffodils at Culpepper Garden DC-MD-VA Gardening Events Calendar

Clever Containers for Small-Space Gardens

RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL PLANTS FOR THE DISCRIMINATING GARDENER AND COLLECTOR Barry Glick Sunshine Farm and Gardens 696 Glicks Road Renick, WV 24966, USA Email: barry@sunfarm.com

www.sunfarm.com

Green Spring Gardens

www.greenspring.org

A “must visit” for everyone in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area. It’s a year-round goldmine of information and inspiration for the home gardener. It’s an outdoor classroom for children and their families to learn about plants and wildlife. It’s also a museum, a national historic site that offers glimpses into a long, rich history with colonial origins. Located at 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA. Information: 703-642-5173.

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RESOURCESsourc

Need a Garden Club Speaker?

Washington Gardener Magazine’s staff and writers are available to speak to groups and garden clubs in the DC region and ONLINE! Call 240.603.1461 or email KathyJentz@gmail.com for available dates, rates, and topics.

Summer Creek Horticultural Soil Mixes HiDra2-Seed Starter MultiMix2–Raised Bed Mix Organic - Local – Sustainable – Pro Grade Most sustainable horticultural mixes available. Available at Mom’s, Direct & select ACE Hardware www.summercreekfarm.com - Thurmont, Maryland

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Izel Plants

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INSIDEcontents

FEATURES and COLUMNS

In the new book, The Urban Garden, you’ll find dozens of inspiring and creative ways to grow flowers, shrubs, vegetables, herbs, and other plants in small spaces and with a limited budget. Clever container gardening ideas is a main focus of the book. Whether you want to grow on a balcony, rooftop, front stoop, or tiny urban patio, turn your growing dreams into reality and build a gorgeous and unique garden that showcases your personal style while still being functional and productive.

Got a Garden Question?

Got a gardening question you need answered? Send your questions to KathyJentz@gmail.com and use the subject line “Q&A.” Then look for your answered questions in upcoming issues.

A typical two-horned trapa seed pod exhibiting the two eponymous spines and one of two smooth knobs (facing the camera). Photo credit: S. Tangren.

Blue Hopi is a beautiful, purplish-blue corn that Native Americans used for cornmeal. Ears average 8 inches long. Kernels are rich in antioxidants. Plant in late spring after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to a depth of 6 in. If planting in rows, keep rows 18 in. apart. Corn prefers a light, loamy soil that has been lightly fertilized.

BOOKexcerpt 6-7 Clever Containers from The Urban Garden BOOKreviews 18-20 Modern Gardener. Four-Season Food Gardening, Regenerative Garden, The Rooted Life, Figgy and Fiona Search for a Home EDIBLEharvest 14-15 Corn Varieties for Home Gardens GOINGnative 9 Why Plant Natives HORThappenings 8 Tulip Days, Seed Exchange INVASIVEalert 22 Two-horned Trapa LOCALnews 16 Daffodils at Culpepper Garden NEWPLANTspotlight 11 Ligularia x ‘Treasure Island’ PLANTprofile 21 Candytuft TIPStricks 10 Year of the Salad Greens, Using a Rain Barrel, How Nutrients Get in Vegetables

DEPARTMENTS

ADVERTISINGindex BLOGlinks EDITORletter GARDENDCpodcasts LOCALevents MONTHLYtasklist NEXTissue READERreactions RESOURCESsources

23 11 4 7 13 11 3 5 2

ON THE COVER

The Floral Libary on the National Mall in Washington, DC, showcases dozens of varieties of tulips in the spring time.

In our May issue: The Dutch Embassy’s Head Gardener Mormon Temple Ground and much more . . .

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EDITORletter

Credits Kathy Jentz Editor/Publisher Washington Gardener 826 Philadelphia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-588-6894 kathyjentz@gmail.com www.washingtongardener.com Ruth E. Thaler-Carter Proofreader Dorvall Bedford Hojung Ryu Interns Subscription: $20.00

Photo of your editor at Brookside Gardens by intern Dorvall Bedford.

Time Distortions What day of the week does it feel like? So often these days, a Wednesday feels like a Friday or a Tuesday feels like a Thursday. Is it the weekend or the work week? Last week, I asked someone what day of the month it was as I was writing a donation check. With no calendar in sight, we had to Google it. For many of us in these pandemic times, our internal clocks and calendars are so out of whack. Days, weeks, and months start to blur together and it is no surprise that our seasons do as well. It doesn’t help when Mother Nature thinks it is funny to whiplash the weather back and forth between summer and winter, when it is supposed to be spring. Is it any wonder that our garden plants also get confused? A few bloom too early and get nipped by a killing frost, others bud out so late that we wonder if they are dead and contemplate yanking them out to make way for new plantings. In the vegetable garden, I know my radish and lettuce seedlings usually emerge a couple days after planting. This March, though, they took their own sweet time— probably due to colder than normal soil temperatures. Meanwhile, my asparagus is growing earlier and faster than any past season that I can recall. Some people garden by the moon cycles and can rely on the charted phases to do their planting and maintenance tasks. I’m starting to lean that way myself, noting that the full Pink Moon just occurred. This moon cycle is supposed to mark a period that returns us to balance in our lives after recent upheavals, so perhaps it will start to feel “normal” again. Meanwhile, I’ll be keeping a pocket calendar handy to keep reminding myself the date and day of the week. Sincerely,

WASHINGTON GARDENER

• Washington Gardener is a woman-owned business. We are proud to be members of: · GardenComm (GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators) · Green America Business Network · National Garden Bureau · One Montgomery Green · Ladies in the Landscape · Perennial Plant Association

Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher, Washington Gardener KathyJentz@gmail.com

• Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com • Washington Gardener Archives: http://issuu.com/washingtongardener • Washington Gardener Discussion Group: https://groups.google.com/g/ washingtongardener/ • Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Instagram: www.instagram.com/wdcgardener • Washington Gardener Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ WashingtonGardenerMagazine/ • Washington Gardener YouTube: www.youtube.com/ washingtongardenermagazine • Washington Gardener Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/wdcgardener • Washington Gardener BookShop: bookshop.org/shop/WDCgardener • Washington Gardener Podcast: https://anchor.fm/gardendc/

No material may be reproduced without prior written permission. This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that the information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to legality, completeness, or technical accuracy. APRIL 2022

All uncredited photos in this issue are © Kathy Jentz.

READERcontt

Reader Contest

For our April 2022 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, we are giving away a copy of Black Flora: Profiles of Inspiring Black Flower Farmers + Florists by Teresa J. Speight (BLOOM Imprint, $24.95). There is a rich, beautiful, complex, and diverse narrative being told by African Americans and other persons of color in the floral marketplace. It is long past time to recognize their excellence and contributions to cut flower farming and floristry. Garden writer, podcaster, and blogger Teresa J. Speight of Cottage in the Court shares her interviews and profiles with leading pioneers and explores their lives rooted in the floral world. To enter to win the book, send an email by 5:00pm on April 30 to WashingtonGardener Magazine@gmail.com with “Black Flora” in the Subject line and in the body of the email. Tell us what your favorite article was in this issue and why. Please include your full name and mailing address. Winners will be announced and notified on/ about May 1. o

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Are you trying to reach thousands of gardeners in the greater DC region/MidAtlantic area? Washington Gardener Magazine goes out in the middle of every month. Contact KathyJentz@gmail.com or call 301.588.6894 for ad rates (starting from $200). The ad deadline is the 5th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: KathyJentz@gmail.com.

READERreactions

Thoughts on Past Issues My favorite article in the March 2022 Washington Gardener was about Bonnetta Adeeb. It was so interesting to read about her background and what she’s trying to accomplish in her community in Maryland. I wish this was going on all over the DMV! My favorite quote: “My dream is simple: I dream that when you walk down the street and look into people’s yards, you see vegetables. I want to see growing edible plants become reinstituted as what people do. I want to see that everybody has a garden.” ~ Dawn Szelc, Sterling, VA My favorite article in the March 2022 Washington Gardener was the one on tufted titmice. I feed the birds and birdwatch but there were things in the article I did not know. I really like titmice (and chickadees) and enjoy learning more about them. It is nice that the magazine has a variety of articles. ~ Dorothy Cichra, Silver Spring, MD Okay, this is silly, but my favorite article in the Washington Gardener is usually the “Things To Do this Month,” closely followed by the monthly reader contest...Washington Gardener is always one of the highlights of my month. ~ Janet Benini, Washington, DC I especially liked reading the Aucuba article in the December 2021 Washington Gardener. At first glance, it reminded me of a houseplant that I had. I wish that it grew in my plant zone. It would really brighten up one of my drab areas. ~ Ed Yemola, Drums, PA

Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) is an easy program to participate in and really does not take any extra resources than what you may have in your garden. In normal times, about 35 million people wonder where their next meal will come from. Most of these are children. That’s where PAR steps in. PAR is such a simple program: It urges gardeners to Plant A Row (or a container) dedicated to feeding the hungry, and then take the harvest to someplace or someone that needs it. Once you have donated, send an email to KathyJentz@gmail.com with the total (in pounds and ounces) of what you gave. That is all there is to it. Easy. Effective. Adaptable and Helpful.

My favorite article in the December 2021 Washington Gardener was about the two new award-winning tomatoes because I like growing edibles. Finding new varieties is such a treat each year that adds adventure to my garden. ~ Edward Constable, Washington, DC Without a doubt, my favorite recent article showcased the winners in the annual photo contest. We have so many superb photographers in the area, and their talent shows in the diverse offeriings. A delight as usual. ~ Anne Hardman, Silver Spring, MD o

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BOOKexcerpt

Clever Containers This article is an excerpt from the new book, The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City by Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight. In The Urban Garden, you’ll find dozens of inspiring and creative ways to grow flowers, shrubs, vegetables, herbs, and other plants in small spaces and with a limited budget. Whether you want to grow on a balcony, rooftop, front stoop, or tiny urban patio, turn your growing dreams into reality and build a gorgeous and unique garden that showcases your personal style while still being functional and productive. With the ingenious ideas and resourceful tactics found here, you’ll be maximizing yields and beauty from every square inch of your space, while making a lush outdoor living area you’ll crave spending time in. ••••••••••••••••••••••••

Container Ideas Options for planting in containers have changed over time. In this section, we encourage you to think beyond the usual clay and ceramic pots. There are new containers made from modern materials that help the gardener in numerous ways. Some pots provide self-watering advantages to maintain hydration of the plant material. Using a moveable planter can offer versatility in creating different planting combinations throughout the season. Consider using alternative materials for a unique stackable container to plant a multitude of interesting plants. If you are short on space, there are even containers used during the gardening season and emptied for storing flat inside. Thinking outside the box offers many options for creative containers. 6

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Stock Tank Planters

Stock tank planters provide a large planting space aboveground that is easily accessible for working in them, as well as being an attractive space divider or garden feature in and of themselves. Originating in the country for use in raising livestock, stock tanks have now become urban chic. Some city-dwelling gardeners love gardening in stock tanks so much that they use them as their planting beds and barriers—creating a row of them as a divider between their neighbors’ yards or back alleys. The metal bottoms keep out burrowing rodents and are tall enough to keep slugs and rabbits out as well. Stock tanks are also a great solution for locations where the soils might be contaminated with heavy metals or otherwise are unsuitable for planting directly in the ground. Stock tanks come in various sizes and shapes—from short ones for sheep to taller ones for horses and cattle. Typically, they are made from galvanized steel and are fairly lightweight—that is until they are filled with soil, plants, and water. The bottoms are solid to hold in the water, therefore you need to drill several drainage holes into them. Pour in landscape gravel to a depth of 6 inches, cover with a landscape fabric or other material to hold the soil and plants’ roots in a separate layer above the gravel. Because they are metal, they warm up quickly in the spring, so you can plant in them earlier than in the ground. If you live in a very hot climate, you can line the interior with insulation, cardboard, or carpeting so the soil doesn’t get too hot. Metal stock tanks can also dry out faster than other containers and need more frequent watering. You can install

By Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight a simple drip-irrigation system to keep up with that aspect of maintenance. The stock tanks are very adaptable and versatile. You can attach wheels on the bottom for greater mobility. You can also paint them as you like and add other decorations. Shorter tanks can be placed on bricks or other risers, as long as the base can handle the weight of the tank and what is inside it. Because they are large and stable, you can add vertical elements to them such as tall poles and netting for trellises to train vines up them. There is no limit to what you can plant in them, from a vegetable garden to a pollinator habitat or any combination you might like to try!

Self-Watering Containers In the heat of the summer, using selfwatering containers will keep potted plants hydrated. Instead of handwatering or using the hose daily, selfwatering pots are an efficient way to ensure water is readily available. These pots come in handy as we work, travel, and have busy lifestyles. Consider all the options when selecting the right planter. Containers that take care of their watering needs can be a gardener’s best friend. Self-watering containers can make watering a breeze. Plants need moisture at their roots. Self-watering containers are designed to draw the roots down to get the moisture for them to thrive. At the base of these pots, there are components to make this possible. An inner shelf, acting as a buffer between the water and the plant, serves as a way for the plant roots to drain. Allowing the roots to reach for the water avoids root rot. There are several watering systems that encourage the roots to intake available water. Many garden centers will

BOOKexcerpt

The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City IS OUT NOW! By Kathy Jentz and Teresa Speight Published by Cool Springs Press/Quarto Homes Order it today at: https://amzn.to/3yiLPKU

offer a variety of self-watering containers. They are made of several types of materials, from ceramic to plastic. Choosing the correct size is important. Another important requirement is making certain the reservoir will hold the required water for your choice of plants. Many of these planters come with instructions on how to fill the reservoir. Self-watering pots offer the benefit of adding water-soluble nutrients to the reservoir. This is good because it offers consistent nutrients upon demand. Often, scheduling time for watering and feeding can prove difficult. A selfwatering planter helps with scheduled feeding. Filling the reservoir on a consistent schedule enables the gardener to plan watering more effectively. Some planters have a reservoir on the top or side. When filling a self-watering planter

from the top, add water until it flows out or reaches the fill line. If the reservoir lip is on the side, usually inserting a finger or peering in will alert you to the water level. By checking the reservoir regularly, as well as filling it when necessary, the plant will remain hydrated and healthy. Create a self-watering planter with recyclables. Using a milk jug or soda/ juice bottle, punch holes in the bottom. Fill with water and nutrients, if necessary. Water your planter well, then set the recycled drip container on the surface of the planter’s soil. This will allow the water to slowly drip in as needed, which offers consistent hydration. Using a planter with a self-watering system or creating your own drip watering device will be a timesaver for the busy gardener. o

GardenDC Podcast

The GardenDC podcast is all about gardening in the greater Washington, DC, and Mid-Atlantic area. The program is hosted by Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener Magazine, and features guest experts in local and national horticulture. The latest episodes include interviews with experts on trilliums, magnolias, and permaculture. You can listen online at https:// washingtongardener.blogspot.com/ or on Spotify, Apple, etc. o APRIL 2022

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HORThaenings

Local Gardening Event Wrap-Up By Hojung Ryu and Dorvall Bedford

Dutch Tulip Days

The Netherlands’ Floriade takes place once every 10 years in a different city in the Netherlands. Although many Washington, DC, residents will not be able to see the event in person, this year, Dutch Ambassador André Haspels brought a little bit of Floriade to his residence for the annual Tulip Days event to give us a taste of this international horticultural exposition. The press event on March 30 focused on horticulture innovations in urban societies under the theme of “Growing Green Cities.” “Because the tulips are our national flower, a day to enjoy these tulips means so much to me,” Haspels said. The tulip displays at the residence were designed by Dutch florist Susanne Schrijivers, who is currently the Biden White House florist, with the vision of recreating the national flower tributes in the Netherlands. Floriade event organizer and the host Frank Cornelissen focused on the sustainability of the event in urban horticulture. “All the tulips used here will be used as natural compost after the event,” Cornelissen said. Haspels also pointed out the ways to make our cities greener for better food production, health, and energy. 8

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Every registered media guest who walked in received a gift of a large bouquet of tulips.

Seed Exchange

The Washington Gardener held its annual Seed Exchange this year on February 26 at Brookside Gardens. Editor Kathy Jentz invited people from all over the Maryland-Virginia-Washington, DC, area to come and bring seeds to trade at the event. The event was originally planned to happen in January, but was delayed due to the pandemic.

The Seed Exchange started at around noon, with dozens of people dropping off their seeds and hearing introductory remarks. That was followed by presentations from guest speakers Niraj Ray of Cultivate the City and Debby Ward of Prior Unity Garden. Ray spoke first about “Top Tips to Indoor Seed Starting Success.” Some of the topics he covered in his talk included why it’s important to save seeds, designing your own soil, and growing new plants from cuttings. Ward’s presentation was about “Four-Season Garden Planning” and discussed growing and harvesting techniques. She also mentioned how she grew her biggest pumpkin. After the presentations from the guest speakers, the winners of the Most Creative Name Tags were announced. Then the seed swap began, which was interspersed with short breaks for prize drawings and discussions about the seeds people shared. Attendees brought many seeds of all kinds of plants to the event. Most of them were taken by the end and the rest will be donated to local community gardens. Save the date for next year’s Seed Exchange on Seed Swap Day: January 28, 2023. o Hojung Ryu and Dorvall Bedford are interns this spring with Washington Gardener.

Why Plant Native? By Hojung Ryu

Native plants are vital to the preservation of biodiversity in gardens. They are plants that evolved naturally in the local area and both nurture and sustain other species of plants and animals in the garden. With rapid urbanization, the presence of native plants is becoming more and more important to the health of not only our gardens, but the environment as a whole. Invasive, non-native plants that are common in landscape use, such as English ivy and barberry shrubs, can disrupt the local ecological system. Because they have adapted to the local environment, native plants may require the use of fewer fertilizers and pesticides, and, if suited to dry growing conditions, can use less water. They

also provide shelter and food to native species of insects and animals. Barry Glick, a native plant grower and seller, shares his native plant knowledge from his mountain-top gardens in West Virginia in a regular column in this magazine. Glick recently provided a bit about Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginiaum), an East Coast native plant that he is passionate about. According to Glick, Hydrophyllum is not commonly known because it emerges very early in the spring and is a low-growing plant. He recommends Hydrophyllum as a groundcover for gardens in moist, shady spots, because its leaves are long-lasting throughout the growing season, preserving color in the garden. “Here’s another uncommon, but

GOINGnative definitely not rare plant to add to your knowledge base of many unique and beautiful native plants that we are blessed to have in this botanical paradise of the United States,” Glick said. Native plants not only preserve the wildlife community and ecology, but they can be economical and save financial resources as well. Shari Wilson, whose blog, Nuts for Natives, focuses on her experiences with growing native plants locally, lists local nurseries that specialize in native plants: https:// www.nutsfornatives.com/where-tobuy-native-plants. She also lists online native plant nursery sources and posts tips for the best native plants for home gardens. Other local resources for native plant enthusiasts are the Maryland Native Plant Society website, https://mdflora. org/ and the Virginia Native Plant Guides at https://vnps.org/. o Hojung Ryu is a junior journalism and criminal justice double major at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. She is an intern this semester with Washington Gardener and is from Mahwah, NJ.

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TIPStricks

2022 is the Year of the Salad Greens—Yum! According to the National Garden Bureau, salad got its start not as a dietary staple, but as an aphrodisiac! We know this because leafy relations to modern romaine are depicted in ancient paintings as sustaining Min, the Egyptian god of fertility. Salad greens are all unique in terms of how they grow best, so it’s well worth following the specific planting instructions as written on the package for each variety to ensure a bountiful and continuous home harvest throughout your growing season. Most greens prefer cool weather (50 to 75°F)—the cool seasons of spring or fall in our area. Plant all greens in full sun. Soil that’s evenly moist but not too wet yields the best greens. As a general guide, spinach, kale, and mustard greens can be sown six weeks before the last frost, followed by lettuce and chard three weeks later. You can choose to transplant seedlings or sow seeds directly into the garden. Transplants can be started indoors earlier to get a jump on the season. Leafy greens grow well in the garden and are also ideal for containers. To prepare outdoor soil, consider mixing in 1 cup of organic fertilizer for every 10’ row, and ensure the soil is evenly moist. For containers, choose one that is large enough that it won’t easily dry out. Fill with quality potting mix and consider mixing in peat and coir. Soil should be kept moist, not soggy. Planting depth varies by variety, so be sure to read seed package instructions. Note that some seeds, like lettuce, need light to germinate, so take care not to plant them too deep. o 10

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How Do Nutrients Get into My Vegetables?

Use Rain Barrels to Capture Rainwater

Like all living organisms, vegetables need nutrients for their proper growth and development. But where do they get their mineral nutrients from? A March 22, 2022, post to the Sustainable, Secure Food Blog, sponsored and written by members of the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America, explains how nutrients get into your vegetables. According to blogger Carlos B. Pires, “The answer is from the soil. The three processes responsible for nutrients from the soil reaching the plant are diffusion, mass transport, and root interception.” • Diffusion When the concentration of nutrients is higher in the soil than in the plant root, the nutrients in the soil will move from a region of higher concentration (soil) to a region of lower concentration (vegetable). Potassium and phosphorus are examples of nutrients that get into vegetables by diffusion. • Mass transport Nutrients move to the roots via water. As plants transpire water, they draw water and nutrients from the soil up through the root system. Mass transport accounts for nutrient acquisition of mobile nutrients, such as nitrogen and sulfur. • Root interception Vegetable roots grow through the soil to meet nutrients. As the root grows through the soil, it generally only comes in contact with about 1% of soil volume. Good soil structure is essential in the process of root interception. Soil compaction can significantly limit root growth and interception with nutrients throughout the soil. Some important macro and micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc are absorbed by root interception. Of course, some nutrients are absorbed in more than one way. For example, iron and zinc can be absorbed by three different methods. As you can see, a lot of variables may affect how vegetables acquire their nutrients. To read the entire blog post, visit https://sustainable-secure-food-blog. com. o

Put rainwater to use in your landscape with the help of rain barrels. This centuries-old technique allows you to capture rainfall to use for watering ornamental gardens and containers. Purchase a rain barrel or make your own from a large, recycled food-grade container. In either case, there are some features to consider when purchasing, creating, and adding a rain barrel to your landscape. Make sure the top is covered to keep out bugs and debris. Some come equipped with a solid lid with an opening just big enough to accommodate a downspout. Others use a screen to keep out debris while letting in the rain. Don’t worry about mosquitoes breeding inside your rain barrel. Just use an organic mosquito control like Mosquito Dunks and Mosquito Bits (www. SummitResponsibleSolutions.com) in rain barrels and other water features. Mosquito Bits quickly knock down the mosquito larval population, while Mosquito Dunks provide 30 days of control. They are both safe for people, pets, fish, wildlife, and beneficial insects. Look for one with the spigot near the base of the barrel so water does not stagnate in the bottom. Use the spigot to fill watering cans or attach a hose. Include an overflow outlet near the top of the barrel to direct excess water away from the house or for connecting adjacent barrels. A downspout diverter is another way to manage rain barrel overflows. When the rain barrels are full, this device diverts the water back to the downspout that carries it away from your home’s foundation. Elevate your rain barrel on cement blocks, decorative stands, or similar supports. This provides easier access to the spigot for filling containers and speeds water flow with the help of gravity. A water pump will boost water pressure for a steady flow of water. Start your conversion to rain barrels one downspout at a time. With these useful devices, you can capture as much as 623 gallons of water from 1,000 square feet of roof in a 1-inch rainfall. o

GARDENnews

Quick Links to Recent Washington Gardener Blog Posts • A Baby Radish is Born • Lungwort Plant Profile • Tulip Days are Back in DC • Book Signings and Events • Ducking for Cover See more Washington Gardener blog posts at: WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com o

April–May Garden To-Do List

New Plant Spotlight Bred by Brent Horvath at intrinsicperennialgardens.com. Ligularia x ‘Treasure Island’

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc. is excited to announce their first patented Ligularia introduction. Ligularia x ‘Treasure Island’ PPAF has an upright habit, growing 48-60” tall and 24” wide. Plants start blooming in July with golden yellow flower clusters on tall stems 4-5’ tall. The plants have deep green rounded leaves 5-6” wide or wider held on rhubarb red stems growing 24-30” tall. These hardy plants prefer a moist soil in part shade. It combines nicely with other substantial shade plants like Aruncus. Ligularia x ‘Treasure Island’ photos courtesy of intrinsicperennialgardens. com. o

• If you started seeds last month, thin them and start the hardening-off process. • Start some more seeds—especially flowering annuals like impatiens, marigolds, nasturtium, and petunias. • Do not set out seedlings or tender annuals until after Mother’s Day (traditional last frost-free date for our entire area). • Water shrubs and trees deeply during any dry spells. • Prune winter damage on evergreens. • Make compost tea and use on seedlings. • Turn your compost pile. • Sharpen tools. • Prune flowering shrubs, such as forsythia and azaleas, when they finish blooming. • Repot and fertilize houseplants. • Set aside a few hours each weekend for attending garden shows and tours. (You may have to do this virtually for the immediate future.) • Weed by hand to avoid disturbing newly forming roots. • Prepare your soil—add lime, compost, etc., as needed. • Walk your garden—look for early signs of fungal disease. • Divide perennials and herbs. Pot up extras to give away at plant swaps. • Fertilize new growth. • Plant and prune roses. • Transplant small trees and shrubs. • Buy or check on your stored summer bulbs (such as dahlias and caladiums). Pot them and start to water to give them an early start on the season. • Build a raised bed for vegetables. Add lots of manure and compost. • Buy an indoor plant to liven up your office space. Try an Orchid or African violet. • Start/keep fertilizing your indoor plants. • Cut back and clear out the last of your perennial beds and ornamental grasses. • Mulch beds with a light hand. • Feed birds and provide nesting materials (try pet hair), as well as houses, for the start of their family season. • Sow beans and corn directly outdoors. • Start carrots, turnips, and parsnips in well-draining beds or deep containers. • Keep cutworms off newly planted edible seedlings by surrounding the seedlings with collars cut from a plastic bottle or cardboard tube. • Pick peas often to encourage the plants to produce more. • Ensure new seedlings do not dry out by installing a drip-irrigation system. • Start herbs from seed or cuttings. • Edge garden beds. • Remove Ivy, Pachysandra, and other vine-like groundcover from under shrubs. • Work in dry, not wet, soil to keep the ground from compacting. • Hand-pick cabbage worms from broccoli and other cabbage-family plants. • Put row covers over vulnerable crops—remove covers to allow for pollinating once they set flowers. • Thin lettuce seedlings and plant more seeds in new rows. (You can eat the seedling greens you pull.) • Plant a tree for Arbor Day or Earth Day. o APRIL 2022

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TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS Classes, Events, and Plant Shows/Sales • Friday, April 22, 9–11am Memorial Arboretum Spring Rain Garden Tour Join Arlington’s horticulturist and environmental specialist for a look at the cemetery’s rain gardens and other practices the cemetery has in place to help manage stormwater. Learn how rain gardens function, what plants succeed, and lessons learned from some of the native plants, sustainability practices, and designs in place at the cemetery. Free. Details at https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil. •April 23–30 Historic Garden Week in Virginia Tours offer access to the most beautiful homes and gardens across Virginia, showcasing 128 private properties on 28 different tours. Interiors are back, too. To purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/89thhistoric-garden-week-in-virginia-tickets247370390497. • Saturday, April 23, 10am–3pm Spring Celebration and Plant Sale at Glencarlyn Library Garden Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day with an educational tree walk starting at 1pm, featuring the beautiful native trees in and around the garden. The Small Trees Make Big Canopies program of the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV) will give away saplings during the event. There will be children’s activities throughout the day. Other event offerings include native plants from Hill House Nursery, locally grown vegetable and fruit starts, a variety of plants propagated at the Library Garden, local honey, handmade pottery, T-shirts, recycled bags, and used books from the Friends of Arlington Libraries. The Library Garden is at 300 South Kensington Street in Arlington, VA, and is a demonstration garden of the MGNV. Proceeds from sales at this free event support the garden. • Saturday and Sunday, April 23–24 Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival Downtown Leesburg, VA. Look for the Washington Gardener Magazine booth. 12

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Free to attend. More details: https:// www.leesburgva.gov/departments/ parks-recreation/events/flower-gardenfestival. • Sunday, April 24, 2pm Rose Rosette Disease: An Update on the Latest Research The Potomac Rose Society hosts this online talk with Dr. Mark Windham, one of the nation’s leading authorities on Rose Rosette Disease. Rose Rosette Disease is the most destructive ornamental plant disease in the United States, and it continues to have a devastating impact on rose gardens in the Washington, DC, area. Fortunately, groundbreaking research suggests that some help may be on the horizon. Register for free at www.potomacrose. org/event-4754044. • Friday, April 29 and on Friday, May 13 Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour Come see the trees of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) at the peak of their spring splendor. The vibrant reds, yellows, and pinks of the blooms of more than 300 species of trees at ANC are a must-see for anyone visiting in the spring. Free. Details and times at https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil. • Saturday, April 30, 8am–4pm FONA Garden Fair & Plant Sale Held at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC. Look for the Washington Gardener Magazine booth. Note that the 8–10am hours are for FONA members only, but you can join onsite. Free to attend. More details: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/fona-garden-fair-plant-sale-tickets-287984177427?aff=FONAweb. • Saturday, April 30, 9am–6pm and Sunday May 1, 8am–2pm Annual Herb and Plant Sale of the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild Held at the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC. This event will happen rain or shine. Free to attend. Details at http://www. fmgg.org/. • Saturday, April 30, 9am–2pm Beloved Gardens: Vegetable, Herb, & Perennial Plant Sale

Held rain or shine at the UU Congregation of Frederick, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick, MD. • Saturday, April 30, 9am–2pm Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale Held in the parking lot of the Church of St. Clement at 1701 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA. Wear a mask. Come find native perennials, shrubs, and trees for sun or shade. 10 vendors from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and DC will be at this event, the largest native plant sale in the D.C. metro region. Vendors are listed at NorthernAlexandriaNativePlantSale.org. • Saturday, May 7, 9am–1pm Silver Spring Garden Club’s GardenMart Plant Sale Held at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. Note that many things sell out, so come early for best selection! For shopping: Wear a mask, bring a checkbook and/or exact change, and have a box or tray to transport your purchases. There will be NO holds, pre-orders, etc. It is rain or shine. All plants are locally grown and all proceeds go to the Silver Spring Garden Club and a portion will be donated to Brookside Gardens. Details at www.silverspringgardenclub. com. Bonus Sale: Dahlias! The National Capital Dahlia Society is joining the GardenMart sale again. They expect to have LOTS of dahlia tubers to sell because this is their only in-person sale this year. • Saturday, May 7, 8am–4pm 14th Annual Garden Festival Held at Ladew Topiary Gardens, a worldrenowned topiary garden north of Baltimore City in Monkton, MD. The Garden Festival is a highly anticipated specialty plant, garden ornament, and antiques sale. This ticketed event attracts garden lovers from near and far annually. The festival welcomes more than 30 exclusive vendors from across the eastern seaboard, showcasing unique perennials, specialty annuals, small trees, exotics, container specialties, garden furniture, urns, and architectural antiques. Purchase advance tickets to reserve your specific entry time at https://ladewgardens.com/.

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS • Thursday, May 12, 9am–12n Bethesda Community Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale Held outdoors at the Bethesda Farm Women’s Market in Bethesda, MD, and free and open to the public. You’ll find hundreds of plants that thrive in the DC metro area. All are dug and potted by club members from their gardens and ready for planting in your own space. Check their website at www.BethesdaCommunityGardenClub.com • Saturday, May 14, 9am–3pm Green Spring Garden Big Spring Plant Sale Local garden vendors, plant and garden advice, bake sale, etc. Look for the Washington Gardener Magazine booth. Free to attend. More details: https:// www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring. • Saturday, May 14, 10am–4pm (rain date: May 15) Grow It Eat It Spring Open House Hosted by the Montgomery County Master Gardeners. They will share how to produce affordable and healthy food in your home, community, and school gardens. Entry to the event is free, although donations are appreciated. Activities for both adults and kids who want to learn more about vegetable and flower gardening. Class sizes are limited. For more details and to register for workshops, go to http://giei2022. eventbrite.com. • Saturday, May 14, 10am 7th Annual Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival Held at New Germany State Park, MD. Discover the important connection between native plants, people, and wildlife. A large variety of native plants and nature-themed artwork for sale. Scheduled programs and activities highlight native plants and biodiversity. Local experts answer questions about native plants and other conservation topics. Register: http://www.mdflora. org/event-4683825. • Monday, May 16, 7:30–9pm Silver Spring Garden Club Meeting Held at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton,

MD. Teri Speight will give a talk about her new book, Black Flora: Profiles of Inspiring Black Flower Farmers + Florists. Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight will be signing their books before and after the talk. Free to attend. More details TBA at: https://www.silverspringgardenclub.com/

Looking Ahead • Saturday, May 21, 10am–4pm Sandy Spring Garden Tour Immerse yourself in the spring display of beautiful local gardens. Grow your inspiration as you walk through five remarkable gardens. Locally grown vegetable plants, including heirloom tomatoes and herbs, will be available for purchase. The Garden Tour is held rain or shine. This biennial event is hosted by the museum’s Garden Club. See details and buy tickets at sandyspringmuseum. org. • Thursday, May 26, 10:30am Ask an Expert: Indoor Plant Healthcare Hosted by the U.S. Botanic Garden. Speaker: Chelsea McKinley, USBG plant health care specialist. Held online. Free, but pre-registration is required. Go to www.USBG.gov/OnlinePrograms. • Saturday, May 28, 2–3pm A Book Talk & Signing: How to Garden When You Are Renting Held at Thanksgiving Farm in Adamstown, MD. Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight will give a short talk on small space gardening -- in particular for those who are renting their garden space. They will answer your questions and sign books. Free to attend. More details: https://www.thanksgivingfarmandgarden.com/. • Saturday, June 4, 10am–1pm Annual Perennial Plant Sale Hosted by the Mountain Laurel Garden Club; held in downtown Oakland, MD. The sale includes many native plants from members’ gardens that are proven to thrive in western Maryland. Free to attend. Held rain or shine (no pets). For more information, visit www.MountainLaurelGardenClub.com.

• Saturday, June 25, 10am–3pm The Country Gardens Tour Hosted by the Mountain Laurel Garden Club. The tour includes four residential gardens in southern Garrett County, MD, three of which are in the Deep Creek Lake area. Visitors will see many native plants, a display by the Garrett County Master Gardeners, a fishpond, several memory gardens, and a variety of flowers for sun and shade that thrive in the local area. Free to attend. Held rain or shine (no pets). Tickets for the tour are $10.00. For more information, visit www.MountainLaurelGardenClub. com. • Sunday, June 5, 2–3pm Q&A Garden Book Party Held at Valley View Farms in Cockeysville/Hunt Valley (Baltimore), MD, Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight will be answering your questions and signing their books, The Urban Garden and Black Flora, along with Kim Roman, author of How to Garden Indoors & Grow Your Own Food Year Round. Free to attend. More details: http://www.valleyviewfarms.com/. • Saturday, June 18, 2–3:30pm “Can’t Fail Containers” Talk Held at Patuxent Nursery in Bowie, MD. Kathy Jentz will give a short talk on container gardening, answer your questions, and sign her book. At the end of the container talk and demonstration, one lucky winner will be selected to take home the mixed container demonstration planting. Free to attend. More details: https://patuxentnursery.com/ event/kathy-jentz-container-gardening/.

Event Listing Updates See updated event listings on the Washington Gardener discussion list. Join by emailing WashingtonGardenersubscribe@googlegroups.com.

How to Submit Events To submit an event for this listing, email washingtongardenermagazine@gmail. com with “Event” in the subject line. Our next deadline is May 5 for the May 2022 issue, for events taking place after May 15. o APRIL 2022

WASHINGTON GARDENER

EDIBLEharvt

Great Corn Varieties for the Home Gardener

By Barbara Melera

One of the greatest gifts that the New World presented to the Europeans was corn, or maize as it was then called by some. One of the first sights for Christopher Columbus’ crew as they reached Hispaniola was of fields of maize growing on the island. The cultivation of corn in the New World is one of the most ancient of traditions. Corn was grown from Brazil and Chile to as far north as southern Canada. It was a key ingredient in the diets of the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incans, and even before these civilizations appeared, corn was cultivated by prehistoric peoples of the Americas. Corn is believed to have originated from a wild grass called teosinte. The word teosinte literally means “God’s corn.” Teosinte still grows as a wild grass in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. Even today, it is so genetically similar to primitive types of maize that the plants frequently cross-fertilize. Interestingly, our modern corn has become such a specialized food product that it cannot survive without cultivation by humans. 14

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There are at least six types of corn. Dent corn has kernels that have an indentation on their tops and contain soft, starchy corn under their indented tops. Flint corn has very hard kernels that are tough to grind when dried. Flour corn has soft kernels that are very easy to grind. Popcorn kernels burst open when heated. Pod corn, which is not well known and seldom grown today, produces tiny husks on which grow multicolored kernels. It is largely a curiosity and only of ornamental significance. Sweet corn, the kind with which most of us are familiar, differs from all the other types of corn because the kernels lack the ability to instantly convert sugar into starch. This is why sweet corn retains its sweet taste for a short time after it is harvested. Sweet corn is produced by isolating the plants so the recessive genes, which code for sugar and tenderness, shine through. Three recessive genes code for different kinds of sweetness and kernel toughness: SE, SU, and SH2. SU sweet corn varieties, referred to

as “normal” or “standard,” contain primarily the SU gene for sweetness. This genotype of sweet corn was the primary kind available until the last century. ‘Silver Queen’ is an example. These varieties have a sugar content of about 9 percent and the sugars convert quickly into starch, which means narrow harvest windows and limited storage ability. SE sweet corn varieties are labeled “sugar-enhanced” or “sugary enhancer,” because they contain SE genes. This genotype has increased (16 to 18 percent) sugar, with more stable sugar levels than normal sugary types. It has the ability to convert sugar to starch; that just takes longer because they start with a higher level. These varieties have a good flavor and hold better than the SU genotype. However, the skin of the kernel is quite tender and care must be taken in harvesting and handling so kernels are not damaged. The SH2 corn varieties are most often referred to as “supersweet” or “shrunken-2.” These varieties possess the SH2 gene. These genotypes provide kernels with high sugar content (about

EDIBLEharvt 35 percent) and a crunchy—as opposed to creamy—texture. This type stores well due to a couple of characteristics: the first being that this genotype does not have the ability to convert sugar into starch. The sturdy kernel is the other reason. The kernel (pericarp) of this type is thicker than the other types, which is good because it increases the storage life and shipping capability, but bad because it can lead to consumer complaints about kernel toughness.

Favorite Corn Varieties The following list details the history of some of the most beloved corn varieties available today. • Heirloom Golden Bantam 8 Row Yellow Sweet Corn ‘Golden Bantam 8 Row’ (pictured on the opposite page) was introduced in 1902 by W. Atlee Burpee from a discovery made in Massachusetts. The improved strain produced longer ears with kernels of greater tenderness. ‘Golden Bantam 8 Row’ produces two or more ears per stalk. The stalks are usually 5 feet in height. It is still the standard for open-pollinated yellow sweet corn.

• Heirloom Silver Queen White Sweet Corn SU ‘Silver Queen’ is perhaps the most famous of all corn varieties grown today. Introduced in 1955, the longlasting, exceptionally sweet, tender, white kernels are an American favorite. It is the standard by which all white sweet corn varieties are measured. • A Native American Heirloom, Strawberry Popcorn Little is known about the ancient variety of ‘Strawberry Corn’ except that it is a great popping corn and has delighted children and adults for millennia. The short (4 ft.) stalks produce multiple 2to 3-inch ears. • Heirloom Butter and Sugar Sweet Corn SU ‘Butter & Sugar’ is a very popular, bicolor sweet corn which produces one to two, 8-inch ears per plant. Flavor is outstanding and plants are vigorous. Some consider ‘Butter and Sugar’ the best sweet corn variety available today.

• Incredible Yellow Sweet Corn SE Introduced in the late 1900s, ‘Incredible’ is one of the most popular sweet corn varieties grown today because of its delicious, long-lasting flavor and tender, golden-yellow kernels. The very long ears average 9.5 inches. • A Native American Heirloom Blue Hopi Ornamental/Meal Corn ‘Blue Hopi’ is a beautiful, purplish-blue corn that was used by Native Americans for cornmeal. Ears average 8 inches long. Kernels are rich in antioxidants. • A Chinese Heirloom, Broom Corn Broom corn was used by prehistoric people more than 10,000 years ago. It was first cultivated in China approximately 8,000 years ago. Benjamin Franklin is credited with introducing it into the U.S. in the 1700s. It is a sorghum whose dried tassels can be used to make brooms. The 8- to 10-foot plants produce three to five stems per plant.

Corn Planting Tips Corn requires warm soil (65–75 degrees) to germinate and rich soil to grow. Wait until after the last frost to direct-seed and make sure that plenty of dried manure has been added to the soil several weeks before planting. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 3–4 inches apart, in rows 30 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6–10 inches apart. For intense backyard gardening, rows can be as close as 15 inches, but the plants will require frequent fertilization. Because corn is wind-pollinated, to maximize the number of fully devel-

oped ears, corn should be planted in beds that are nearly square. We have harvested dozens of ears of corn from tiny, but intensively gardened, beds that were 8 feet by 8 feet. Corn can be grown in containers, but it is best to try ornamental corn. Sweet corn will not be very productive and may not produce at all. If planting in containers, plant no more than 6-8 plants per 18-inch diameter container. Use the soil mix described in detail in our Harvesting History YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9SIBFuSY1Nc. Do not use prepared soil mixes.

Summer’s Delights Summer would not be summer without two vegetables (actually fruits): tomatoes and sweet corn. Like so many of my fellow gardeners, I cannot wait to taste the first tomato and relish the sweetness of the first sweet corn. Many times, the tomato never makes it into my home, and my first corn is usually tasted, uncooked, fresh off the stalk. Yummmm! Growing corn, like growing zinnias, should be a part of every child’s summer—if only for one summer and if only in a container. Corn is very easy to grow and the seed is large enough for even a two-year-old to handle. Don’t fret if during the planting experience, your child or grandchild pauses from planting to taste a wayward earthworm. Speaking from experience, it won’t hurt them. o Barbara Melera is president of Harvesting History (www.harvesting-history.com), a company founded in 2016 to provide horticultural and agricultural products, largely of the heirloom variety, along with garden tools and equipment. For even more detailed instructions for growing corn in our region, see the Summer 2011 issue of Washington Gardener. APRIL 2022

WASHINGTON GARDENER

LOCALnews

33,000 Daffodils Debut at Culpepper Garden By Charlotte Benedetto

Paradise to many is a dappled garden where streams converge—and streams of community support and infrastructure have converged in victory at Culpepper Garden in Arlington, VA. From a visionary seed of philanthropy in 1964, this project weathered decades of controversy and has evolved into a fine example of urban green living. Over time, $59 million went into several multi-year, multi-stage renovations, with support from tax exemptions, the Virginia housing trust, property seller loans, and deferments. The welllandscaped community of 340 apartments, with residents aged 62 to 102, is a progressive, compassionate society that features urban forests and green spaces that sustain the soul. Many retirement communities feel institutional, disconnected, and unlike a “home”—but here, green spaces and residents’ garden plots proliferate indoors and out to create a homey environment. While it is accessible, Culpepper doesn’t look “medical”; the architecture resembles a condo building. Enhancing that feeling, residents may have their own elevated garden beds, which are easy to reach and maintain, with roomy aisles between beds and accessible watering as well. “We love it,” said one resident, who identified herself only as “Alice—Alice in Wonderland.” “I love having my own plants. These irises came from my son.” Even those who don’t garden enjoy the green amenities; a couple announced in passing, “We do the walk every morning and every evening.” Gently graded walkways and a semiprivate park with winding gravel trails connect the residents with an urban hardwood dell, but Culpepper’s crown 16

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jewel is an immaculate new Daffodil Walk. Dr. Charles Culpepper, the site’s original owner, did botanical breeding work on DC-area garden stalwarts daffodil and daylily during the 1920s. On March 25, dozens of attendees celebrated the newly renovated facility at the unveiling of the Daffodil Walk and a green bench in spruce dedicated to first responders, with a soirée among the nodding, buttery-golden blooms.

The March 25 event included a ceremony of appreciation with dapper local first responders in polished, full-dress uniform and attendance by officials who have worked to make Culpepper a reality. Residents and neighbors joined in to celebrate and eat together. The Daffodil Walk is home to 33,000 daffodils, with staggered planting times

and blooming dates to allow about 6,000 blooms at one time. Luminous icy golds and sulfurous saffrons burst and nod along the perfectly graded and well-planned space. The garden is an ageless place of healing and natural connection. A 2018 funding initiative made the trails and the new Daffodil Walk possible. As director Marta Gray Hill put it, Culpepper Garden is truly a nice place to live—and it’s sometimes “the last, best, home” for average, low-income Arlingtonians. A white concrete walkway provides a “collar” for the sparkling-clean residence tower and allows access to a less-developed gravel-paved park behind the complex. Native shrubs, a bench walk, and a koi pond are next on the renovation roster, with funding already allocated to bringing the rest of the grounds up to speed. Culpepper Garden’s 4+ acres in the heart of Arlington on North Pershing Drive (www. culpeppergarden.org) is not just about the healing power of plants and nature. If we—as gardeners and as Americans—are to be prepared for the coming tidal wave of aging and retiring Americans, our elder communities cannot resemble disconnected institutions. They must be site-specific, integrating human life with the healing power of gardens and the outdoors. The urban forest and Daffodil Walk of Culpepper Garden are proof that it is possible to create desirable, nature-infused urban places to live and retire. o Charlotte Benedetto is a writer, artist, and gardener living in Great Falls, VA. She is enrolled in the Northern Virginia Community College horticulture program and is an intern this fall with Washington Gardener.

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WASHINGTON GARDENER

BOOKreviews

The Modern Gardener: A practical Guide to Gardening Creatively, Productively, and Sustainably Author: Frances Tophill Publisher: Octopus Publishing List Price: $26.99 Order Links: https://amzn.to/3jKHOd3 and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9780857839435 Reviewer: Hojung Ryu The Modern Gardener is a British book that offers progressive ways to prepare and cultivate your garden. It introduces readers to new concepts in the gardening world through environmentalfriendly ways. The author Frances Tophill guides the readers through the recipes for modern gardeners to be smart and efficient with reducing water and chemical use, while keeping the pests away and attracting beneficial wildlife to their gardens. In Chapter 1, Tophill discusses wildlife and eco-friendly gardening. Factors that should be considered, such as breeding and feeding sites, are explained in detail for planting in wild areas. Types of plants that are appropriate for the environments are introduced as well. Steps to achieve ecofriendly gardening are carefully listed and explained to guide even beginners through. In Chapter 2, Tophill provides tips on garden designs, landscapes, and methods to maintain plants successfully. This is not as simple as you may think it is, because the weather and climate play a big role in plant health and fertility. Plenty of images and pictures are 18

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included for the readers to visualize the gardens they want. An introduction to houseplants follows in Chapter 3 and provides a comparison of “domestic” plants to outdoor plants. The amount of shade and sun the plants receive indoors is vital to domestic plants. Tophill provides different methods to care for these plants are provided for the readers. Chapter 4 is all about growing, eating, and preserving plants from the gardens, with ways to successfully grow plants both individually and together. Recipes that can be used from a variety of garden crops are provided as well. A lot of delicious information is densely packed into this chapter. Chapter 5 covers how to propagate plants, from sowing in soil to cutting, dividing, and layering the plants. The methods provided by Tophill are ecofriendly and organic, so the plants and the environment can thrive together. Chapter 6 focuses primarily on flowers. Because flowers are appealing in terms of visual effect and scent, the way to handle them and arrange them matters significantly in the gardens. Tophill touches on various aspects to cultivate a beautiful, healthy garden with flowers. The following chapter broadens the scope and focuses on apothecary gardens filled with various herbs and flowers. Tophill presents different ways to grow these plants and use parts of the plants in creating vegan, organic products. The two final chapters explore using plants beyond traditional ways. Tophill shows fun, creative ways to use plants in dyes, fabric, and drinks, with plenty of images. The Modern Gardener is a visual book with contemporary and ecological knowledge to guide beginner to intermediate gardeners. Tophill walks readers through a progressive world of gardening in creative, productive, and sustainable ways. o Hojung Ryu is a junior journalism and criminal justice double major at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. She is an intern this semester with Washington Gardener and is from Mahwah, NJ.

Four-Season Food Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs Year-round Author: Misilla dela Llana Publisher: Cool Springs Press List Price: $26.99 Order Links: https://amzn.to/37tmu9g and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9780760372739 Reviewer: Dorvall Bedford Growing your own food can seem like a daunting task. Not only do you have to give your plants ample sunlight and water, but you also have to protect them from pests, provide nutritious soil, and grow them in the right season. Even though it can seem like a lot to handle for a beginner, Misilla dela Llana provides a resource to help people start their own food gardens. Her book, Four-Season Food Gardening, is about how and what to grow in a garden year-round. The book is split into two halves. The first section covers all the important and basic steps for food gardening, including how to set up your garden, improve your soil, and create microclimates for your plants. The second section is dedicated to the four seasons. In those chapters, dela Llana discusses what to grow during each season and what challenges to be prepared for. At the end of the book are several profiles of dela Llana’s favorite crops. This book goes into great detail about how to start a food garden and is accessible to someone who has no experience. Whenever the book mentions anything like a tool or a specific plant, it always follows up with a quick step-by-step guide about how to use

BOOKreviews the tool or grow the plant. For example, the book illustrates how soaker hoses are great for smaller gardens on level ground and guides the reader through setting up a soaker hose a few pages later. The second section of the book, about different seasons, will be immensely helpful to someone who wants to know how to keep growing food all year long. There are abundant tips about how to sow, harvest, and protect your crops. You will feel prepared to start growing your food after reading dela Llana’s guide. The book feels like comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about food gardening. I think dela Llana did a great job of making her book informative and easy to understand. There is a lot to learn from reading it, and this is the perfect time of the year to pick up this book before you start gardening. o Dorvall Bedford is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this semester with Washington Gardener. He is a native of Frederick, MD.

The Regenerative Garden: 80 Practical Projects for Creating a SelfSustaining Garden Ecosystem Author: Stephanie Rose Publisher: Cool Springs Press List Price: $24.99 Order Link: https://amzn.to/37WfUYJ and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9780760371688 Reviewer: Andrea F. Siegel Regenerative gardening isn’t a way of gardening that you hear much about. It promotes improving the soil organically. Overall, the idea is to build an ecosystem that is self-sustaining, productive, and environmentally beneficial. Maybe this is too lofty a goal. Maybe it isn’t. Or isn’t the goal. In her latest book, The Regenerative Garden: 80 Practical Projects for Creating a Self-Sustaining Garden Ecosystem, Stephanie Rose, an organic gardener, herbalist, and more in Vancouver, Canada, has written a howto for such garden projects. Each project has a good-better-best plan; a reminder that you can’t do everything at once, but every improvement counts. A trellis can be fashioned from bamboo stakes; a better one envi-

ronmentally would be made from found materials, and even better would be to reuse it until it’s fit only to be recycled. Many tips use materials such as fallen branches and garden waste, or involve companion planting, or provide any of a number of ways of retaining moisture. Many projects can be done inexpensively and make attractive additions or changes to a yard. In six chapters, all illustrated effectively, Rose explains soil improvement, garden planning, planting in harmony with your environment, waste reduction, and creating a welcoming home for birds and bugs. She includes ways to engage children and the community. A lot of the information and projects are especially useful for beginning gardeners; anyone thinking of replacing a slice of lawn with a lush, ecologically beneficial project; and people seeking sustainable practices. Notable within the chapters are charts of items, and what and how they help. It’s not that the information is new, but it’s compiled so gardeners don’t have to spend time poking around online to figure it all out for themselves. Take green manures (aka, cover crops), for example. A few minutes with the chart can tell a gardener which popular cover crops mature fast, how cold-hardy they are, and their main benefits to soil—as well as potential problems. Many projects are quick and easy: Creating a greenhouse using a clear umbrella is one, and it’s a great project for a child.

The projects seem geared toward backyards. Rose advises readers to do more research to discern which projects would be appropriate soil-wise and climate-wise as they choose what works for them, their yards, and the amount of labor and skill required. She tells her audience to take the concepts presented and adjust them, so gardeners who prefer native plants will have to do research for the ones that are right for them. I hope a second edition of this book (if there is one) includes more projects aimed at apartment and high-rise condo balconies, which often face only one direction and often are space-, wind-, and water-challenged. Back to the goal. One of Rose’s key points is that the goal is progress—that using any of the concepts toward regenerative gardening that she presents is positive. o Andrea Siegel is a master gardener in Maryland.

The Rooted Life: Cultivating Health and Wholeness Through Growing Your Own Food Author: Justin Rhodes Publisher: Worthy Books List Price: $28.00 Order Links: https://amzn.to/3EjATkx and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9781546012597 Reviewer: Hojung Ryu In The Rooted Life, author Justin Rhodes talks about self-growing and harvesting food. The abundant pictures, double-spaced paragraphs, and detailed information make the book beginner-friendly and easy to follow. Rhodes is a permaculture expert and popular YouTube Homesteader based on a 75-acre family farm near Asheville, NC. The book discusses why the Rhodes family decided to reinvent their whole way of life by growing and harvesting food themselves: It’s financially efficient, sustainable to the environment, and very healthy, with the added benNote: These book reviews include links to Amazon.com and BookShop. org for ordering them. Washington Gardener Magazine may receive a few cents from each order placed after you click on these links. APRIL 2022

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BOOKreviews

efit of growing and eating whatever you want. As a father, Rhodes wanted his family to be conscious of how food is grown, where food comes from, and what we consume. He writes that this was the initial motivator that got him into this lifestyle. The beginning chapters talk about gardening greens, from gradually expanding the size of the crop garden to using beneficial organisms such as worms to help your garden flourish. Spaces for journal entries are available

Visit DCGardens.com for Photos of the 16 Major Local Public Gardens in the Washington, DC Region shown in each month of the year. And local resources like... 20

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in between pages so readers can make their own notes and record the progress as their gardens develop. The middle chapters focus on livestock, especially chickens. Rhodes talks about the many benefits of raising chickens, including harvesting fresh eggs and meat, and gardening with chickens—a form of permaculture that helps make a connection between various elements in the environment, which is beneficial to both the chickens and gardening. Permaculture promotes efficiency, health, and productivity in gardening. The last few chapters emphasize the rewards and joy of self-growing and harvesting on an individual and family level. Recipes are provided that are easy to follow and can make the best use of the food you can grow. As Rhodes says, “start growing, continue growing, deal with failure, and enjoy the ride!” o Hojung Ryu is a junior journalism and criminal justice double major at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. She is an intern this semester with Washington Gardener and is from Mahwah, NJ.

Where to Buy Plants Where to Connect Local Garden Media Where to Volunteer Youth Gardens Where to Find Designers Tours and Events Where to Learn to Garden

Figgy and Fiona Search for a Home Author: Holly H. Shimizu Publisher: Bethesda Communications Group, www.bcgpub.com List Price: $21.00 Order Links: https://amzn.to/3JOvBi9 and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9781735772943 Reviewer: Kathy Jentz This charming children’s book is by Holly Shimizu, who served as executive director of the U.S. Botanic Garden and was the first curator of The National Herb Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum. She has worked and traveled in many countries. She lives with her Japanese husband, Osamu, who is a garden designer. She gardens in Glen Echo, MD, where this true story took place. The young frogs in this book set out in search of a suitable home. In their adventures, they encounter dangerous predators and promising home gardens that turn out to use chemicals that would poison and kill them. The frights are real, but entertaining. (Spoiler alert: They persevere and find a happy home in the end.) Shimizu also did the dreamy illustrations. The artwork lends a natural feeling to the frogs’ story. Figgy and Fiona Search for a Home is the perfect gift for the young naturalist or budding gardener in your life. o Kathy Jentz is the editor and founder of Washington Gardener.

PLANTprofile

Candytuft By Kathy Jentz

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is an evergreen, woody perennial plant that is hardy to USDA Zones 4–8. The sweet name refers to Candia, an old name for the Island of Crete, where it originated. It grows in a low mound shape. This plant is sometimes mistaken for the annual flower Alyssum. Candytuft is a member of the Brassica family and has a cabbage-like scent, making it fairly deer- and rabbit-resistant. The lace-like flowers appear in early spring. It can rebloom periodically throughout the summer and fall. The flowers are typically white, although some cultivars have a pink or purple tone. After the first flush of flowers is done, cut the plant back by a third to encourage renewed growth. It prefers a sunny location with well-draining soils. It is a great choice for a stone wall, rock garden, or sidewalk edge. Candytuft also looks good spilling out of a container planting. Candytuft attracts many species of bees and butterflies. It can be started from softwood cutting or seed. o Kathy Jentz is the editor and founder of Washington Gardener.

APRIL 2022

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INVASIVEalert The distinctive leafy rosette of two-horned trapa. Photo credit: S. Tangren.

two-horned trapa By Sara Tangren

Two-horned trapa (Trapa bispinosa) was first found in North America in 1995, in the Northern Virginia counties of Stafford and Westmoreland. It has since been found in the nearby counties of Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, and most recently Loudoun. It establishes monocultures in areas of slow-flowing water up to 15 feet deep, The floating leaves block light, killing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and reducing water oxygen levels. The thick vegetation makes boating difficult by impeding paddles and binding propellers. Recreational fishing is no fun because the lure becomes caught in the trapa weeds. To make matters worse, the seed pods have two long, sharp spines, which make working or playing in or near the infested water painful. These spines become caught in the feathers of resident geese, and this is probably how the plant is spread from one waterbody to another. As of the end of the 2021 growing season, only 76 ponds were known to be infested, all in Northern Virginia. The problem mostly affects private land owners with farm ponds and government agencies with stormwater detention ponds. This is a manageable number for 22

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a control program, but funding is needed to pay staff or contractors to do the work. Once two-horned trapa spreads into the open waters of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, it will damage aquatic habitat and impede recreational and commercial watercraft, causing considerable ﬁnancial and recreational damage, and costing millions of dollars to control.

What to Do if You See It

Members of the National Capital Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) are asking that

citizens to keep an eye on local waterways for the presence of two-horned trapa. Webinars that teach citizen scientists how to recognize and report this plant will begin in May. Using firefighting as an analogy, these observations help define an area that is ablaze, or where Virginia property owners need removal support. They also help the scientists understand the rate at which the blaze is advancing each year.

A Close Relative

A different species (Trapa natans, fourhorned trapa) is invading waters from northern Maryland up through New England. It can be distinguished from two-horned trapa by the color of the ﬂower (white instead of pale pink), color of the leaf underside (green instead of red/brown), and number of spines on the seed pod (four instead of two). The adverse consequences of infestation are similar for both species. Members of the public are encouraged to report any species of trapa they see. o Sara A. Tangren, Ph.D., is the coordinator of National Capital PRISM, Department of Energy & Environment, Government of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC. She can be reached at sara.tangren@dc.gov.

Resources

• To register for the Trapa Recognition & Reporting lunch webinar, September 13, 2022, go to: https://tinyurl.com/bdesn9ad • U.S. Geological Survey, NAS - Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Trapa bispinosa. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/ FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2974

Volunteers hand-pulling plants from a pond in Prince William County, Virginia, USA. Photo credit: Jie Min.

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MARCH/APRIL 2005 • Landscape DIY vs. Pro • Prevent Gardener’s Back • Ladew Topiary Gardens • Cherry Trees

MAY/JUNE 2007 • Roses: Easy Care Tips • Native Roses & Heirloom Roses • Edible Flowers • How to Plant a Bare-root Rose

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JULY/AUGUST 2007 • Groundcovers: Alternatives to Turfgrass • How to Pinch, Prune, & Dead-head • William Paca House & Gardens • Hardy Geraniums

JULY/AUGUST 2005 • Water Gardens • Poison Ivy • Disguising a Sloping Yard • Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 • Succulents: Hardy to our Region • Drought-Tolerant Natives • Southern Vegetables • Seed Saving Savvy Tips

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005 • Container Gardens • Clematis Vines • Sponge Gardening/Rain Gardens • 5 Insect Enemies of Gardeners

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 • Gardening with Children • Indoor Bulb-Forcing Basics • National Museum of the American Indian • Versatile Viburnums

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 • Backyard Bird Habitats • Hellebores • Building a Coldframe • Bulb Planting Basics

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 • Dealing with Deer • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Delightful Daffodils

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006 • Garden Decor Principles • Primroses • Tasty Heirloom Veggies • U.S. Botanic Garden MARCH/APRIL 2006 • Top 10 Small Trees and Large Shrubs • Azaleas • Figs, Berries, & Persimmons • Basic Pruning Principles MAY/JUNE 2006 • Using Native Plants in Your Landscape • Crabgrass • Peppers • Secret Sources for Free Plants JULY/AUGUST 2006 • Hydrangeas • Theme Gardens • Agave • Find Garden Space by Growing Up SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 • Shade Gardening • Hosta Care Guide • Fig-growing Tips and Recipes NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 • Horticultural Careers • Juniper Care Guide • Winter Squash Growing Tips and Recipes • Layer/Lasagna Gardening

SUMMER 2009 • Grow Grapes in the Mid-Atlantic • Passionflowers • Mulching Basics • Growing Hops

MARCH/APRIL 2008 • Patio, Balcony, Rooftop Container Gardens • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Coral Bells (Heuchera)

U MAY/JUNE 2008 DO SOL • Growing Great Tomatoes UT! O • Glamorous Gladiolus LD ! SO • Seed-Starting OUT Basics D L •SFlavorful Fruiting Natives O

JULY/AUGUST 2008 • Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses • Edible Grasses to Graze On • Slug and Snail Control • Sage Advice: Sun-Loving Salvias SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 • Autumn Edibles — What to Plant Now • Beguiling Barrenworts (Epimediums) • Best Time to Plant Spring-blooming Bulbs • 14 Dry Shade Plants Too Good to Overlook NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 • Outdoor Lighting Essentials • How to Prune Fruiting Trees, Shrubs, Vines • 5 Top Tips for Overwintering Tender Bulbs • Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 • Compost Happens: Nature’s Free Fertilizer • Managing Stormwater with a Rain Garden • Visiting Virginia’s State Arboretum • Grow Winter Hazel for Winter Color

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 • Indoor Gardening • Daphne Care Guide • Asparagus Growing Tips and Recipes • Houseplant Propagation

MARCH/APRIL 2009 ! OUT Tips D • 40+ Free and Low-cost Local Garden SOL ! T • Spring Edibles Planting Guide OU LDfor a Fresh Start • Testing YourSO Soil ! Selection and Care UTTree • Redbud O LD Viewing Spots for Virginia Bluebells • SOBest

MARCH/APRIL 2007 • Stormwater Management • Dogwood Selection & Care Guide • Early Spring Vegetable Growing Tips • Franciscan Monastery Bulb Gardens

MAY/JUNE 2009 • Top Easy Summer Annuals for DC Heat • Salad Table Project • Grow and Enjoy Eggplant • How to Chuck a Woodchuck

FALL 2009 • Apples • How to Save Tomato Seeds • Persimmons WINTER 2009 • Battling Garden Thugs • How to Start Seeds Indoors • Red Twig Dogwoods • Unusual Edibles to Grow in Our Region SPRING 2010 • Community Gardens • Building a Raised Bed • Dwarf Iris • Broccoli SUMMER 2010 • Fragrance Gardens • Watering Without Waste • Lavender • Potatoes FALL 2010 • Vines and Climbers • Battling Stink Bugs • Russian Sage • Garlic WINTER 2010 • Paths and Walkways • Edgeworthia • Kohlrabi SPRING 2011 • Cutting-Edge Gardens • Final Frost Dates and When to Plant • Bleeding Hearts • Onions SUMMER 2011 • Ornamental Edibles • Urban Foraging • Amsonia/Arkansas Blue Star • Growing Corn in the Mid-Atlantic FALL 2011 • Herb Gardens • Toad Lilies • Sweet Potatoes • Cool Weather Cover Crops WINTER 2011/EARLY SPRING 2012 • Green Roofs and Walls • Heaths and Heathers • Radishes SPRING 2012 • Pollinator Gardens • Brunnera: Perennial of the Year • Growing Yacon SUMMER 2012 • Tropical Gardens • Captivating Canna • Icebox Watermelons SPRING 2013 • Great Garden Soil • All About Asters • Squash Vine Borer SUMMER/FALL 2013 • Miniature/Faerie Gardens • Beguiling Abelias • Growing Great Carrots WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2014 • Ferns for the Mid-Atlantic • Chanticleer Gardens • Beet Growing Basics

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