Washington Gardener Magazine August 2021 by Kathy J

AUGUST 2021 VOL. 16 NO. 6

WWW.WASHINGTONGARDENER.COM

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gardener

the magazine for gardening enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region

Saving and Testing Old Seeds Horticultural Therapy in Northern VA

Composting Tips for Home Gardens Preserve Your Garden Produce Agapanthus Plant Profile Diagnosing Tree and Witch Hazel Issues

Sunflower Fields at McKee-Beshers WMA Meet Joy Columbus, Smithsonian Gardens New Director

Cucamelons

Mexican Sour Gherkin

DC-MD-VA Gardening Events Calendar

Move Your Virtual Workplace Outdoors Planting in Masses

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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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.

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.

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

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FEATURES and COLUMNS

Elizabeth McGovern Assink tested out older seeds, germinated them, and gave the seedlings away to friends, neighbors, and a local food bank. She also shared her seeds in a Little Free Library.

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.

14 Growing Mexican Sour Gherkin (also known as Cucamelon) is both easy and rewarding. This heirloom cucumber cousin is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Joy Columbus is the fifth Director of Smithsonian Gardens. Smithsonian Gardens engages people with plants and gardens, informs about the roles both play in our cultural and natural worlds, and inspires appreciation and stewardship. The Smithsonian is currently celebrating its 175th anniversary.

ASKtheExpert 22 Witch Hazel Gall, Young Oak Tree Deaths, Flowering Plants for Summer into Fall Bloom BOOKreviews 18-19 Urban Homesteads, The Garden Book, Growing Flowers DAYtrip 6 McKee-Beshers WMA EDIBLEharvest 14 Mexican Sour Gherkin FLOWERpower 20-21 Planting in Masses GARDENbasics 15 Preserving Garden Produce HORThappenings 12 Garden Photo Show, Tomato Party, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visit NEIGHBORnetwork 8-9 Joy Columbus, Smithsonian Gardens New Director NEWPLANTspotlight 11 Pepper Pot-a-peno PLANTprofile 7 Agapanthus TIPStricks 10 Compost Tips, Moving Your Home Offer Outdoors for Fall

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In our September issue: Great Blue Lobelia Library Gardens and much more . . .

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Credits

EDITORletter

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 Jackie DiBartolomeo Amanda Cash Molly Cuddy Interns Cover price: $4.99 Back issues: $6.00 Subscription: $20.00

Your editor at the McKee-Beshers WMA. Photo taken by Amanda Cash.

Outstanding in the Field

The trip to see the sunflowers at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area near Poolesville, MD, is always enjoyable. I must have more than 300 photos of the various fields over the last several years of visiting there. I am in only a few of them, but this year, I asked intern Amanda Cash to snap a couple shots of me for fun. It was a hot and humid July day, and we entered the field just as a rainstorm was ending, so the air was extra thick and muggy. I’m not exactly camera-ready, but I’d rather capture the moment than wait for another time when I’d be perfectly styled, because that may never come. If these last few years have taught us anything, they have reinforced our need to seize the day. There is no perfect time, there is only now. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way and learn to say “yes” more often. Another lesson coming out of the pandemic is to mark our milestones and accomplishments. Not all of us get that chance, so it is with great pleasure that I announce the news that Washington Gardener Magazine received the 2021 Media Awards Silver Medal of Achievement for Consumer Magazine (Circulation < 20K), presented by GardenComm: Garden Communicators International. This national award recognizes individuals and companies who achieve the highest levels of talent and professionalism in garden communications. Recipients of the Silver Medal represent the top winners in each competition category. In other award news, the summer interns and I submitted several items grown in our community garden plot and my home garden to the Montgomery County Fair. We won 17 ribbons total—including a grand prize for a celosia flower that grew from plants that self-sow themselves in the back of the plot each year. I am pretty sure the celosia seeds I originally planted there came from our annual Seed Exchanges, so I have to thank the person who brought them to share there many years ago. As RuPaul says, “You’re a winner, baby!” Happy gardening,

Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher, Washington Gardener KathyJentz@gmail.com 4

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• 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 Store: www.amazon.com/shop/wdcgardener • Washington Gardener Podcast: https://anchor.fm/gardendc/ • Washington Gardener is a womanowned business. We are proud to be members of: · GardenComm (GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators) · Green Montgomery · Green America Business Network Volume 16, Number 6 ISSN 1555-8959 © 2021 Washington Gardener All rights reserved. Published monthly. 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. All uncredited photos in this issue are © Kathy Jentz.

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Reader Contest

For our August 2021 Washington Gardener Magazine Reader Contest, Washington Gardener is giving away a set of all-natural SallyeAnder skincare remedies from https://sallyeander.com/ to one lucky winner. The set includes: • SallyeAnder Poison Ivy Soap ($8) removes those toxic oils, can be used in your bath or shower, and can be a pre-treatment for your clothes. The soap also provides itch relief and is safe for the face, body, and children’s delicate skin. • For when your skin breaks out, breaks open, or needs a break, look no further than intensive care Rescue Me Balm ($22). • No-Bite-Me Bug Repellent Cream ($13–$45) contains 18 safe, active ingredients and is effective against black flies, mosquitos, fleas, ticks, ants, and spiders. • Made from soap scraps and cornmeal, Gardener’s Hand Soap ($8) can cut through any stain. It is rich in glycerin and won’t dry out your hands or body. To enter to win the set of four all-natural SallyeAnder skincare remedies, send an email to WashingtonGardenerMagazine@gmail.com by 5:00pm on Tuesday, August 31, with “SallyeAnder skincare remedies” in the subject line. In the body of the email, tell us what your favorite article was in this issue and why. Include your full name and mailing address. The winners will be announced by September 2. 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.

Thoughts on Past Issues My favorite article in the July 2021 issue was the one on green beans. I had no idea there were varieties suited to processing. I’ll look for those. In the meantime, I’ll go plant some bush varieties for a late-summer harvest. ~ Jennifer Whalen, Silver Spring, MD Our favorite article in the July 2021 issue was the one about reducing mosquito breeding sites. It has been a TERRIBLE year for mosquitos in our “neck of the woods” and we are opposed to services that spray for mosquitos—so prefer the more-natural route. ~ Madeline Caliendo and Edward Constable, Washington, DC My favorite article in the February 2021 issue was on the comfrey plant! I attended a workshop on companion planting and recently purchased comfrey seeds. I was excited to read more about the benefits of making fertilizer using comfrey. Thanks for the great content! ~ Melanie Wright, Brandywine, MD My favorite article in the February 2021 issue was “Alice Tangerini, Smithsonian Botanical Illustrator.” I’m interested in art as well as gardening and this was the perfect combination of the two! ~ Anamaria Anderson, Arlington, VA My favorite article in the January 2021 issue was about attracting Northern Flickers to your yard. I use to see flickers, but have not in the past three or four years. I will try using an upright suet feeder rather than the hanging one I am currently using and see if they return. ~ Lisa Lyon, Bethesda, MD

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.

I greatly enjoyed—and learned a lot from—your August 2020 issue. My favorite piece was “7 Garden Myths Busted,” because it corrected my erroneous thinking concerning mosquito-repellent and deer-repellent plants, houseplants as air purifiers, and fertilizers for specific plants. The explanations were very clearly articulated. Keep up the good work! ~ Roberta Larson, Chevy Chase, MD o

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DAYtrip

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area By Amanda Cash

Each summer, McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is planted with several fields of sunflowers. The location and varieties of sunflower planting change each year. Some fields may be a far hike from nearby parking spots; other fields can be situated right near the main road. Local flower-lovers enjoy the annual hunt for the sunflowers and exchange tips online for tracking when they will be at absolute peak. McKee-Beshers WMA is a 2,000-acre area on River Road just outside Seneca, MD (between Potomac and Poolesville in Montgomery County). It is not far from the intersection of River Road and Route 112. Online maps detail which fields are planted each year. When the sunflower fields are in peak bloom, many amateur and professional photographers head there for Instagram-worthy photos. Local artists also make the trip for a peaceful day of plein air painting. 6

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Aside from the sunflowers, the WMA has several other fields for food plots to attract deer and migratory game birds. These plots include millet, sorghum, buckwheat, corn, winter wheat, or clover, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. During the designated legal seasons, McKee-Beshers WMA is available for hunting. There is also an area for hunters to train their dogs in a field trial. Other than hunting, the area is used for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and birdwatching. Portions of the WMA are a waterfowl habitat restoration and can flood if rain conditions are heavy. The terrain can also be rough and the paths overgrown. Poison ivy grows prolifically in many sections. Wear boots, pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself. For more information about the sunflower fields and other events, go to the Maryland Department of Natural Resouces website at https://dnr.mary-

land.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/ central/mckeebeshers.aspx. o Amanda Cash is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this summer with Washington Gardener. She is also interning at WBAL-TV11 in Baltimore, MD.

PLANTprofile

African Lily (Agapanthus sp.) is a beautiful flower that blooms on the tip of a long stalk held above strappy green foliage. Most folks are familiar with the agapanthus flower in many shades of blue, from aqua to navy, but it is also available in pure white. This perennial bulb grows easily in almost any soil, from sandy to clay. It is resistant to wind and salt air, so it is a great choice for growing in coastal regions. It prefers full sun, although it tolerates part-shade as well. Agapanthus has many other positive attributes, such as being very droughttolerant, deer- and rabbit-resistant, and a pollinator favorite. Most African Lilies are hardy to USDA Zones 8-11, like the compact Storm™ Agapanthus series from Anthony Tesselaar Plants. If you are in a cooler climate, plant them in pots and move the containers inside to a protected spot during the winter. Some cultivars are bred to thrive in Zone 7 with extra mulching to insulate them, such as the Agapanthus ‘Stevie’s Wonder’ available from Brent & Becky’s Bulbs. Others, like Agapanthus ‘Blue Yonder’, are said to be hardy down to zone 5. Your mileage may vary. The only care they need is an initial boost with a slow-release fertilizer after being planted. Apply fertilizer annually thereafter to encourage flowering. o

Agapanthus By Kathy Jentz

Kathy Jentz is the editor and founder of Washington Gardener. AUGUST 2021

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NEIGHBORnwork

Joy Columbus

Smithsonian Gardens New Director By Molly Cuddy

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NEIGHBORnwork Joy Columbus is the new director at Smithsonian Gardens. The gardens’ mission is to: “Engage. Inform. Inspire.” Smithsonian Gardens covers 180 acres encompassing 13 public exhibition gardens, the “museum without walls.” Smithsonian Gardens’ staff also produce interior exhibits and horticultural displays around the Smithsonian, develop educational programing; and manage artifact, archival, and living collections. Columbus has been working in public gardens for more than 20 years at sites in New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree in botany and horticulture from Miami University in Oxford, OH. She earned a master’s degree in biology from John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH. Previously, Columbus was the vice president of horticulture at the new Houston Botanic Garden and led the horticulture program at Lake View Cemetery and Historic Gardens in Cleveland, OH.

see millions (yes, millions!) of faces light up with smiles from the beauty of the gardens—a gift I witness every time I leave my computer and walk through the gardens.

Tell us about you and your background. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Akron, OH, and I spent several summers on a farm in Butler, PA.

Tell us about some of your peers and predecessors whom you admire. When you follow your heart into a profession that uses horticulture and botany, there is a special and unique bond fellow plant lovers share. We have chosen our professions out of passion and love for the planet, and not about personal ego. Of course, we do love to share (and okay, maybe brag) about our recent gardening successes, but at the end of the day, we recognize we are mere stewards of nature. We share a bond that acknowledges that we are lucky to have found this gift and we are so grateful for the simple pleasures that plants provide. Plants, far beyond nourishment of our bodies, have special ways of feeding our souls. When you meet a new plant lover, there is an immediate bond of respect and friendship. I admire and learn from every plant lover I meet.

What made you interested in horticulture in the first place? I started gardening as a youngster with my family and maintaining our suburban landscape. Every spring in Akron, OH, I remember aweing over the American dogwoods and deciduous azaleas with my mom. My family (I was the youngest of five children) built a vegetable garden and I vividly recall harvesting tomatoes while they were still warm from the sun, sitting in front of the toaster with a loaf of roman meal wheat bread plus a jar of mayonnaise and eating tomato sandwich after tomato sandwich. One spring, our garden had an overly abundant peony bloom. I fondly recall helping my dad prepare bouquets of peonies and we went around the neighborhood (in his tractor & my wagon) delivering fresh flowers. The smiles on their faces (and mine) left an indelible mark. How could I ever find a career that brought similar smiles to faces? At Smithsonian Gardens, my dream has come true because I am able to

What is a typical day like for you? What I love best about my profession is that no two days are the same. As plants and gardens are always adapting to the weather and changing conditions, so too, are my responsibilities. I am most happy leading tours and talking with Smithsonian Gardens staff as they share with me the garden and greenhouse challenges that they are overcoming. Gardening can be difficult in any environment, but in a harsh urban environment like Washington, DC, the tenacious ability of our horticulturists to overcome these hurdles and create spectacular beauty, day after day, simply amazes me. I am captivated by every gardening and growing tip they share, and I am honored to work alongside them.

What is the most-fulfilling part of your profession? It is tremendously gratifying to recognize that accomplishments in the field of botany and public horticulture help protect plant biodiversity and the future of our planet. I don’t think you can get any more fulfilling, can you?

Where do you see the horticultural industry in the next 10 years? There is growing appreciation for the role that plants and gardens play in our daily lives. I see this trend continuing, on many levels. Do you like to garden for yourself? If so, what plants are your favorites to grow? I love being outside and getting my hands in the soil. My husband and I relocated to the DC area last December and we bought a home in Silver Spring, MD. We have a beautiful canvas with mature bones of established shade trees and abundant spring-flowering shrubs. My top two short-term goals in my garden are to reduce plant redundancy and increase the herbaceous layer. I have an affinity for any plants that are divided and shared with me from my plant pals, because not only are they free, but they already have a fun story. What are your hobbies and interests when you’re not working? I love to exercise and entertain. My husband is an awesome cook and I do the dishes. Is there anything else about yourself that you want our readers to know? Not only am I a fan of public gardens, but I am also a museum groupie. One of the reasons that Smithsonian Gardens appealed to me is because it is an accredited museum with the American Alliance of Museums. Less than 3% of public gardens across the country hold this distinction. Smithsonian Gardens is not only a place of pleasure and beauty, but an intellectual opportunity. Check out the Smithsonian Gardens website at https://gardens.si.edu/and read more about my background at https://arcg.is/1Xnrjj. o Molly Cuddy is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this summer with Washington Gardener. She is also a campus tour guide and will be a teaching assistant for a professional writing class next semester. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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TIPStricks

Move Your Virtual Workplace Outdoors

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Compost facts and photo courtesy of Virginia Tech.

Tired of those fuzzy video conference call backgrounds and working indoors? Maybe it’s time to move your office outside to your backyard. “I have an outdoor office and enjoy working outside every day with my dog, Mutt Mulligan, nearby,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring for green spaces. With the COVID-19 pandemic still keeping more Americans working at home, Kiser points out that outdoor offices offer a way to de-stress and enjoy nature while focusing on tasks at hand. It also jazzes up those videoconference call backgrounds. The TurfMutt Foundation offers the following tips to help you keep your home outdoor office operational from fall into the winter months. • Beef up Wi-Fi and make sure electrical outlets are reachable so your Wi-Fi signal strength is up to the task of outdoor videoconference calls or online work. Run outdoor-rated power cords or install additional outdoor power outlets. • Check your videoconference call background “look.” Use your computer camera to check your videoconference call background before you are finished setting up. Adjust your seating location and look for the best effect. • Add portable heaters or a fire pit. Outdoor heaters or hydronic or electric radiant heat systems can extend your stay in your outdoor office. • Build a patio cover. A semi-enclosed space, such as a pergola, awning, gazebo, or pavilion can protect you—and your laptop—from the elements. • Warm up the space with lights. Lights make an outdoor space more inviting for a work session. When it gets darker earlier in the winter, lighting can help extend your day. Some light sets are even equipped with outlets, allowing you to charge your laptop. • Add speakers or use headphones while your work along to a little music. Headphones can tune out neighborhood noise and help with focus. Just remember to cancel the music during Zoom meetings o

Composting Tips By Devon Johnson

Composting is a great way to use up household food waste as well as boost garden productivity. Unfortunately, many gardeners make composting mistakes that can lead to problems, such as compost that fails to decompose or attracts rodents. Greg Evanylo, Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, recommends that home gardeners implement these compost best practices. • Make sure the compost pile is big. If space is an issue, decrease the pile surface area by creating a compost bin. The bigger your pile, the more heat it will generate. The average pile size should be a minimum of 1 cubic yard. • Make sure to turn your pile to get oxygen into it. Without enough oxygen, the microbes will starve, and the pile will go anaerobic. This isn’t good. Turning also ensures that all the waste breaks down evenly. • Make sure to monitor moisture levels. To do this, perform a squeeze test: Scoop a handful of your compost and squeeze. Does it leak any water? If so, the compost is too wet. When no water comes out but it sticks together, the moisture level is perfect. “What gardeners are ultimately trying to achieve with composting is the development of a soil amendment that will

improve the properties of their soil for gardening,” Evanylo said. According to Evanylo, compost is useful for improving soil health, boosting beneficial microbial populations, recycling nutrients, and increasing organic matter in the soil. Composting is also good for the environment. Organic wastes in landfills get converted to methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. When food scraps are recycled into a compost pile, it keeps waste out of a landfill. Here are some compost dos and don’ts. DO • Have a 2:1 brown to green ratio; for example, two parts dry leaves (brown) to one part food waste (green). • Have an average particle size distribution—some large pieces, some small, but mostly in the middle. • Monitor your moisture levels! Water the compost as needed, but not too often or too much—do a squeeze test to check. • Bury food waste and keep covered with browns to help avoid insect and rodent problems. DON’T • Compost treated wood or chemicals (paint, pressure treatment, etc.). • Inoculate your compost. Microbes exist naturally. • Compost meats, dairy, or pet waste. • Compost any diseased plants if the pile is less than 130–150 degrees. o

GARDENnews

Quick Links to Recent Washington Gardener Blog Posts • TikTok Farm Tour • Garden Phlox Plant Profile • Devil’s Trumpet vs Angel’s Trumpet See more Washington Gardener blog posts at: WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com o

August—September Garden Task To-Do List New Plant Spotlight

Pepper Pot-a-peno F1 Pot-a-peno is a fun new jalapeño pepper with a compact habit perfect for growing in containers and hanging baskets. Plentiful small, green jalapeño fruits have a traditional spicy zip that is great in any dish where you want a little punch of spice. Simply leave the fruit on the vine a few extra weeks and they will ripen to red for a sweet, spicy flavor. This variety is earlier to mature than other jalapeños, giving you a head start on your garden’s harvest. A unique trait of Pot-a-peno is how the fruits hang down beneath the plant, making it very easy to harvest without damaging the appearance or productivity of the plant. A dense foliage canopy makes for an attractive addition to your patio or balcony garden. This is a 2021 All-America Selections winner. For more information, see https://all-americaselections.org/ product/pepper-pot-a-peno/. o

Pepper Pot-a-peno photos courtesy of All-America Selections.

• It is harvest time and a good time to start taking stock of what worked well for you this season and what didn’t. • Buy raspberries and peaches at a local pick-your-own farm or visit a local farmer’s market. • Let the lawn go dormant for now; it will green back up in the coming rains. • Check your local garden center for end-of-summer bargains. • If your pond water gets low from prolonged drought, top it off with tap water and add a dechlorinator according to package instructions. • Wash out birdbaths weekly with a diluted bleach solution. • Water thoroughly, especially if you receive no rain for more than seven days. • Turn your compost pile weekly and don’t let it dry out. • Start shopping for spring bulbs. • Divide and cut back Bearded Iris and Peonies. • Check your pond pump for debris and clean it out every few weeks. • Watch for slug damage and set out traps or Sluggo bait. • Check for mosquito breeding grounds. Dump out any water that sits stagnant for more than three days. • Weed and weed some more. • Cut back any leggy Asters or Mums. • Take garden photos and make notes in your garden journal. • Start collecting plant seeds for next year and for trading. • As the days get cooler, plant hardy Mums. • Prune evergreens to get them in shape for fall/winter. • Hand-pick or cut out any bagworm cocoons. • Harvest your herbs often and keep them trimmed back to encourage leafy growth. Dry them indoors if you can’t use them right away. • Bring Christmas Cactus and Poinsettias indoors if you took them out for the summer, in preparation for holiday blooming. Fertilize them and put them where they’ll get 10 hours’ bright light per day. • Inspect for powdery mildew. If seen, prune back perennials to create needed circulation. Discard properly (i.e., not in your compost bin). • Clean your hummingbird feeders and add new sugar-water every three days. • Renew your container plantings, which may be looking a bit ragged at this point. Pinch back overgrown plants. Pull out any spent ones and pop in some substitute annuals or Mums. Keep them well-watered and add a little liquid fertilizer every few weeks to keep them going through early autumn. • Switch your deer-deterrent spray. • Start seeds for fall annuals such as Pansy, Calendula, and Kale. • Plant fall crops such as Chinese Cabbage, Lettuce, Radish, Mustard, Broccoli, Kohlrabi, Cauliflower, Turnips, and Beets. • Order Garlic, Onions, and Shallots for fall planting. • Attend a county fair and enter some of your garden bounty. • Preserve gourds and dry flowers for display in the fall. • Apply grub control to your lawn. • Divide Hostas and Daylilies. • Deadhead Garlic Chives before they go to seed. They make nice cut flowers. o AUGUST 2021

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HORThaenings

A Visit to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens By Jackie DiBartolomeo

On July 20, the Silver Spring Garden Club came out to tour the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Located along the Anacostia River in NE Washington, DC, the gardens are a hidden oasis in the city filled with cattails, dragonflies, and their iconic waterlily and lotus flowers. It is a National Park Service site and is free and open to the public. The club was greeted by staff of the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (FoKAG), who showed them around to their favorite spots. Mid-summer is the ideal time to see the aquatic plants at their best. “Every lotus and waterlily is fragrant, so much so that walking between the ponds can feel like you’re in a sea of sweet perfume,” said Megan Singleton, communications and development associate for the FoKAG. FoKAG is currently working on bringing back in-person events safely to the gardens, with WELLderness outdoor events like yoga, forest bathing, and tai chi, as well as monthly volunteer events. See https://kenaqgardens.org/ for a list of upcoming activities. To get the most out of your time there, Singleton recommends visiting in the early morning when the lotus and waterlilies open up and the wildlife are most active. Make sure to bring binoculars for a chance to see osprey, beavers, bald eagles, and more in Kenilworth’s oasis. o

Tomato Party at Common Good City Farm By Molly Cuddy

Common Good City Farm (CGCF), near Howard University in Washington, DC, hosted its annual Tomato Party on Thursday, July 15. The farm had tomatoes they grew for all their guests to taste. They offered a few heirloom varieties, as well as popular hybirds like ‘Sun Gold’ cherry tomatoes. A few dishes featuring tomatoes were also offered. Fish Scales, a local DC restaurant, provided blue catfish street tacos, with a cucumber tomato relish. Other meals included a pasta dish with tomatoes, zucchini, and an orega12

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no dressing, and a tomato basil salad with peaches and corn. Along with the taste tests, there was also an opportunity to take a tour of the farm to see what was currently being grown. There were also plenty of activities for kids; there was a craft station, and garden-themed children’s books from the Shaw Library. Josephine Chu, deputy director of CGCF, said, “It was such a joy to welcome people to gather on the farm again and build community with our neighbors. We hope we can continue to host more community events and adapt as needed, to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.” Check out commongoodcityfarm.org for any other upcoming events the farm is hosting. o

15th Annual Garden Photo Contest Show By Amanda Cash

This year, Washington Gardener hosted its 15th annual Garden Photo Contest for photographers in the Washington, DC, region to submit their garden photography. There were 21 winners out of more than 220 photos submitted this year. The categories were Garden Views, Garden Vignettes, Small Wonders, and Garden Creatures. The judge was Elizabeth Olson, a certified photography judge with the Maryland Association of Agricultural Fairs and Shows (MAAFS). This year, four additional Honorable Mentions were awarded because there were so many beautiful and worthy photo entrees. Many of the photos were taken from the photographers’ own home gardens, as well as in local public

gardens. Some of the winning photos were taken with professional cameras and expensive lenses, while others were taken using a smartphone. In fact, the Grand Prize winner took her photo on her iPhone. The Grand Prize winner was amateur photographer Janet Sifers, who took the photo in her neighbor’s garden. Her photo was called “Raindrops on a Tulip.” First place in the Small Wonders category was amateur photographer Leslie Landerkin with her photo “Leaning In.” She took the photo of two lotus pods at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. She shot her photo with a Nikon D850. In the Garden Vignette Category, amateur photographer Teresa K. Hughes earned first place with her photo “Wooden Clogs,” taken at a private residence with her Nikon D810. Amateur photographer Lilian Cerdeira won first place in the Garden Creatures category with her photo “Carolina Chickadee on Redbud,” taken in Rockville, MD, with a Canon 7d Mark II. In the last category, Garden Views, professional photographer Howard Clark won first place with his photo “Sunday in the Park.” He took the photo at the Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs, PA, with his Canon 24-105 mm lens. The winning photos are on display at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA, and may be seen any time during the normal Visitor Center hours (10am-7pm daily). The photo show runs through August 30. Details about how to enter your photographs in next year’s photo contest will be published in the December 2021 issue of Washington Gardener. o

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS Classes, Events, and Plant Shows/Sales • Thursday, August 26, 5:30–8pm Summer Soiree Celebrate summer with several activities, including a DIY flower crown station, build-your-own ice cream sundae, and tours of the urban farm. Held at the Common Good City Farm, 300 V Street NW, Washington, DC. Free to all, but reservation requested at https:// farmsummersoiree.eventbrite.com. • Friday, August 27, 10–11:30am Fall Weed ID in the Garden Join Extension Master Gardener Joyce Hylton as she discusses some of the most-common weeds in our area that flourish in the fall. While a weed may be just a wildflower in the wrong place, learn why they may like your lawn and garden, and how you can control the safely and effectively. Free. Register for the online class at https://mgnv. org/events/. • Saturday, September 11, 10am–3pm and Sunday, September 12, 10am– 1pm FOBG Fall Plant Sale 2021 Select from a variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees, including many native plants. Proceeds benefit Brookside Gardens. Friends of Brookside Gardens (FOBG) members get a 10% discount and exclusive early admission. Rain or shine. Held at Brookside Gardens Visitor Center, Wheaton, MD. For full details, visit www.friendsofbrooksidegardens.org. • Saturday, September 11, 11:30 AM Sustainable Gardening Join author Vincent Simeone as he shares ideas for eco-friendly essentials such as composting, mulching, and planting trees during this online lecture. He makes the what, how, and why of sustainable gardening unmistakably clear. Free online lecture hosted ny the U.S. Botanic Garden. Registration required at www.usbg.gov/programs. • Friday, Sept. 17, 10am–2pm The Art of Ikebana Demonstration of Japanese flower arranging at the Hilton McLean, Tysons Corner, McLean, VA. Hosted by Ikebana

International, Chapter No. 1, Washington, DC. Tickets: $60.00; includes demonstration and luncheon. Demonstration is $50. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://iichapter1.com/. • Wednesday, September 22, 5:30– 8:30pm Tudor Place 29th Annual Garden Party Traditionally held on the last Wednesday in May, this year’s gala is scheduled for September due to health guidelines and recommendations from the Office of the Mayor and the CDC. Details posted at https://tudorplace.org/support/spring-garden-party/. • Thursday, September 23, 12noon Getting the Most Out of Small Space/ Urban Gardens Using examples from DC-area gardens, Kathy Jentz, editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine, will illustrate basic design principles for maximizing garden space. She will address common small-space challenges such as creating privacy and adding light to shady areas. She’ll offer innovative low-or-no-budget solutions as well. Sign up for free at https://gardens. si.edu/learn/lets-talk-gardens/. • Saturday, September 25, 9am–3pm Family Fall Festival Green Spring Gardens hosts their annual Family Fall Festival with activities for the entire family, including classes for children and adults, a silent auction, a book sale, and a bake sale. Vendors will be selling a large variety of plants and other items. Grab a meal at the food truck and enjoy some musical entertainment in the White Gazebo. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS). For more information, visit www.friendsofgreenspring.org. • Sunday, September 26, 1–2pm Indoor and Container Gardening 101 If you love plants but have limited space and time, if you’ve always wanted to garden, this is the class for you. Learn the basics of indoor gardening and how to make a sub-irrigated planter to deal with watering when you go on vacation. Non-refundable materials fee of $10 per class is included for those who want to take home a plant. Held at Cultivate

the City, 910 Bladensburg Road NE, WDC. Register at cultivatethecity.com. • Saturday, October 2 FONA Bulb Sale Get all the bulbs you need for your spring garden at the fall Bulb Sale at the U.S. National Arboretum. Mark your calendar — more details to come at www.fona.org.

Looking Ahead • Thursday, October 21, through Saturday, October 23, 5–9pm An Illuminated Celebration of Fall This Ladew Topiary Gardens Ladew tradition celebrates the season with fascinating artistic creations, entrancing entertainment, and festive family fun. Be dazzled by the showcase of hundreds of creative jack o’lanterns carved by artists, celebrities, dignitaries, local businesses, and friends and neighbors like you. Tickets go on sale soon at www.ladewgardens.com. • Thursday, November 18, 6:30–8pm Fall Garden Book Club Meeting We will discuss The Revolutionary Genius of Plants by Stefano Mancuso. You can order it new or used at https:// amzn.to/2WdiGDn. Note that we will also be choosing our 2022 garden book club selections at this meeting, so bring your ideas and suggestions. To see a list of all the garden books we have previously discussed in this group, see the list at pinterest.com/wdcgardener/ garden-books/. The book club meetings are free and open to all. Register for the Zoom link at https://us02web. zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtdOqqDgrH9aMKM-GCrsnpbYt1diG3CCz .

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 September 5 for the September 2021 issue, for events taking place after September 15. o AUGUST 2021

WASHINGTON GARDENER

EDIBLEharvt

Mexican Sour Gherkin

after year. In USDA Zone 7 and higher, just add an extra-thick layer of leaf or straw mulch to overwinter them. In cold climates (USDA Zone 6 and below), you will want to dig the tuber up, once a killing frost in fall has knocked back the vine, and store the tuber in a cool, frost-free spot to replant it next spring. • Mexican Sour Gherkins need at least 6 hours of daily sun, moderate fertility, and well-drained soil. • The first fruits mature about 60–70 days after sowing. • They grow on vines that can reach 4 feet high and wide. • Provide a trellis and netting for them to climb on, because Mexican Sour Gherkins can spread out and ramble over the ground and over other plants. Training them vertically makes finding and picking them much easier. • You can tell they are past peak when the fruit feel hard and taste bitter. Pick and discard these past-mature ones to encourage the vines to keep producing more fruits. • They are suitable for container growing and are attractive plants. Consider making them the “thriller” in a mixed container. • These adorable little fruits are a perfect plant to grow in a children’s garden.

Mexican Sour Gherkin Harvesting & Eating Tips

By Kathy Jentz The Mexican Sour Gherkin (Melothria scabra) is also known as Mouse Melon, Fairy Watermelon, and Cucamelon. Per their common name, they are native to Mexico and Central America. The Spanish common name is sandia di raton, which translates to mouse melon, or sandíita (little watermelon). They don’t mind the heat one bit. They are also relatively drought-tolerant. They are neither melons nor cucumbers. They are actually in the Cucurbitaceae family of gourds. The good news is 14

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they do not suffer from the bacterial wilt and powdery mildew issues that other vining plants do.

Mexican Sour Gherkin Growing Tips

• Mexican Sour Gherkins are warmweather vegetables and easily directsown from seed that is best planted after soil temperatures warm up in late spring. •Once established, they form a large tuber underground and will return year

They are vigorous growers and prolific, once they get going. Be prepared to visit the vines daily in mid- to late-summer and pick all that you see have reached their mature size of about 1 inch in length. The best thing about these tiny cucumbers is that they already tasted pickled. They have the crunch and succulent texture of fresh cucumber followed by a hint of tanginess. No need for processing! Just pluck them off the plant and snack on them raw. They also make a nice addition to salads and stir-fries. William Woys Weaver suggests, “They also can be chopped and added to salsas for extra texture and flavor.” o The Mexican Sour Gherkin photos on the cover and this page are courtesy of Burpee Home Garden (burpee.com).

GARDENbasics

Preserve Your Garden Produce for Delicious Winter Meals By Melinda Myers

All your hard work is paying off with a bountiful harvest. Fresh produce is filling your garden, countertops, and refrigerator while the garden keeps producing more. Preserve some of your harvest to enjoy throughout the winter with some tried-and-true or updated variations on food preservation techniques. Hanging bundles of herbs to dry is a long-time practice that works. Harvest herbs in the morning just after the dew has dried off the leaves. Rinse, allow them to dry, and remove any damaged or dried leaves. Gather the dry herbs into small bundles and secure with a rubber band. Use a spring-type clothespin to hang the bundles from a clothesline or hanger in a warm, dry, airy place away from direct sunlight. A modern twist on this tradition is the space-saving Stack!t Herb Drying Rack (for sale at gardeners.com or https://amzn.to/3D0jkFf), hung from the ceiling. You will be able to dry large quantities of herbs in any narrow, outof-the-way space. Extend the life, flavor, and nutritional value of squash with proper harvesting and storage. Only store unblemished and damage-free fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of mold and decay developing during storage. Harvest zucchini when the fruit is 6 to 8 inches long and scalloped squash when 3 to 6 inches in diameter. Store these in a plastic bag in the vegetable crisper drawer in your refrigerator for several days. Wait to harvest winter squash when the fruit is full-sized, and the rinds are firm and glossy. The portion touching the ground turns from cream to orange when the fruit is ripe. Use a pruner to harvest the fruit, leaving a 1-inch stem on each fruit. Cure all winter squash, except for acorn, in a warm, humid location. Then move to a cool, dry, well-ventilated area to store for several months. In the past, gardeners stored

these, potatoes, onions, and fruit in wooden racks that maximized storage space and allowed air to reach each layer of produce. An updated version, the Gardener’s Supply Orchard Rack, adds convenient drawers to this traditional storage system. Boost your cabbage harvest with this trick: Remove firm, full-sized heads but leave the lower ring of leaves and roots intact. The plant will form several smaller heads. Harvest cucumbers based on how you plan to use them. Pick the fruit when it is 1½ to 2½ inches long if you plan on making sweet pickles. Allow the cucumbers to grow a bit bigger, 3 to 4 inches, if dill pickles are on the menu. Harvest those for slicing when the skin is firm and bright green, and the fruit is 6 to 9 inches long. Turn a portion of your harvest into something delicious. Fermentation is a relatively easy preservation technique used for thousands of years. Preserve some of your cucumbers as pickles, cabbage as sauerkraut, and berries as preserves with fermentation. Store fermented fruits and vegetables in a cool, dark place or extend their shelf life by canning the finished product. For most projects, you just need the fruit or vegetables, water, salt, and spices. Place the desired ingredients in a covered vessel, like Gardener’s Supply Fermentation Crock (https://amzn. to/3y4mi7R). Use weights to keep the fruit and vegetables submerged in water throughout the fermentation process. If your garden is still producing when frost is in the forecast, extend the harvest season. Cold frames and cloches are tried-and-true techniques for extending the growing season. A modern method employs floating row covers. These spun fabrics allow air, light, and water through while protecting plants from frosty conditions. Cover the plantings and anchor the fabric in place. Lift to harvest and enjoy several

Wooden orchard racks maximize storage space, while allowing air to reach each layer of produce. Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company.

more weeks, even months, of gardenfresh produce. Select the storage and preservation methods that work best for your garden produce, growing location, and lifestyle. Once you enjoy homegrown produce in winter meals, you will start growing more produce to eat fresh, share, and preserve. o Melinda Myers has written numerous books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment television and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned for her expertise by Gardener’s Supply to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers. com. Note: This article includes links to Amazon. com for ordering products. Washington Gardener Magazine may receive a few cents from each order placed after you click on these links. AUGUST 2021

WASHINGTON GARDENER

PLANTrearch

#SavetheSeeds: What To Do with Old Seeds

By Elizabeth McGovern Assink My husband and I bought our first home together in Northern Virginia nearly 10 years ago. One of the first things we did was build six box frames for an ambitious vegetable garden. The home also came with a modest old greenhouse, so we decided we would start our veggies there from seed. Over time, we picked up seeds here and there and eventually found ourselves at one of the Washington Gardener Magazine-sponsored seed exchanges at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA. Attending the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange was like being a child let free in a candy store. We happily overindulged. We took our dozens of packets home and sorted them, made plans for them, and even grew some. We happily returned the following years with our homemade nametags, won garden prizes, and collected more seed packets. While we increased our seed inventory, I cannot say that our vegetable garden grew more—but we diligently continued to collect the seeds. When this past spring came around, we pulled out what is now lovingly called our “seed library.” We discussed throwing most of them away because they were getting old. Perhaps discard only the ones that were more than two years old? As we were re-sorting by year, I saw the historic seeds from Monticello and Mount Vernon. Well, we cannot throw those out! I then saw the seed packets from the swap where local 16

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gardeners had lovingly harvested and created homemade packaging. We cannot throw away Turks Turgan Squash or Crosby’s Egyptian Beets, and what about these marked Satan’s Chili Pepper—how hot are they really? I then saw some seeds from our first vegetable gardens—the lemon cucumbers, the sesame seeds I harvested, and all the tomato varieties... It just seemed wrong to throw them away. Instead of throwing them out, we decided to do an experiment: With the pandemic time on our hands, we would try them all! If they did not sprout, then we would let them go. We proceeded to try to propagate 39 types of vegetables (including herbs) representing 148 varieties that were three to 10 years old. This included: • 71% from 23 seed companies • 6% historical seed varieties from Mount Vernon and Monticello • 23% hand-collected by local gardeners Overall, we grew anywhere from four to five seeds to dozens (tomatoes) of each kind. We also had an additional control group of seeds from 2020– 2021 including 12 types representing 17 varieties. We got some of these newer seeds from our local Little Free Library (#104242) this spring where we sponsored a seed swap, hoping to give some seeds away. Considering most seeds were more than two years old and some as old as 10, we did not expect to have a high yield. We were certainly wrong. Here

is what we learned in our homegrown experiment. • Keep your seeds! 81% of all seeds from 2010–2019 sprouted. We learned that tomato seeds sprouted 100% regardless of seed age among 10 varieties. Many varieties of cucumber, beets, basil, tea, mustard, and zucchini sprouted above the overall 10year average. The cucumbers, beets, and mustard were particularly robust plants, sprouting right away. • Try seeds from multiple years. We also grew squash, basil, lettuce, and hot peppers from four or more different seed harvest years with excellent results. We noticed that 90% of the 10 varieties of basil thrived since 2012 and 100% during a five-year period from 2014–2018. Along with tomatoes, these were some of our greatest successes. • Not all did well. Lettuce only had a 27% success rate among 15 varieties—although the Bok Choi and Pak Choi notably thrived. Perhaps we are not using the right soil? Was it too warm? Chervil, chives, parsnip, and tarragon were the only ones out of the 148 varieties that did not sprout at all. Sweet peppers did better (100%) than hot peppers (57%). So, what do you do with a few hundred sprouts? Now that we had all these sprouts, we needed to find homes for them. We created “garden containers” for friends. We gave away tomatoes to neighbors, our fitness trainers, and colleagues from work. We hosted a plant swap in our neighborhood, advertised on the local Buy Nothing group, and arranged for a local community food bank to take the rest. Of course, we have kept some to grow ourselves and are looking forward to that heirloom squash this year. It has been a great exercise in learning to love what you have. If you have your own seed library, we encourage you to try out your own study and renew your garden. Let us know how it goes, and see you at the next Seed Exchange! o Elizabeth McGovern Assink gardens in Fairfax Station, VA. She can be reached at eamcgovern@gmail.com and uses #savetheseeds on social media.

LOCALnews

Horticulture Therapy at Pathway Homes Event By Jackie DiBartolomeo

Pathway Homes, a Northern Virginia nonprofit providing mental health services, especially stable housing, to individuals affected by poverty and inequity, launched its first community garden in Herndon, VA, on July 22. Karrie Delaney, delegate; chairman Jeffrey McKay, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; and Kathy Smith, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member were among those at the garden unveiling. Volunteers from Bernstein Management came to install six garden beds. The garden beds are raised, providing easier access to residents with mobility challenges. The raised garden beds will also allow for more flexibility in plant choices and quick changeovers to new crops, depending on the season and weather conditions. “Our community garden program is exciting and multifaceted. For our residents who deal with mental health challenges, gardening is empowering and will bring joy, physical activity, and a sense of accomplishment while also providing nutritious food,” said Pathway Homes CEO Sylisa Lambert-Woodard at the event.

The community garden provides not only nutrition and physical health to residents, but socialization and mental health aid as well, through horticulture therapy. Horticulture therapy is “the use of plants and plant-related activities to improve a person’s health and overall well-being,” said Hannah Berisford, an ASHS Certified Professional Horticulturist and founder of BotaniGal, a company based in Reisterstown, MD, that makes fun and unique house plants more accessible to everyone. Horticulture therapy is typically done in a group setting, with a specific goal in mind, such as help with anxiety or overall mood, Berisford said. Mental health conditions such as OCD, anxiety, and depression can all be aided by horticulture therapy, explained Berisford. This is because it specifically targets the “feel-good” neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, she said. “Horticulture therapy is based around the biophilia hypothesis, which states that humans have an innate draw toward nature and want to be around green spaces,” Berisford said. “In my opinion, this is why horticulture therapy

works. Individuals have a natural draw to it.” Along with benefits for mental health, there is much more that horticulture therapy can assist in. Things like improved muscle tone and motor skills, better socialization, improved memory and cognition, and more can all be gained, Berisford said. A community garden isn’t the only place where horticulture therapy can be effective. Passive horticulture therapy, which does not require physically interacting with the environment, also has benefits. “Horticulture therapy can be implemented in our everyday lives by surrounding ourselves in as much green space as possible. This can be done by going to a park, going on a hike, or just walking around a garden center,” Berisford said. Pathway Homes hopes to use the community garden to further their focus on the intersection of mental and physical health. For many residents, this intersection is a real benefit to their stay at Pathway Homes. “I really like to cook, and nothing would be better than fresh spices and vegetables that I could make. Gardening is something that can keep my mind occupied, and I really do better when I have something to occupy my mind. I am really excited to have the garden,” said James Settle, a Pathway Homes resident. Another benefit to horticulture therapy can be a sense of accomplishment from giving back to the planet. “The best part about gardening is giving the care and watching the transformation into something good from the earth,” said Tim Turner, a fellow Pathway Homes resident. In a second phase of the community garden, Pathway Homes plans to help clients sell their produce at local farmer’s markets to earn extra income from the harvest. Pathway Homes also plans to add community gardens to more of their properties in the future. o Jackie DiBartolomeo is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this summer with Washington Gardener. She is also a staff reporter with The Campus Trainer.

AUGUST 2021

WASHINGTON GARDENER

BOOKreviews

Urban Homesteads: How to Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle Author: Rebecca Gross Publisher: Images Publishing List Price: $40 Order Link: https://amzn.to/3hGI9gG Reviewer: Jackie DiBartolomeo When you picture a homestead, what do you see? It’s likely that images of rolling hills and grazing cows come to mind. But what if a homestead, generally a property that is self-sufficient in food, could be made anywhere? What if it could be in a city, on a rooftop, or in an ordinary backyard? Urban Homesteads by Rebecca Gross expands our understanding of what a homestead is, and helps us consider the ways in which we could all create our own little homesteads, no matter how big or small. Gross’s book takes readers across the world, from Australia to the Netherlands, England to the United States, to explore homesteads that all focus on living more sustainably. Take Adam and Robin Voorhees, for example, who run a quarter-acre garden out of their South Austin backyard. Almost all of the ingredients in their kitchen come from their small backyard. Or look to Vanessa Kwiatkowski and Mat Lumalasi, founders of Melbourne City Rooftop Honey, with more than 120 hives across Melbourne, atop private residences and commercial buildings. Gross is able to give readers insight into both the smallest and largest of homesteads. Although the stories of homesteads 18

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told throughout the book are the standout, the photography brings these homesteads to life. Rich images with vivid color fill the pages of the book, and let the readers see for themselves the beauty that can be created in the most unlikely places, whether a New York terrace or a Berlin balcony. Along with insight into the homesteads themselves, readers also get the chance to glean some tips and tricks throughout the book. Tips about what plants are in season each month, definitions of key components of gardening like composting and aquaponics, and advice about how to grow anything from herbs to heirlooms are included. These tips are packaged in easy-to-understand sections so even those who are just getting started on their homesteads can follow. If you’re looking to learn more about the world of urban homesteading, or even want to start your own self-sufficient garden, Urban Homesteads will make a great addition to your library. With its diverse stories and stunning photos, every plant lover will find something to enjoy in this one. o Jackie DiBartolomeo is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this summer with Washington Gardener. She is also a staff reporter with The Campus Trainer.

The Garden Book, Revised and Updated Edition Authors: Toby Musgrave and Ruth Chivers Publisher: Phaidon Press List Price: $59.95 Order Link: https://amzn.to/3y6yEfv Reviewer: Amanda Cash Take a look into the world’s most gorgeous and innovative gardens in The Garden Book, from the editors at Phaidon Press. The book highlights more than 500 garden designers, owners, and patrons and their gardens. Each page in the book includes a huge, colorful photo of the garden along with a description, location, and the designer and/or owner. The gardens span more than 45 countries that include the United States, all over Europe, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and more. Some of the gardens are in

the desert, while others are in more tropical climates. Some of the photos showcase beautiful flowers while others present endless rows of evergreen hedges. The book brings to light lesser-known gardens from around the world and features unique designs. In doing so, the book shows the diversity and creativity of designers and gardeners around the globe. The reader can compare the similarities and differences among the gardens, locations, and designs. The gardens are not from one specific time period but instead span the course of centuries. Each page is reflective of the innovation and creativity during that time period, whether it be ancient China, Japan, or the Italian Renaissance. The book is a gorgeous addition to anyone’s home. It not only is great for gardeners and garden designers to peruse, but for anyone interested in design, architecture, and history. The book has a way of educating readers about the time period through the lens of gardens. It is also extremely inspiring for new gardeners to see the endless possibilities they can try when designing their gardens. The Garden Book is a fantastic read for beautiful, crisp photography and endless information about gardens around the world. o Amanda Cash is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this summer with Washington Gardener. She is also interning at WBAL-TV11 in Baltimore, MD.

BOOKreviews Growing Flowers: Everything You Need to Know About Planting, Tending, Harvesting, and Arranging Beautiful Blooms Author: Niki Irving Publisher: Mango Publishing Group List Price: $26.95 Order Link: https://amzn.to/2W85iAp Reviewer: Molly Cuddy Growing Flowers by Niki Irving is the perfect book for anyone looking to grow beautiful, plentiful flowers. Irving is a farmer and florist for Flourish Flower Farm in Asheville, NC. She also makes floral arrangements for weddings and other events, so her advice is topnotch. Owing to the book’s gorgeous photography on every page, it can also be a great addition to a gardener’s coffee table—or anyone who wants a colorful book out on display in their home. Each page is extremely informative, but also a great flip-through if you just want to look at the images. This book provides any and all information you could need for starting your own flower garden. Irving provides all the basics first and foremost—growing climate, garden plots, soil, compost, and more. My favorite part of this book was the section about harvesting and arranging flowers. Irving gives plenty of tips about materials you can use for your bouquets or displays. She prioritizes sustainability in her arrangements as well. She says that even when she’s doing an arrangement for a huge event like a wedding, she still finds materials that can be reused or repurposed. I loved seeing Irving’s different arrangements and the step-by-step process (photos included) of how she got to the final product. At the end of the book, Irving also explains how to clean out your flower garden once the frosty winter hits. Another helpful part at the end of the book are photos of gardening tools, labeled for convenience. This is a great book for gardeners of any level, because it provides so much in-depth information. Even though I’ve never tried to start a flower garden before, I’m sure I could manage it easily with all of the information and tips in this book.

The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City Anyone looking to start a flourishing flower garden should absolutely check out Growing Flowers. Irving has so much knowledge, thanks to her many years of experience and expertise, so following this book step-by-step will, without a doubt, provide you with an exquisite flower garden. And, once you use all of the information, leave it out on the coffee table so all your family and friends can learn, too. You can learn more about Irving and her flower farm at her website: www. flourishflowerfarm.com. o

Coming Soon! By Kathy Jentz and Teresa Speight Published by Cool Springs Press/Quarto Homes Pre-order it today at: https://amzn.to/3yiLPKU

Molly Cuddy is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this summer with Washington Gardener. She is also a campus tour guide and will be a teaching assistant for a professional writing class next semester.

Love Reading?

These books were reviewed by volunteer members of the Washington Gardener Reader Panel. To join the Washington Gardener Volunteer Reader Panel, send an email with your name and address to: KathyJentz@gmail. com. We look forward to having you be a vital part of our local publication and its gardening mission. o Note: These book reviews include links to Amazon.com for ordering them. Washington Gardener Magazine may receive a few cents from each order placed after you click on these links.

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 garden soils, phlox, and small-space gardening. You can listen online at https:// washingtongardener.blogspot.com/ or on Spotify, Apple, etc. o AUGUST 2021

WASHINGTON GARDENER

FLOWERpower

Planting in Masses:

The Secret of Impressive Flower Gardens If you are looking for fun, fragrance, and color in your garden as early as possible in spring, plant flower bulbs in the fall! Go for a mass effect and plant them everywhere to create a flower-filled bulb garden that you can enjoy to the fullest. While this article addresses springflowering bulbs in particular, the same principles of mass planting apply to all kinds of flower types. Massed flowers can reduce maintenance by grouping like plants together and can also help 20

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in weed suppression. Large swaths of blooms flowering at the same time also create drama in the garden. Finally, massed flowers attract pollinators and make it easier for them to gather nectar.

Working Ahead

Spring may still be a long way off, but if you want color in your garden in early spring, you should plant flower bulbs in the fall. Buy them as soon as you see

them in your local garden centers or order them online as soon as possible; Last fall, flower bulbs were sold out in most places by early September. This year, suppliers expect the same level of demand by garden consumers. Plant lots of bulbs if you want to create a true explosion of color. The perfect bulb planting time in our region is between mid-October and December. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees, that is the time to start.

FLOWERpower Make sure, however, that your flower bulbs have been planted before the soil freezes for the first time.

Biodiversity

Flower bulbs add color to the garden at times when it is needed most. Insects like bees and butterflies need nectar and pollen to survive, but in early spring, there is not enough nectar and pollen to go around. By planting springflowering bulbous crops en masse, you make sure there are more flowers. Nectar and pollen are released as early as January through the earliest flowering bulbous plants, such as snowdrops and crocus.

Places in the Garden

Flower bulbs are not too picky about where they are planted, although most do like a bit of sun. Check the packaging to see where in the garden your flower bulbs will thrive. Plant them under trees, between shrubs and perennials, in borders and along fence lines, or even in the grass lawn. The key word is “masses.” The more flower bulbs you plant, the better the effect.

Suit Your Personal Taste

Spring-flowering bulbs offer a broad range of possibilities. With their different shapes, colors, and heights, they can be combined almost without limits. Will you choose peace and unity by working with a single color or variety, or will you go for a color explosion in a colorful mix? Choose the style that makes you happy so you can enjoy your personal mix to the fullest.

So Many Choices

The best-known spring-flowering bulbs are tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. But the list of what can grow in the MidAtlantic is delightfully long; there are so many beautiful varieties to choose from. Think of grape hyacinths (Muscari), alliums, springstar (Ipheion), crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis), and so on.

The “Natural” Look

Once you have chosen your flower bulbs and decided where they will go, it’s time to plant them. If you prefer a natural look, mix the different varieties together in a bucket or basket and scatter them casually. Plant the bulbs wherever they

end up landing. If you want to plant your bulbs in clusters, dig a big hole. If you’d rather plant them solo, dig several holes.

Mass Planting Steps

Dig one hole for a group of flower bulbs or make individual holes for planting several single flower bulbs. The size of the flower bulb determines how deeply it should be planted. In general, flower bulbs should be planted two to three times as deep as the bulb’s height. Remove weeds and small stones, and then work some garden compost or leaf mulch into the soil to improve drainage. Place the flower bulbs gently into the soil with the pointy end facing up. (If you cannot tell which end is up, place the bulb on its side and it will find its place in the soil.) Be careful not to press down too hard on the flower bulb or you may damage it. Large flower bulbs should be planted 3 to 7 inches apart and small bulbs 2 to 3 inches apart. Cover the flower bulbs with the soil dug from the hole. If the soil is dry, give the flower bulbs some water. You can also layer different bulbs in the same planting hole for a sequence of blooms in the same bed. Fore information about bulb planting and uses in the home landscape, visit www.flowerbulbs.com. o Mass flower photos courtesy of ibulb.com. AUGUST 2021

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Ask the Expert By Debra Ricigliano

Flowering Plants for Summer into Fall

Q: Summer is winding down, but I know there is still plenty of time to enjoy flowers in my garden. Can you suggest some perennials and shrubs that bloom later in the season that I can enjoy into the fall? A: There is still plenty of time to enjoy your garden. For a longer season of interest, select plants that bloom later in the season when creating a landscape plan. Not only do flowers provide beauty for you, but also nectar for pollinators. Some native perennial examples (not all of these are MD, DC, or VA natives) are the many species of asters, including New England aster, (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and white wood asters (Aster divaricatus). Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), goldenrod (Solidago odora and S. rugosa), sneezeweed (Helenium), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), and bugbane (Actaea americana) are pretty and can be planted with native grasses that produce ornamental seedheads. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and purple love grass (Eragrostis spectabilis) are ornamental grasses to add. Sedums, Japanese anemones, dahlias, and Russian sage are just a few of the many other non-native perennials that bloom from summer into fall. Oakleaf and other species of hydrangeas have been blooming for a while, but their flowers still provide ornamental interest. The leaves of oakleaf hydrangea also provide fall color and the bark has winter interest. Non-native shrubs like abelia and caryopteris are late bloomers, and many butterflies and other pollinators will sip nectar from the flowers.

Odd Growths on Witch Hazel Foliage

Q: What are these odd, cone-shaped growths I found on the leaves of my witch hazel? Should I be concerned, and is there something I need to do to treat the tree? A: Your witch hazel (Hamamelis virgin22

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AUGUST 2021

Spiny witch hazel gall aphids on the back of a birch leaf. Photo courtesy of UMD HGIC.

iana) has spiny witch-hazel leaf gall (Hormaphis hamamelidis). These aphids have a complicated life cycle, alternating between two hosts: birch and witch hazel. In late spring or early summer, newly hatched aphids leave the galls and fly to birches, where they feed on the leaves. Feeding causes corrugations or folds on the undersides of the leaves. They are filled with aphids and a grayish-white granular debris material. The damage on the birch tends to be more pronounced. River birches (Betula nigra), are widely planted native trees, so there is no shortage of host plants. Fertilized, winged aphids develop on the birch, thenfly back to a witch hazel, to lay eggs and complete their life cycle. This activity causes the galls to form to protect the developing aphids. There is one generation per year and activity is finished by the end of June. A range of natural enemies like lady beetles, lacewings, parasitoids, and perhaps birds help to control the aphids, particularly on birch trees. No other treatment is necessary.

Young Oak Tree Dying

Q: We planted an oak tree three years ago. Sadly, it is slowly dying no matter what we do. We’re sure we have not watered too much or too little, or overfertilized. We can’t see any insects or disease. What could be the problem? A: Check to make sure that the trunk doesn’t go straight into the soil like a utility pole and that you do not have a

pile of mulch high up on the trunk. The trunk flare (where the trunk and the roots meet) should be visible at soil level. If not, the tree is planted too deeply. This slowly kills trees. To avoid planting too deeply in the future, position a plant at the same depth as it was in its container. However, be alert for plants that were already repotted or balled and burlapped too deeply at the nursery. If necessary, brush away soil at the base of the tree until you see where the trunk widens (the flare) as it transitions to the root system, then plant. In addition, do not dig a planting hole deeper than the container. This results in loosened soil under the plant. When this soil settles, the plant will sink and, as soil washes back around the trunk, the trunk gets buried. To help your tree now, remove the mulch touching the trunk and reduce the mulch cover to no more than 2–3 inches. If possible, gently remove any soil that is covering the root flare before applying mulch again. o Debra Ricigliano is a Certified Professional Horticulturist, who has worked as a horticulture consultant for the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center since 1997. She is a graduate of the Institute of Applied Agriculture at UMCP. To ask a gardening or pest question, go to http://extension.umd.edu/ hgic and click on “Get Help.” Digital photos can be attached.

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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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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

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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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Washington Gardener Magazine August 2021

Articles inside

ASKtheExpert

FLOWERpower

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NEIGHBORnetwork

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