Washington Gardener Enews Feb 2011

FEBRUARY 2011 Welcome to the Washington Gardener Enewsletter!

This enewsletter is the free sister publication of Washington Gardener Magazine.

Both the print magazine and online enewsletter share the same mission and focus — helping DC-MD-VA region gardens grow — but our content is different. In this monthly enewsletter, we address timely seasonal topics and projects; post local garden events; and, a monthly list of what you can be doing now in your garden.

We encourage you to subscribe to Washington Gardener Magazine as well for indepth articles, inspirational photos, and great garden resources for the Washington DC area gardener.

Without your support, we cannot continue publishing this enewsletter nor Washington Gardener Magazine!

Our magazine subscription information is on page 9 of this enewsletter.

If you know of any other gardeners in the greater Washington, DC-area, please forward this issue to them so that they can subscribe to this free enewsletter as well using the form on page 9 of this enewsletter to subscribe to our print magazine.

You can also connect with Washington Gardener online at: • Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com • Washington Gardener Discussion Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonGardener/ • Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/washingtongardenermagazine • Washington Gardener Web Site: www.washingtongardener.com Sincerely, Kathy Jentz Editor/Publisher Washington Gardener Magazine

Reader Contest

For our February 2010 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, Washington Gardener is giving away two sets of four passes each to Orchids Galore! at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, VA. Orchids Galore! runs from March 12 - April 10. More than 2,000 orchids will make an appearance, including 500 museum quality specimens. This is one of the largest collections of orchids on public, daily display in the Mid-Atlantic; a rare opportunity to view orchids not seen outside of private collections. See the latest color breakthrough – red orchids!

To enter to win one of the two set of four passes (valued at $40), send an email to WashingtonGardener@rcn.com by 5:00pm on February 30 with “Orchids Galore” in the subject line and tell us: what is your favorite orchid. In the body of the email, please also include your full name and mailing address. The winner will be announced and notified by March 2.

Current Issue

Our Winter 2010-11 magazine issue is now out, mailed, and in area book stores such as Politics & Prose.

To subscribe today and start with this issue, see page 9 of the enewsletter.

The cover story is on Paths & Walkways. We explore the effect and impact of different path styles on your garden and your garden’s visitors.

Looking over hundreds of photos of garden paths to pick out our cover image made for a bad case of cabin fever. It was hard not wish spring was here this very minute.

You’ll also find in this issue: • A DayTrip to the Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore, MD • Elegant Edgeworthia (Paperbush) • Create an Easy, Fragrant Indoor Spring Garden with Bulbs • Growing and Cooking Kohlrabi • Native Partridgeberry • Houseplant Repotting Tips • Best Blueberry Varieties for the MidAtlantic • Fighting Scale Insects • A Profile of the three Local Chapters of the Azalea Society • 10 Top Plant Picks for 2011 • An Interview with Famed Herbalist Jim Duke and much, much more...

To subscribe, see the page 9 of this newsletter for a form to mail in or go to www.washingtongardener.com/index_ files/subscribe.htm and use our PayPal credit card link.

Quick Links to Recent Washington Gardener Blog Posts • Love Lies Bleeding or the Nun’s Whipping Rope • Garden Photo Contest Winners Announced!

• A Tattered Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day • USNA Azalea and Boxwood Collections Get Reprieve • Video: How to Kill an Orchid See more Washington Gardener Blog posts at WashingtonGardener.Blogspot.com.

Spotlight Special

Nymphaea ‘Black Princess’ Free flowering hardy waterlily that is deep-red flowers with hints of black.

This lily represented a break through in waterlily color. (US plant patent #9662).

Great plant for any size pond. The demand is high for this water lily and it is difficult to keep sufficient stock. It is worth mentioning that the center petals will burn in the Deep South.

Dark red petals the first day; second day inner petals turn much darker; by third day all inner petals are almost black. Sepal color is reddish purple.

Inner and outer anthers are dark green.

Stamen color: Purple. Flower shape is cup-like changing to Peony-shaped.

The first day blooms are held 6-8" above the water surface providing a lovely reflection on the surface. Slight pleasant fragrance. Approximately 38 petals. New leaves are purple and after a few weeks change to olive green.

Hybridized and introduced by Perry D. Slocum in 1995. ‘Black Princess’ is newly available from Lilypons Water Gardens in Adamstown, MD or by mail order at www.lilypons.com.

Plant Facts:

Flower color: Dark red to almost black Flower size: 5-6" Overall spread: 3-6' Leaf size: 8-9" Rhizome: Marliac Light: Full sun Recommended container size: 7.5 qts or larger.

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February Garden To-Do List

Here is our comprehensive garden task list for gardens in the greater DC metro region for February 16-March 15. Your additions to this list are most welcome: • Cut some branches (forsythia, quince, bittersweet, redbud, willow, witch hazel, etc.) for forcing indoors into bloom.

• Put suet out for birds.

• Keep bird feeders filled and provide a source of water.

• Check outside plants and trees for animal (deer) damage.

• Mist indoor plants and set up pebble trays to increase humidity.

• Rejuvenate holly bushes and boxwood with a hard pruning.

• Plan landscape design projects.

• Check evergreens for sign of desiccation.

• Keep ice melting chemicals away from garden beds. Use coarse sand instead.

• Prune any dead or diseased wood off trees and shrubs.

• Fertilize trees, shrubs, and evergreens.

• Prune roses.

• Begin tilling vegetable beds (when the earth is dry enough to work - mot muddy) and work in compost.

• Plant or transplant trees or shrubs including berries, roses, and evergreens.

• Apply pre-emergent weed control such as corn gluten.

• Protect tender plants by covering them with some type of cloth material, if an unusually cold day or night is forecast. Be sure to uncover them when it warms up.

• Weed.

• Trim ornamental grasses such as liriope, mondo, and pampas.

• Divide overgrown or crowded perennials such as daylily and shasta daisy.

• Scan houseplants for insect activity.

• Dust your house plants with a slightly damp cloth.

• Clear out perennial beds of any dead plant parts and debris.

• Clean and organize the garden shed.

• Clean, sharpen, and oil the tools. If not done last Fall.

• Walk your yard and check plants and bulbs for heaving and place them back into the ground. Cover with more mulch to prevent further heaving.

• Apply dormant oil spray to ornamentals and fruit trees before dormancy breaks.

• Check and tune-up power equipment (mowers and trimmers).

• Build garden furniture.

• Spread new gravel on paths.

• Mulch bare areas.

• Design new beds and gardens.

• Pick up new gardening books and magazines for inspiration.

• Start seedling indoors under grow lights. Some good choices to start early are peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, onions, beets, turnips, cabbage, kale, and leeks.

• Put up trellises and tee pees for peas and beans to climb on.

• Direct sow early, cool season crops as soon as ground soil can be worked. Good choices are peas, lettuces, mustards, onion sets, kale, and cabbages.

• Start or turn your compost pile.

• Do an annual soil test and amend soils as recommended.

• Check for snow damage. Gently brush off snow weight, if you must. But better to let snow melt off on its own.

• Have a wonderful 2011 growing season!

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2011 Washington Gardener Magazine All rights reserved.

Do wn to La st F EW

Sea 5th Annual Washington Gardener Philadelphia Flower Show Tour ts Organized by Garden Tours

Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 10:00AM-10:00PM Leaving and returning from downtown Silver Spring, MD

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world. The theme for 2011 is “Springtime in Paris.” Join us for a visit to the beautiful City of Light – the capital of art, fashion, food and love.

A blooming “Springtime in Paris” will greet guests with idyllic park scene along the Seine. Flowering trees, lilacs, roses, and borders of lavender will lead visitors through gardens inspired by the Tuileries. In the distance, a daring Moulin Rouge atmosphere will pulse with cabaret performances, spectacular flower sculptures, and carousel topiaries. Participate in the Lectures and Demonstrations series, Gardener’s Studio, and All-Star Culinary Presentations. First-time and returning riders will enjoy the personalized and welcoming details of our coach service.

Kathy and Cheval are looking forward to seeing you on our fun ride.

Schedule for the day: • 10:00AM coach leaves downtown Silver Spring with lunch, games, and DVD viewing en route • 12:45-7:15PM Explore Philadelphia Flower Show ~ dinner on your own • 7:30PM Coach departs Philadelphia Convention Center with snacks, games, and DVD showing onboard • 10:00PM Coach arrives at downtown Silver Spring This tour package includes: 1. Charter Passenger Coach - reserved seating and storage under the bus 2. Choice of Gourmet Box Lunch on the way up to the show 3. Snacks for the return trip 4. Listing of nearby restaurants for dinner on your own at the show 5. Information package on the show which will assist in prioritizing your day 6. Two Garden DVD showings 7. Admission to the show 8. Convenient drop-off and pick-up at downtown Silver Spring, MD 9. Lively show and garden discussions led by Washington Gardener’s Kathy Jentz 10. Surprises and prizes.

To register, please use the form below. (One form per person.)



Name _______________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ Phone number________________________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________________ Name of seatmate_____________________________________________________ We will try to seat groups together, but cannot guarantee group seating.

Name of group _______________________________________________________

Fee: $95.00 each $90.00 each for Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers

Check/money order #_______ ~ Please make payable to “Cheval’s 2nd Act” Send this registration form along with your payment to: Garden Tours, 8000 N Park St, Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Registration deadline: March 1, 2011

Full refund if canceled by February 5. $40 refunded until February 28.

No refunds after March 5.

Questions?

Cheval Opp at 703.395.1501 Gardentours@gmail.com www.WashingtonGardener.com

arden Gtours

Brought to you by:

&

If you’ve never been to the Philadelphia Flower Show, this is your opportunity to escape from the last of winter’s cold winds and experience a garden paradise. Walk through floral wonderlands, take notes at one of WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2011 Washington Gardener All rights reserved. the many workshops, enjoy new plants on display, and shop the vendors’ tempting arrayMagazine of goodies.

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DC-Area Gardening Calendar~Upcoming Events~February 16-March 15, 2011 Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center

975 Indian Landing Rd Millersville, MD 21108 410.222.3822 or 443.871.0700 www.aacc.edu/environment/default.cfm • Tuesday, February 10 & 17, March 3 & 10, 6-9p.m Saturdays: February 26, 9am-1pm, March 12, 2011 9am-3pm RAIN GARDEN AND ENVIRONMENTAL SITE DESIGN Instructors: Anne Guillette, Low Impact Design Studio, Vernon Hustead, Sigma Engineering, and Erik Michelsen, South River Federation Topics include: Site Assessment, Designing for maximum performance in difficult locations, Permitting, Construction, and Maintenance. This class will include two hands-on field days including the design and installation of a rain garden. Professional landscape experience is required.

• Tuesday, February 8, 15, 22 and March 1, 6-9pm SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Instructor: Lesley Riddle, CPH, ISA Certified Arborist, Assistant Director of Public Works, City of Greenbelt, Maryland Topics Include: Plant Health Care (PHC), reducing fertilizers and pesticides, soils and compost, and woody plant maintenance.

Brookside Gardens

1800 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902 301.962.1400 www.brooksidegardens.org • Monday, February 21, 8:00pm MEADOWSCAPING IN URBAN AND SUBURBAN SPACES Silver Spring Garden Club hosts this talk.

Catherine Zimmerman, author of the newly released book Urban & Suburban Meadows and sustainable landscape designer, will introduce meadowscaping as a lawn alternative. Do away with pesticide-ridden, manicured, water thirsty, monoculture lawns and restore your land to a beautiful, natural habitat for native plants and wildlife. Join the movement toward making natural landscapes the new landscaping norm!

The Silver Spring Garden Club’s meeting is free and open to the public. The Silver Spring Garden Club dues are just $10 per year per household.

• Friday, February 25 ANNUAL GREEN MATTERS SYMPOSIUM This year’s theme, Real Food Renaissance, will focus on the growing number of local, regional and national grassroots efforts to encourage Americans to eat “Real Food.”

From public gardens to local government 4

and nonprofit groups advancing change in our local food systems to high profile chefs committed to changing the way we eat and think about where our food comes from, we’re experiencing a culinary renaissance. Speakers include: ~ The Real Food Renaissance and Public Horticulture, Mark Richardson, Brookside Gardens ~ How Did Our Gardens Grow? Phil Normandy, Brookside Gardens ~ The Food Not Eaten, Jonathan Bloom, Author, American Wasteland ~ Renaissance and Revolution: Why Growing Our Own Food Is Essential to Freedom Gordon Clark, Montgomery Victory Gardens ~ Montgomery County Commission on Health, Wendy Friar, Holy Cross Hospital ~ Cooking from the Heart (and inspiring others to do the same),, Carla Hall, Alchemy by Carla Hall Registration fee: $89 Register online at www.ParkPASS.org for course #127799.

• Friday, March 11, 10:00-1:00pm OR Saturday, March 12, 10:00-1:00pm RAIN GARDEN WORKSHOP Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Staff Transform your yard into a natural ecosystem to help soil capture and filter rainwater. Learn the techniques to evaluate your yard and create a rain garden that uses native plants and enhanced soils to create a watershed-friendly garden full of beauty and life. Develop a planting plan and materials list to create your garden and learn about the County’s rebate program to assist with funding your project. Please bring a bag lunch or snack, if you’d like.

Course number 130103, Fee: $10.

Casey Trees

3030 12th Street NE Washington, DC 20017 202.833.4010 www.caseytrees.org • Saturday, February 26, 9:00am-2:00pm STAND UP FOR TREES Instructors: Maisie Hughes, Director of Planning and Design, Casey Trees Shawn Walker, Urban Forestry Instructor, Casey Trees Take action and advocate for trees in your community. You will learn what tools are available through the District’s municipal services, then hear success stories and receive advice from community members who have on the ground experience in effectively increasing tree canopy in their neighborhoods. Workshop format will include action plans.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Fee: Free

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2011 Washington Gardener Magazine All rights reserved.

* Wednesday, March 2, 6:30-9:00pm DESIGNING TREES IN THE ENVIRONMENT Instructors: Andrew Wilson, Director of Garden Design Studies at the London College of Garden Design Andrew Fisher Tomlin, Landscape Designer in the United Kingdom.

From a distinctly European perspective our two lecturers will look at the pressures of designing trees into our urban environments, including gardens and public spaces, today and in the future; what we should be planting, and how we can meet the needs of trees in the future.

A light dinner will be provided.

Fee: Free • Saturday, March 5, 9:00am-4:00pm TREE PLANTING Instructors: Jim Woodworth, Director of Tree Planting, Casey Trees Shawn Walker, Urban Forestry Instructor, Casey Trees Learn to select and prepare a tree planting site, chose appropriate species for the site, and properly plant the tree to ensure survival. We cover the technique critical to maintaining urban tree health, including mulching, watering and pruning. The service component consists of community tree planting and maintenance projects.

Students from this Tree Planting class are encouraged to volunteer their time to help Casey Trees plant trees around the District. These students are asked to be leaders at community tree planting events and to plant with untrained volunteers.

Location: Raymond A. DuFour (athletic) Center, The Catholic University of America (intersection of Taylor Street, NE and John McCormack Road, NE) Fee: Free

Environmental Film Fest www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org

•March 15-27, various dates/times 19TH ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL The Enviro Film Fest will present 150 documentary, narrative, animated, archival, experimental and children’s films selected to provide fresh perspectives on environmental issues facing our planet.

The critical connections between energy and the environment are a major theme of the 2011 Festival, which features cinematic work from 40 countries and 78 Washington, DC, United States and world premieres. Fifty-five filmmakers and 94 special guests will discuss their work at the Festival.

Area gardeners will be especially interested in A Community of Gardeners, which celebrates seven urban community gardens in Washington, DC, and America’s Sustainable Garden: United States Botanic

DC-Area Gardening Calendar~Upcoming Events~February 16-March 15, 2011 Garden introduces its newest outdoor garden, The National Garden. Four films on the Chesapeake Bay include The Runoff Dilemma, examining the effect of agricultural nutrient runoff on the Bay

Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Road Alexandria, Virginia 22312 703.642.5173 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/

• Saturday, February 26, 8:30am-4pm 7TH ANNUAL ECOSAVVY GARDENING SYMPOSIUM Green Spring Master Gardeners are committed to showing homeowners and gardening professionals how to make a difference in the health of our environment.

This symposium brings together experts to share practical information on environmental issues. Code: 290 188 5501, Fee: $50. Call site by February 18 to order a vegetarian or nonvegetarian lunch for $12.

• Sunday, February 27, 1:30-3pm GOING GREEN IN THE GARDEN Let’s welcome our favorite entomologist, Dr. Mike Raupp from the University of Maryland, as he teaches us how to deal with pests effectively, without hurting ourselves, our pets and our kids. What products are safe and effective, neutral or good for the environment? Dr. Raupp has plenty to say. Book sale and signing to follow. $10. Program code: 290 188 4101.

• Saturday, March 5, 9:30am-12noon WORKSHOP: PRUNING FOR THE HOMEOWNER Learn how to skillfully prune shrubs and small trees to achieve a pleasing natural shape and abundant flowering. Mary Olien, Green Spring’s Director, will demonstrate pruning concepts including formative pruning for young trees, proper pruning for older trees, how to create attractive hedges and methods for reducing overgrown shrubbery. After listening to pruning basics outlined in the lecture, gain confidence by joining the instructor outside for hands-on training. $30, program code: 290 188 4501.

• Sunday, March 6, 1:30-3pm ENERGY-WISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN Learn how to design your landscape to save energy and contribute to a healthier environment. Our landscapes are full of opportunities to reduce our energy consumption. Most involve little or no cost, some will actually save you money. Come find out how from Sue Reed , a landscape architect with years of ecological design experience! Book sale and signing to follow. $10, program code: 290 188 4201.

• Sunday, March 13, 1:30-3pm THE KING’S GARDENER History comes alive as you meet America’s

first botanist, John Bartram, a traveler, collector and father of the nursery industry in the original 13 colonies. Kirk Brown, as John Bartram, takes us back to a time when the new field of plant discovery and identification lead to the development of America’s first public gardens. Bartram’s humor, passion and achievements come alive as he shares his historical perspective and hopes for the future. Afterwards meet the speakers and enjoy refreshments. $10, program code: 290 188 4301.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden 1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 202.965.0400 www.tudorplace.org

• Tuesday, March 15, 1pm TUESDAY TEAS AT TUDOR PLACE Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at Tudor Place! Sample a traditional Victorian tea complete with tea sandwiches, scones, delicious desserts and historic tea blends.

After the tea join docents for guided tour through the 1816 historic mansion.

Members: $20; Nonmembers: $25

United States Botanic Garden Conservatory 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 202.225.8333 www.usbg.gov

• Saturday, February 26, 11:00am-3:00pm SMITHSONIAN ORCHID EXHIBIT FAMILY DAY Museum goers of all ages are invited to explore the world of orchids at the Orchid Exhibit Family Day. Smithsonian Gardens, the National Museum of Natural History and the U.S. Botanic Garden offer a funfilled day of free activities in conjunction with the exhibition, “Orchids: A View From The East.” Visitors can even pot their own orchid to take home. Orchid experts from the Smithsonian and the USBG will be available all day to answer questions and tell visitors about unique plants from their collections that will be on display for this one day only.

Location: Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History FREE: No pre-registration required.

• Saturday, March 12 Tour Times: 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1pm. or 1:30pm U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN PRODUCTION FACILITY OPEN HOUSE Only once each year does the USBG invite the public to see its growing facility, the largest greenhouse complex supporting a public garden in the United States. The site, completed in 1994, includes 85,000 square-feet under glass, divided into 34

greenhouse bays and 16 environmental zones. In addition to foliage and nursery crops, participants will see all of the USBG collection not currently on display, including orchids, medicinal plants, insectivorous plants and rare and endangered species. Register for one of the tour times to meet the growers, ask questions and wander through this working wonderland of plants.

Location: USBG Production Facility (directions provided after registration) Friends: FREE; Non-members: $5 Pre-registration required, call (202) 2251116.

US National Arboretum 3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, D. C. 20002-1958 202.245.2726 www.usna.usda.gov

• Saturday, March 26, 8:30am-3:00pm 25TH ANNUAL LAHR NATIVE PLANT SYMPOSIUM AND PLANT SALE Speakers include: ~ Allan Armitage, renowned researcher, award-winning writer, speaker, and teacher ~ Cole Burrell, author, garden-designer, lecturer, founder of Native Landscape Design and Restoration ~ Scott LaFleur, director of New England Wildflower Garden, conservationist, native plant advocate ~ Sylvan Kaufman, ecologist, evolutionary biologist, owner of Sylvan Green Earth Consulting ~ Carole Ottesen, garden designer, photographer, author of books on native plant gardening ~ Jeremy West, manager, Natural Resources Conservation Service’s National Plant Materials Center NOTE that this year the symposium and plant sale will be held at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) as the arboretum’s administration building is under renovation. Registration information will be available February 1 at www.usna. usda.gov.

Symposium participante get early access to the native plant sale. The general public may attend just the plant sale for free afterwards.

Event Listing Notes

To submit an event for this listing, please contact: Wgardenermag@aol.com and put “Event” in the email subject head. Our next deadline is March 12 for the March 15 edition of this enewsletter featuring events from March 16-April 15.

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2011 Washington Gardener Magazine All rights reserved.

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Growing Violets

by Kathy Jentz African Violets are one of the easiest houseplants to propagate and grow. Did you know that all you need to do to share is plant is to pull out a leaf? Just give it to a friend and they can start a new plant by simply inserting it into a pot of sterile soil.

Violets are also very inexpensive and readily available at local supermarkets. If you want more unusual colors and flower shapes, visit your local garden center.

The following is a quick list of dos and don’ts to have healthy violets of your own.

• Purchase plants in flower so you know what color and kind you are getting.

• Keep violets in small pots. They like to be kept tight and fairly root-bound.

• Be sure they are in a porous, sterile soil that is quick draining.

• Fertilize them twice monthly with a couple drops of liquid Violet food.

• Repot your plants regularly every six months to a year.

• Watch for signs of disease or insect damage.

• Promptly remove any damaged or dead leaves and flower stalks.

• Violets prefer bright, indirect light. Never put in strong sunlight.

• Do not expose them to temperatures below 60 degrees or above 80.

• Use room temperature water, not cold, and avoid getting any on the inner crown of the plant. Try to water the soil.

• It is okay to get the leaves wet, even encouraged to give them an occasional bath, just make sure the foliage is completely dry before placing it back in the light.

• Do not over water and do not allow the plant to stand in a saucer of water.

• One way to avoid over-watering is to plant your violets in a two-part ceramic pot specially made for them.

• Violets need ventilation, but avoid drafts and placing them near heat vents.

There are several local organizations for those who are addicted to African Violets. Two of the most active ones are the MidAtlantic African Violet Society (www.maavs.org) and the Old Dominion African Violet Society of Northern Virginia (www.odavs. com). They hold regular meetings which may include diagnosis for plant problems, member plant sales, and trading plantlets of unique violet varieties.

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WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2011 Washington Gardener Magazine All rights reserved.

 DAN THE GARDENER danthegardener@msn.com

Free estimates – Patios, walls, walkways, ponds and fountains.

One Hour Winter Garden Consultations Available We are now signing 2011 maintenance contracts and offering huge savings on winter landscape construction projects.

Senior Citizen, Military & Police Discounts!!!!!!

Our services offered are customized plans for your individual gardens, providing just those services you require: •

Bi-Monthly to monthly weeding visits

•

Perennial maintenance – division, dead-heading, placement

•

Custom landscape design services, what to plant, where to plant, winter interest

•

Bay friendly landscapes, natives, rain gardens and organic alternatives

•

Watering services when on vacation

•

Expert pruning – Rejuvenation, shaping, thinning

•

Unique mulching alternatives using recycled leaf & wood mulches, pine fines & pine needles

•

Garden coaching and training available

•

Traditional maintenance services are available - Monthly and Seasonal All phases of Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance New Plantings, Patios, Ponds, Fountains and Walls Many Industry and Trade Partners Landscapers, Stone Masons, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers Email and make an appointment with Dan Edwards today!

Dan Edwards, Former Licensed Tree Expert – Dept of Natural Resources – Former MHIC Licensed Contactor (Circa 1996) - Passed written Certified Professional Horticulturalist test & attending CCBC Dundalk Campus for an Associates in Horticulture - Many local MD references. 25+ years experience in the Landscape / Horticultural industry WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2011 Washington Gardener Magazine All rights reserved.

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MARCH/APRIL 2005 • Landscape DIY vs. Pro • Design an Herb Garden • Prevent Gardener’s Back • Ladew Topiary Gardens • Dandelions • Cherry Trees MAY/JUNE 2005 • Stunning Plant Combinations • Turning Clay into Rich Soil • Wild Garlic • Wisteria • Strawberries JULY/AUGUST 2005 • Water Gardens • Poison Ivy • Disguising a Sloping Yard • Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens • Edible Water Plants • Water Lilies SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005 • Container Gardens • Clematis Vines • Make Herbs & Vinegars • Sponge Gardening/Rain Gardens • 5 Insect Enemies of Gardeners NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 • Backyard Bird Habitats • Hellebores • Building a Coldframe • Gardening as Exercise • Bulb Planting Basics JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006 • Garden Decor Principles • Primroses • Tasty Heirloom Veggies • U.S. Botanic Garden • Start Annuals from Seed MARCH/APRIL 2006 • Top 10 Small Trees and Large Shrubs • Azaleas • Figs, Berries, & Persimmons • Oak Diseases • Basic Pruning Principles MAY/JUNE 2006 • Using Native Plants in Your Landscape • Crabgrass • Peppers • Secret Sources for Free Plants • Alternatives to Invasives 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 • Oatlands Plantation • Native Woodland Plants NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 • Horticultural Careers • Juniper Care Guide • Winter Squash Growing Tips and Recipes • Weed-free Beds with Layer/Lasagna Gardening JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 • Indoor Gardening • Daphne Care Guide • Asparagus Growing Tips and Recipes • Houseplant Propagation MARCH/APRIL 2007 • Stormwater Management • Dogwood Selection & Care Guide • Early Spring Vegetable Growing Tips • Franciscan Monastery Bulb Gardens MAY/JUNE 2007 • Roses: Easy Care Tips • Native Roses & Heirloom Roses • Edible Flowers • How to Plant a Bare-root Rose JULY/AUGUST 2007 • Groundcovers: Alternatives to Turfgrass • How to Pinch, Prune, & Dead-head • A Trip to the William Paca House & Gardens • Hardy Geraniums SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 • Succulents: Hardy to our Region • Drought-tolerant Natives • Southern Vegetables • Seed Saving Savvy Tips

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• The National Garden on its First Anniversary • Building a Bay-Friendly Garden NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 • Gardening with Children • Kid-Friendly Vegetables • Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics • National Museum of the American Indian • Versatile Viburnums JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 • Dealing with Deer • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics • Delightful Daffodils MARCH/APRIL 2008 • Patio, Balcony, and Rooftop Container Gardens • Our Favorite Garden Tools • Coral Bells (Heucheras) • Brookside’s Phil Normandy • Japanese-style Garden MAY/JUNE 2008 — ALMOST SOLD OUT! • Growing Great Tomatoes • Glamorous Gladiolus • Seed Starting Basics • Flavorful Fruiting Natives • Build a Better Tomato Cage • Restored Gardener’s House at Mount Vernon JULY/AUGUST 2008 • Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses • Edible Grasses to Graze On • Slug and Snail Control • Sage Advice: Sun-loving Salvias • Richmond’s Treasure — Maymont’s Gardens SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 • Autumn Edibles — What to Plant Now • Ladybug Lore • Beguiling Barrenworts (Epimediums) • The 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, and Vines • 5 Top Tips for Overwintering Tender Bulbs • Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick • A Daytrip to Tudor Place JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 • Compost Happens: Nature’s Free Fertilizer • Managing Stormwater with a Rain Garden • Visiting Virginia’s State Arboretum • Grow Winter Hazel for Gorgeous Winter Color MARCH/APRIL 2009 • 40+ Free and Low-cost Local Garden Tips • Spring Edibles Planting Guide for the Mid-Atlantic • Testing Your Soil for a Fresh Start • Redbud Tree Selection and Care • Best Local Viewing Spots for Virginia Bluebells MAY/JUNE 2009 • Top 12+ Easy Summer Annuals for DC Heat • Salad Table Project • Grow and Enjoy Eggplant • How to Chuck a Woodchuck from Your Garden SUMMER 2009 • Grow Grapes in the Mid-Atlantic • Passionflowers • Mulching Basics • What’s Bugging Your Tomatoes • Growing Hops 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 • Visit to Riversdale House 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

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2011 Washington Gardener Magazine All rights reserved.

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Washington Gardener Magazine’s DayTrip columns compiled into one handy publication — available soon in both paper and e-book versions. Great gift idea!

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SPRING 2011 Cutting Edge Garden Design

Visit to Dumbarton Oaks

An Inspirational Before & After

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Magazine Excerpt: Elegant Edgeworthia by Kate Tyndall

As big a fan as I am of winter gardens, it is a thorn in my side that my own garden, due to a shortage of space, lacks a paperbush. This deciduous shrub has numerous attributes, but it is as a winter-flowering plant that it wins the most attention from gardeners. Once the weather turns shivery, the paperbush’s nascent buds begin growing, rapidly swelling in size on the shrub’s bare branches like so many plump little packages. I think the burgeoning buds resemble nothing so much as a Victorian pouf just before they burst open into a cluster of yellow- (or orange-) tipped tubular white flowers that dangle from the branches and sway in the slightest breeze.

The paperbush, more formally known as Edgeworthia chrysantha, is a Daphne relative, but nowhere near as fussy as that shrub, which has broken the heart of many a gardener with its propensity for sudden death. The paperbush’s generic name honors English botanist Michael Pakenham Edgeworth, who collected E. chrysantha in the Himalayas while working for the East India Company. E. chrysantha is but one of two definite species in the genus — the other being E. gardneri, which is similar in appearance to its cousin, though evergreen, and is rarely commercially available. While you might have to do a bit of looking if you want to plant a paperbush in your garden, fortunately for gardeners, more and more nurseries are stocking E. chrysantha (syn. E. papyrifera). Though there is some argument in botanical circles that E. papyrifera is a separate species, it looks remarkably similar to E. chrysantha to this gardener and, generally speaking, if it’s a paperbush you’re after, as long as it’s labeled E. papyrifera or E. chrysantha, buy it.

Native to China and the Himalayas, the paperbush’s flaky, reddish-brown bark was used to make paper and is still used today in the production of Japanese currency. Papermaking aside, the shrub’s bark is one of its many handsome features. The new twigs are so flexible that they can be tied in a knot, giving rise to another of the shrub’s common names, knot plant. In the garden, the paperbush is prized not only for its highly fragrant winter flowers, but also for its lovely, low, multi-branched habit and ability to handle partial shade...

Want to learn more about growing Edgeworthia in our area? Read the rest of this PlantProfile column in the Winter 2010-11 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine.

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