READERreactions

Reader Contest

For our June 2022 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, we are giving away three tree watering rings (one each to three different winners). The prize value is $20. Avoid overwatering or underwatering trees and shrubs with IKE’S TREE WATERING RING, designed for deep root saturation with little runoff. Constructed from a heavy-duty PVC, UV-treated material to withstand the elements, it provides continuous and even water distribution and saturation, giving parched trees exactly what they need—and nothing more—while giving yourself more time to tackle other tasks. IKE’s offers professional-grade products that deliver exactly what you need at a cost that doesn’t break the bank. Created right here in the United States, IKE’s lawn and garden chemicals, fabrics, watering solutions, pond care, and ice melt products give you the freedom to grow your self-driven ambition into something greater. For more information, visit www. ikesproducts.com. To enter to win one of the three tree watering rings, send an email by 5:00pm on June 30 to WashingtonGardenerMagazine@gmail.com with “Tree Ring” in the Subject line and in the body of the email. Tell us what your favorite article was in this issue and why. Please include your full name and mailing address. Winners will be announced and notified on/about July 1. o

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

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.

May 2022 Feedback

My favorite article in the May 2022 issue is about Malabar spinach. I am trying it for the first time this year and was happy to learn more about it. I am growing it in a pot with a tee-pee over it so it could climb. Thank you. The whole magazine is very informative. ~ Joanna Protz, Lynch Station, VA

My favorite article in the May 2022 issue was the one about the Mormon Temple, because I went a few weeks ago and noticed the grounds. As I walked around, I was thinking that they did a good job of taking care of their trees and shrubs, so it was nice to see a mention of the landscaping in your article. ~ Wendy Bell, Takoma Park, MD

A great issue [May 2022]! Loved the two complementary articles about the greening of UDC and the contest and collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands concerning the Urban Gardening Challenge. I knew nothing about either topic, but I always despaired when visiting UDC law school over the years [about] the brutalist architecture and lack of integration with the surrounding residential area and Rock Creek Park. And the Netherlands Embassy is the perfect partner for anything to do with integrating plants, nature, and sustainability into urban life. Flowers and plants are celebrated there, are wonderfully inexpensive; and literally on every table everywhere throughout the year. ~ Nina Bang-Jensen, Chevy Chase, MD

My favorite article in the May 2022 issue was “Early-Flowering Bulbs for Bees.” I am trying to attract more bees and butterflies to my yard and this told me how to get the bees into my yard early in the growing season. ~ Carol Yemola, Drums, PA

My favorite article in the May 2022 issue was the interview with Peter Van Zalk. It is fun to read the varied paths that can lead people to and from distant places. And his smile indicates he has enjoyed the journey. ~ John Rebstock, Cheverly, MD

My favorite article in the May 2022 issue is “The Song Sparrow,” because I enjoy the smaller birds, especially those who sing. ~ Phyllis Downey, Pasadena, MD o