Washington Gardener January 2019 by Kathy J

JANUARY 2019 VOL. 13 NO. 11

WWW.WASHINGTONGARDENER.COM

WASHINGTON W WAS ASHINGTO

gardener

tthe magazine for gardening enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region

8 New Garden Trends for 2019 Year of the Dahlia

Your Garden Task List Dealing with Pesky Critters Humanely DC-MD-VA Gardening Events Calendar

Curtailing the Colorado Potato Beetle Top Tips for Success with Cool-Season Edible Gardens

under the spell of

Witch Hazel

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. Haven’s Natural Brew Tea conditions the soil so your plant’s root system can better absorb nutrients needed to build a strong, healthy root base. The manure tea can also be applied to compost piles to accelerate the composting process.

Order some today at: www.manuretea.com

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RESOURCESsourc

Need a Garden Club Speaker?

Washington Gardener Magazine’s staff and writers are available to speak to groups and garden clubs in the greater DC region. Call 301.588.6894 or email KathyJentz@gmail.com for available dates, rates, and topics.

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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INSIDEcontents

FEATURES and COLUMNS

If you want dahlias to bloom as early as possible, you can start tubers indoors in good light about a month before planting time. By starting early, you could have a small plant ready to transplant at planting time. Most dahlias have to be staked to avoid falling over at maturity. Best practice is placing the stake before planting to avoid damaging the tuber and roots system. Tomato cages and rebar can also be a simple approach to staking.

Dahlia Dream Fantasy from the National Garden Bureau.

One of the first plants to bloom in our Mid-Atlantic gardens each year is the Witch Hazel. The fragrance of the blooms is a welcome bonus pf growing the shrub in your garden. The scent is often described as spicy and citrus-like.

A Colorado potato beetle larva on its favorite food: a potato leaf. Photo by Peggy Greb.

BOOKreviews 8 Gardens of Bunny Mellon; Homegrown and Handpicked EDIBLEharvest 9 Cool-Season Garden Tips GREENliving 22 Humanely Repel Garden Pests INSECTindex 20 Colorado Potato Beetle NEIGHBORnetwork 21 Snip, Snap, Sauté NEWPLANTspotlight 11 Tomato Fire Fly F1 PLANTprofile 12-13 Witch Hazels PHILLYflowershow 24 Trip Details and Sign-up Form PHOTOcontest 5 Rules for 2019 Submissions SEEDexchanges 14-15 2019 Dates and Details SPECIALfeature 16-18 2019 Garden Trends TIPStricks 10 Dahlias; Soluble Salts in Compost; Biophilia DC

DEPARTMENTS

ADVERTISINGindex BLOGlinks EDITORletter GARDENcontest LOCALevents MONTHLYtasklist NEXTissue READERreactions RESOURCESsources

23 11 4 6 18-19 11 3 6 2

ON THE COVER

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia) ‘Diane’.

In our February issue:

Insect Repellents and much more . . .

If your business would like to reach area gardeners, be sure to contact us by February 5 so you can be part of the next issue of our growing publication! Be sure you are subscribed! JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

EDITORletter

Credits Kathy Jentz Editor/Publisher & Advertising Sales Washington Gardener 826 Philadelphia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-588-6894 kathyjentz@gmail.com www.washingtongardener.com Call today to place your ad with us! Ashley O’Connor Intern Ruth E. Thaler-Carter Proofreader Cover price: $4.99 Back issues: $6.00 Subscription: $20.00 Address corrections should be sent to the address above.

Your editor at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA. Photo by Robert Alonso.

Fighting to Stay Positive This has been a tough start to 2019, with the loss of two neighborhood friends. One had lived a long, full life and nearly reached 100 years old. The other was taken suddenly by cancer in the prime of her life. It is hard to process the news and deal with the grief steps. Keeping busy and channeling my energy into a creative outlet helps. I am in the middle of planning both of our upcoming Seed Exchanges, running the Garden Photo Contest, and promoting our two trips to the Philadelphia Flower Show. I am also working on a new webinar series for local gardeners that I hope to launch in March. I also try to think about what these two generous individuals would want their legacies to be. They both would want us to focus on celebrating life and beautifying our community. The beginnings of a memorial garden planting are starting to form in the back of my mind. Meanwhile, I look toward spring, which is less than 60 days away, yet feels like it is still so far off. I do see tiny signs in the garden of the buds forming, roots expanding, and sap rising. This morning came the news that a Witch Hazel ‘Jelena’ is already blooming in a reader’s garden in Chevy Chase, MD. Spring was also sprung at a few of our local public gardens and that is another solace for my soul. I visited the conservatory at Brookside Gardens this past weekend and it is chock-full of snapdragons, pansies, and allysum in cheery tones. Soon enough, many of those same cool-season annual flowers will be blooming in my own home garden! Happy gardening,

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

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

• Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com • Washington Gardener Archives: http://issuu.com/washingtongardener • Washington Gardener Discussion Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ WashingtonGardener/ • Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Facebook Page: facebook.com/ • Washington Gardener Youtube: www.youtube.com/washingtongardenermagazine

• Washington Gardener Store: www.amazon.com/shop/wdcgardener

• Washington Gardener is a womanowned business. We are proud to be members of: · GardenComm (GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators) · Green America Magazine Leaders Network · Green America Business Network Volume 13, Number 11 ISSN 1555-8959 © 2019 Washington Gardener All rights reserved. Published quarterly. 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.

You’ve seen those gorgeous garden photos published in magazines and newspapers. Enter this year’s competition and have a chance of getting your images published, too! Whether you take the photos in your own backyard, a nearby public garden, or while visiting friends and family in their local gardens, there are so many photographic opportunities to be found. Let’s show off the best in DC-area gardening! This contest offers an opportunity for all photographers to present their best shots of gardens in the greater Washington, DC, area. Contest entries will be judged on technical quality, composition, originality, and artistic merit. More than $500 in prizes will be awarded! Winning images will be published in Washington Gardener magazine, displayed during the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange, and appear in a local photo exhibit.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Each entrant is limited to a total of 10 images. Each electronic file must be identified with your last name and entry category. For example, GardenCreature1-Jones.jpg or SmallWonders8.-Smithjpg. All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared in the viewfinder. Nothing should be added to an image and, aside from dust spots, nothing should be removed. Cropping and minor adjustments to electronic images to convert RAW files are acceptable. If an image is selected as a finalist, a high-resolution digital file might be required before finalizing our results. Digitally captured images should be taken at the camera’s highest resolution (3 megapixels or larger). For preliminary judging, digital files must be submitted in JPEG format sized to 1,000 pixels on the longest side at 300 dpi. If photos are taken with a film camera, they must be scanned in and submitted in JPEG format sized to 1,000 pixels on the longest side at 300 dpi. Contest entries can be submitted via email to DCGardenPhotos@aol. com. Use the subject line “WG Photo Contest” and include an entry form for each image in your email’s text field.

13TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST Entries can also be sent as a CDROMs. Please verify their integrity by making sure they are readable and not damaged. We reserve the right to disqualify any disk that is unreadable or defective. Please check your CDs with the latest virus-detection software. We will disqualify any disk that appears to contain a virus or a suspicious file. Label each CD and case with your full name. We strongly suggest mailing CDs in protective cases. We are not responsible for disks damaged during shipping. No CDs will be returned, but they can be picked up after judging. Send your entries and entry fee to: Washington Gardener Photo Contest, 826 Philadelphia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Mailed entries must be received by January 22, 2019. You can print out blank entry forms from the Washington Gardener blog (WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com) or from our Facebook page. We will verify all entries so please ensure your email address is included on all items. Entrants must not infringe on the rights of any other photographer, landowner, or other person. Photos involving willful harassment of wildlife or destruction of any property are unacceptable. The entrant must have personally taken the photo. By entering, you state this is your work and it is free of copyright elsewhere. Failure to comply with any contest guidelines will lead to disqualification.

category or submit all 10 in one category. Photos must have been taken during the 2017 calendar year in a garden located within a 150-mile radius of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. • Garden Views: Beautiful, dramatic, or unusual perspectives of a garden landscape, including wide shots showing the setting. Subject can be a private or public garden. • Garden Vignettes: Groupings of plants in beds or containers, unusual color or texture combinations, garden focal points, and still scenes. Subject can be photographed in a private or public garden. • Small Wonders: Tight close-up images or macro shots of single flowers, plant parts, fruits, vegetables, etc. Subject can be photographed in a private or public garden. • Garden Creatures: Images of insects, birds, frogs, pets, etc., in a private or public garden setting.

CONTEST ENTRY FEE

Your entry to this contest constitutes your agreement to allow your photographs and your name, city, state, and photo description texts to be published in upcoming issues of Washington Gardener and used for other related purposes including, but not limited to, Washington Gardener Photo Contest promotions and online, live presentations, and gallery exhibits. Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to future use of their photographs.

CATEGORIES

Each entrant is limited to a total of 10 images. You may submit a few in each

PRIZES

Prizes include gift certificates to area camera stores, gardening tools, new plant introductions, and much more! If you would like to be a prize donor or sponsor, contact us today.

WINNERS’ OBLIGATION

Photo contest winners will need to provide high-resolution versions of their images for publication and an 11x14 print suitable for framing. Winners may be asked to provide additional information for press and media coverage. The entry fee is $20.00 or $15.00 for current Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers. The fee includes up to 10 total image submissions per entrant. Please send a check or money order made out to “Washington Gardener” or send a payment via www.PayPal.com to DCGardenPhotos@aol.com.

DEADLINE

Entries are due by midnight on January 22, 2019.

QUESTIONS?

Please call 301.588.6894 or email DCGardenPhotos@aol.com. o JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

READERcontt

READERreactions

In this issue, our readers share their 2019 New Year Garden Resolutions. My new year resolution will be to be okay with not getting everything done in the garden. Works in progress are just fine. ~ René Johnson, Rockville, MD

Reader Contest

For our January 2019 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, Washington Gardener is giving away two passes to either of the Washington Gardener Seed Exchanges (prize value $40). The 14th Annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchanges, hosted by Washington Gardener Magazine, take place on January 26, 2019, at the Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, and on February 2, 2019, at Green Spring Gardens in Fairfax, VA. You have a choice of which side of the DC Beltway you want to visit! Seed Exchange attendees trade seeds, exchange planting tips, hear expert speakers, and collect goody bags full of gardening treats. The event also includes such “green” features as the garden book and catalog swap. Everyone will leave with a bag full of seeds and loads of gardening inspiration for the upcoming growing season. We will have a “best nametag” contest, so get crafty. See event details on pages 14–15 of this issue. Seed Exchange attendees are encouraged to bring their used or new garden books and seed catalogs to swap and share at this year’s event. We also ask you to bring your own water bottle or reusable mug and a home-made nametag. To enter to win the Seed Exchange Passes, send an email to WashingtonGardener@rcn.com by 5:00pm on Thursday, January 24, with “Seed Swap” in the subject line and in the body of the email. Tell us what you will be growing from seed in your garden this year. Please also include your full name and mailing address. The pass winners will be announced and notified on Friday, January 25. o 6

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

My resolution for my garden for 2019 is to find a reliable garden assistant to help me with the tasks I tend to put off. I’ll be soliciting suggestions! ~ Anne Hardman, Silver Spring, MD My resolution is to add more flowering plants for pollinators (especially butterflies), start my seed saving earlier (especially gifted seeds), and share some of my favorite seeds. ~ Art Narro. Woodbridge, VA My new year’s resolution for my garden will be to plant at least a quarter of my garden with annuals I have never tried before. I need new backgrounds for my bird and butterfly pictures! ~ Lilian Cerdeira, Rockville, MD My new year’s resolution is to use the mulch from my Montgomery County compost bin for the first time! I would like to add it to my raised vegetable garden bed and hope to have successful tomatoes this year. ~ Sonia Hudson, Silver Spring, MD Gardening resolution: increase my seed swapping with friends to have access to new blooms/plants! ~ Kathy Pongor, Savage, MD My new year’s garden resolution is to plant more bulbs, plant two new shrubs, and try to move some baby oak trees (nearly impossible!). ~ Joletta Humpert, Silver Spring, MD My resolution is to get my vegetable garden in earlier in the by using low row covers. ~ Barbara Waite-Jaques, Silver Spring, MD My new year’s resolution for my garden is to try rotating crops. For me, this means not planting tomatoes, peppers,

or tomatillos in at least one bed! Second resolution is to get a soil test. It’s something I hear a lot about, but have never done. ~ Jennifer Whalen, Silver Spring, MD My garden resolution for 2019 is to get petunias planted instead of relying only on volunteers again. ~ Debra Geraldy, address withheld My resolution for my garden is to incorporate more plants that provide greater year-round interest, particularly during the winter months. As primarily a vegetable and herb gardener, especially given the relatively long growing season, I have found that my garden needs a greater diversity of colors, shapes, and textures. Accordingly, I am trying to incorporate more evergreens, particularly those that are blue and yellow, into my landscape. Also, I have re-discovered sedges and other perennials, which provide another layer of contrasting colors. Finally, incorporating pansies in large mass displays will yield additional color and interest. ~ Jeff Malakoff, Arlington, VA My new year’s resolution for the garden is to go into my garden every day! I think a lot can be learned (and prevented!) through more consistent visits. ~ Stephanie Richard, Rockville, MD My resolution for my garden this coming year is to start fresh... This year’s garden is my healing garden and I am very excited for the season to come! ~ Jennifer Dudley, address withheld My new year’s resolution for the garden will be testing using chicken wire to cover my tulip bulbs in the hope that this will keep the rabbits and squirrels away. Come spring, I’ll have to devise a new technique for keeping rabbits from my hosta and other plants. I’ll test using repellent sprays before the rabbits appear as a preventive measure, rather than waiting for them to nibble away. (I think this year I applied repellent too late, so I was “shutting the barn door after the horse was out.”) ~ Betsy Crone, Washington, DC o

ON LY 5

SP OT S

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GARDEN BY DESIGN:

CREATIVE APPROACHES TO DIVERSE LANDSCAPES F R IDAY, FEBRUARY 22 , 2 0 1 9 | 8 A M - 4 P M Join industry experts as they explore creative design solutions that address the challenges and opportunities associated with diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a home gardener interested in creating biodiverse habitats for your backyard or a landscape architect designing a public space for community gatherings, you’ll walk away with new and practical strategies.

SEMINAR TOPICS Designing For Diverse Habitats Doug Tallamy, Professor & Chair, Department of Entomology & Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware The Garden City Today: Design For Healing Jack Sullivan, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland and Senior Associate, Campion Hruby Landscape Architects in Annapolis, Maryland Gardens Transformed: High Impact Design Solutions Sandra Youssef Clinton, President, Clinton & Associates Nature and Culture in Contest – How Contemporary Planting Design Plays an Old Game with New Rules Noel Kingsbury, Landscape Designer, International Author & Writer

REGISTER ONLINE ActiveMONTGOMERY.org (Course #40522) or call 301-962-1451 EARLY BIRD FEE: $85 p/person until January 11, 2019 STANDARD FEE: $99 p/person after January 12, 2019 * Registration includes light breakfast, coffee-tea & boxed lunch.

Silver Spring Civic Building 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD BrooksideGreen.org | 301-962-1451

JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

BOOKreviews

The Gardens of Bunny Mellon By Linda Jane Holden Photographs by Roger Foley Publisher: Vendome Press List Price: $60.00 Reviewer: Jim Dronenburg Bunny (Rachel Lambert) Mellon was born wealthy, but married one of the super-wealthy. They had residences here in Northern Virginia (Oak Spring Garden and Farm), Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Antigua, with gardens in each place (and staff to tend them.) Of these, and her work went beyond these, the most lovingly detailed here is Oak Spring, with around 150 of the book’s 303 pages allocated to it. There is also a short section about the rebuilding of Trinity Episcopal Church and its environs, funded by the Mellons. Bunny Mellon was also friends with the Kennedys. President Kennedy asked her to redesign the Rose Garden at the White House and the Jacqueline Kennedy garden (formerly the East Garden) of the White House. When President Kennedy was assassinated, Mrs. Kennedy asked Bunny to take charge of the flowers in the Rotunda, at the church, and at the grave site. Mellon later assisted with the plantings at the grave site and at the Kennedy Library. She was also a friend (as well as being a very good client) of Hubert de Givenchy. (She was on record as ordering 100 dresses—some, or all, of them being the same dress in different colors for different houses and 8

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

climates.) She was that kind of rich. When Givenchy acquired a “country house”—a 16th-century chateau— Mellon collaborated on those gardens, and when Givenchy retired as a couturier and became president of the World Monuments Fund France, he had her come in for the restoration of the Potager du Roi at Versailles. Mellon was never a designer who lived on the proceeds of her work; she was always wealthy. She had staff for all her gardens, although she also gardened herself. However, she studied design and had a very keen eye. What endears her to your reviewer is that she also was a fervent collector of early, rare botanical works. We are not talking a small, exquisite bookcase here; we are talking a botanical library of staggering scope for one person’s interest. The library is preserved and is a place for serious study. So are the gardens of Oak Spring. Mellon’s designs are definitively not modern. By today’s standards, her plant palette might be called limited— but the plants shown are impeccably designed and grown. And everything fits into a whole. It goes without saying, of course, that she did not scrounge for materials nor have the kind of budget limits that most people have. She could have what she wanted, and did. She was a “painter” gardener, rather than a “collector” gardener, although she collected, the overarching whole of a thing came first. In one garden (Nantucket, 210 acres), she planted trees that were destroyed by the wind; then other trees—ditto. Then she had an idea. She had previously used wooden “tree sculptures,” moved around, to firm up and finalize design before the actual trees went in. Fine: When living trees wouldn’t work, she put in tree sculptures. This is a coffee table book, large and heavy. The text makes for interesting reading, but the pictures are incredible. Of course, there is first-class material to work with, but almost all the pictures are gems. (The personal, historical photos, of course, sometimes leave a bit to be desired, but they do give the necessary context.) The book will probably not be of use to anyone trying to grow things (such as Mellon’s beloved topiar-

ies), but it certainly is an eye-opener for what can be done when you have as much judgment as you have money. The lessons of proportion and scale can be adapted to our lesser gardens. Ask your library to stock this book, and then take it out and read it. It will be well worth your time. o Jim Dronenburg is a retired accountant and now gardens full-time in Knoxville, MD.

Homegrown and Handpicked: A Year in a Gardening Life By Carol J. Michel Publisher: Gardenangelist Books List Price: $14.99 Reviewer: Erica H. Smith Humor is a strange and fickle beast, so I will begin by saying that while I have nothing but positive feelings about this collection of short essays by a charming and whimsical writer, I failed to laugh out loud while reading it. Maybe I’m just not in the mood for charm and whimsy. I did utter the occasional grunt of recognition, not completely unlike a laugh, such as when Michel suggests “Thanksgiving Day Dinner Conversation Starters for Gardeners,” including the widely differing family roots of potatoes and sweet potatoes, or shivers at a newspaper headline about “Top Mercury-Emitting Plants” before realizing that it means power plants, or describes the “universal gardener’s handshake” (clapping hands together to knock off dirt, followed by a stealthy

EDIBLEharvt backside wipe, followed by actual handshake). Any gardener, in fact, will feel some affinity with these well-written depictions of horticultural happenings. Michel grows everything from trees to pansies to zucchini; she buys too many plants; she’d rather mow the lawn than clean the house. I can relate! I’m not so sure about the reliance on garden fairies as a literary prop, but once she started blaming them for mysterious losses of tools and gloves that were right there a minute ago, I was nearly convinced. Sometimes (often) the charm and whimsy get to be too much, but let me point out “Club Hort” as the perfect blend of waggish and playful humor with excellent gardening advice (it’s about putting your houseplants outside for the summer)—and it’s not alone in the book at striking that balance. I know the main gift-giving season is just over, but everyone has birthdays and likes surprises; this book would be a great gift for a fellow gardener, or for that person in your life who doesn’t quite understand why you are so into gardening and so peculiar about it, or for yourself, for those days when charm and whimsy would be just the right flicker of light in the darkness. Ooh, gloomy. Maybe I need a visit to Club Hort myself. How long is it until May again? o Erica H. Smith is a Montgomery County Master Gardener whose volunteer activities include the MG Demonstration Garden, the Grow It Eat It program, and speaking engagements on food-growing topics.

Love Reading?

These books were reviewed by volunteer members of the Washington Gardener Reader Panel. We are looking for a few additional volunteers who live in the greater Washington, DC, region to serve on our Reader Panel. To join the Washington Gardener Volunteer Reader Panel, send an email with your name and address to: KathyJentz@gmail.com. o

Cool-Season Edible Gardening Tips By Kathy Jentz

Cool-season edible plants can be raised in the “shoulders” of our main growing season, which is May to September here in the MidAtlantic region. The shoulder seasons are February/March to May/ June and again in August/September to December. These quick tips should help you get a jump start on the next season. • Test your soil before you purchase amendments and other materials. Use an organic mulch such as straw. • Clay holds a lot of nutrients, but it has poor drainage. In general, you can get away with watering a lot less in the cool season. • For insulation, you can use cover cloths (row covers), cold frames, greenhouses, or hotbeds. Just make sure you have proper ventilation for those occasional warm and sunny days during the cool shoulder seasons. • When trying to choose between starting with direct-sowing seeds or planting started seedlings, consider cost, timing, and convenience. Some things, like broccoli, need a head start to grow to a mature size before the high temperatures hit. Others, like carrots, dislike being transplanted and are best started in the ground. Here are some cool-season edibles to try in our region: ~ Herbs: cilantro, parsley, sage, thyme, and lavender. Note that sage, thyme, and lavender need good drainage. ~ Perennials: asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, and rhubarb. Warning: Jerusalem artichoke will take over, if you let it! ~ Root vegetables: carrots, radish, potatoes, turnips, and beets. Be patient with carrots; they are slow growers. Pair them with a slow grower like radishes. ~ Salad greens: kale, swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, and arugula. At the end of the season, let arugula go to flower and set seed. Those seeds are the very same as the coriander you buy in the spice aisle. ~ Brassicas: broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, collard greens, and cabbage. This category of edibles is the most challenging for local gardeners, so cut yourself a lot of slack if these don’t work for you either. o Kathy Jentz is the editor and founder of the Washington Gardener. JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

TIPStricks Dahlia XXL Tabasco from the National Garden Bureau.

Year of the Dahlia!

The National Garden Bureau (ngb. org) has declared 2019 the Year of the Dahlia. Did you know that the dahlia is the national flower of Mexico? The native dahlias found in the mountains of Mexico and Guatemala are the genetic source for the modern hybrid dahlias we grow today. While busy conquering the Aztec nation, 16th-century Spanish conquistadors pursued numerous side explorations that led to the discovery of the New World plant life. Botanists accompanying the soldiers discovered what is sometimes referred to as the tree dahlia (D. imperialis). The hollow stems of these plants, some growing to over 20 feet, were often used for hauling water or as an actual source of water for traveling hunters. In fact, the Aztec name for “tree dahlias” was “acocotli” or “water-cane.” There are several ways to enjoy your first—or 50th (!)—dahlia. Most major garden centers, home improvement stores, and mail order sources sell dahlia tubers (thick, underground stems or rhizomes) as well as blooming potted plants. A tuber looks like a sweet potato that grows under the soil surface and sends up strong stems. The National Capital Dahlia Society has tuber sales each spring in our area. Your tubers can go directly into the ground in the spring when the ground is warm and there is little chance of frost. One good guideline is to plant at the same time as you would a tomato. The American Dahlia Society (ADS) categorizes today’s dahlias in various groups based on size, form, and color. Those details can be found at https:// dahlia.org. o 10

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Soluble Salts in Compost Could Impact Plant Growth

Compost contains a multitude of essential nutrients for plant growth, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and can also be a source of organic matter. However, recent concerns and criticisms have been directed toward composts with a high concentration of soluble salts. Soluble salts refer to the amount of soluble ions, such as calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), and sodium (Na+), in compost. Soluble salts are measured indirectly and cumulatively through electrical conductivity (EC). To clarity this concern, the Composting Council Research & Education Foundation in Reston, VA, worked with researchers from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to create an in-depth report about soluble salt concentrations in compost. This report provides a literature review of soluble salt concentrations in compost and the effects of applying composts with high concentrations of soluble salts on plant growth and soil. The methods of analysis included searching and evaluating published scientific articles, books, and gray literature. Key words used in this literature search included compost, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), soil amendment, salt tolerance, and phytotoxicity. The analysis used 800 published sources, of which 69 were scientific articles, three were books, and eight gray literature. Evaluating these sources resulted in a holistic perspective of the benefits and issues surrounding high soluble salt concentrations in compost. The presence of high concentrations of soluble salts in growing media can lead to phytotoxic effects. The mostcommon soluble salt responsible for these effects is NaCl. Good-quality composts have limited amounts of Na+ and Cl- in them, and should not cause the phytotoxic effects that have been described, as long as they are applied properly. Composts with high concentrations of soluble salts are effective at remediating saline-sodic soils by inducing the leaching of NaCl from the soil. From these findings, it is recommended that:

• Methods for measuring the EC of composts be standardized so more literature regarding EC in compost can be compared and used for scientific reasoning. • Composts not be limited to an EC5 of 5 dSm-1 because of their ability to remediate saline-sodic soils and serve as a significant source of essential plant nutrients. • The labeling of composts with high concentrations of soluble salts be standardized and include an Ag Index to inform consumers of the nutrient content and potential risks if improperly used. • Regional and local soil management strategies for compost application be developed with the variability of soil type, plants being grown, availability of irrigation, and environmental impacts in mind. • Further research to evaluate the different mixtures and proportions of soluble salts in compost and their effects on plant growth. Read the full report at https://www. compostfoundation.org. o

Biophilic DC Goes Capital

Biophilic DC is pleased to announce the next evolution: going behind the city borders. As the sparrow flies and the river flows, as the air moves and pathways go, they are going regional. Biophilic DC sparked great civic conversation, policy engagement, and design learning about nature-inspired practices for wellbeing in DC and jurisdictions in MD and VA. Now they would like to bring nature to the public through Capital Nature, a new nonprofit and regional hub of information for nature activities, educational tours, and biophilic design. Capital Nature will serve the Washington Metro area by: • Highlighting and promoting existing nature programs throughout the region • Providing direct assistance on biophilic design and policy strategies • Creating unique nature and sustainability tours • Supporting citizen science and the City Nature Challenge • Collaborating and partnering on nature-based projects. Visit the new Capital Nature website at http://capitalnature.org. o

GARDENnews

Quick Links to Washington Gardener Blog Posts • Vintage Seed Park Art DIY • Pantone Color of the Year • Government Shutdown Impacts Gardens • Seed Exchange Speakers See more Washington Gardener blog posts at: WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com o

January–February Garden To-Do List

New Plant Spotlight

Tomato Fire Fly F1 Similar to the Goldilocks story, this adorable newcomer is not as small as a currant tomato and not as large as a cherry tomato, but is a “just right” inbetween size. The fruits produced are super-sweet. pale-white to pale-yellow round fruits less than 1 inch in size and weigh about 1/2 oz. each. Delicate, translucent skins offer a mild acid flavor that enhances the sweet taste. These small juicy fruits explode with flavor, perfect for snacking and in salads. Indeterminate plants must be staked or caged as they grow upward to 5-6 feet. They have good disease resistance. It was bred by Seeds By Design Inc. (www.seedsbydesign.com). Tomato ‘Fire Fly’ is an All-America Selections®(AAS) 2019 Edible Winner in the national category.

Tomato Fire Fly photo courtesy of All-America Selections.

Plant Facts:

• Genus species: Solanum lycopersicum • Common name: Tomato • Fruit size: ¾-1 inch round fruits, weigh about ¾ to 1 oz. • Yield: 500+ fruits per plant • Color: White to pale yellow • Plant height: 5-6+ feet • Plant spread: 2 feet • Plant habit: Upright, requires staking • Garden location: Full sun • Garden spacing: 12–16 inches • Length of time to harvest: 80 days from transplant, 100 days from direct sow • Disease resistance: TMV, Crack, F, V • Closest comparisons to tomatoes on market: ‘Coyote’ and ‘Snow White’. o

• Prune any dead or diseased wood from your small trees and shrubs. • Plant frost-tolerant trees. • Cut off the flower stalk on your amaryllis once flowers fade. Leave foliage to grow. • Keep poinsettias in a well-lit area, but out of direct sun and away from drafts. • Buy a few new house plants. • Fertilize only your winter-blooming houseplants, such as violets. • Give your house plants a quarter turn every few weeks. • Build a compost bin. • Repair your shed and repair/paint your fences. • Clean out your cold frame or build a new one. • Collect large plastic soda bottles to use as cloches. (A cloche is a clear, bellshaped cover used to protect tender plants from frost.) • Clean and refill bird feeders. • Wash and refill the birdbath or set out a shallow bowl of water in icy weather. • Check on stored summer bulbs and seeds. Discard any that have rotted. • Buy seeds and order plants from the new garden catalogs. • Prune summer bloomers such as Hydrangeas, Rose of Sharon, Crape Myrtles, and Butterfly Bushes. • Till and add organic matter to annual/vegetable beds. • Weed—especially check fast-growing vines such as honeysuckle, autumn clematis, bittersweet, wild grape, Virginia creeper, and poison ivy. • Place a floating ball or small plastic soda bottle filled two-thirds with water and a tablespoon of salt in your pond to stop it from icing over entirely, especially if you have fish. If ice forms, remove the ball by pouring hot water on it. • Insulate outdoor containers with bubble wrap or landscape fabric. • Check that newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials have not been heaved out of the ground due to freezing-and-thawing cycles. • Take hardwood cuttings from willow and dogwood to propagate them. • Look for evidence of pest or fungal damage throughout your garden. • Clean out your greenhouse and wash those windows. • Set out your live potted evergreens from holiday decorating in a protected outdoor space to harden them off before planting them. • If we do get more snow in the DC area, gently dislodge snow from trees and shrubs with a broom to prevent damage to branches. • Start hardy herbs, onions, cabbage, pansies, and perennials. • Clean and tidy up pots and seed trays to get a good start in February. • Use leftover holiday greens and cut-up tree branches to mulch beds and create windbreaks. • Do not step on frozen soil in flower beds or lawns. • Keep all houseplants out of drafts and away from heat vents. • Use de-icer sparingly or a nonchemical substitute such as sand, grit, fireplace ashes, or non-clumping kitty litter. • Volunteer at a local public or historic garden. • Paint a few terra-cotta pots in spring-like colors. • Pot up any leftover bulbs that did not make it into the ground by now and force them for indoor blooms. o JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

PLANTprofile

Witchhazel By Kathy Jentz

is your favorite?

Witch Hazel ‘Arnold Promise’

The Witch Hazel (Hamamelis sp.) is a small tree with an open, vase-like structure that is treasured for its colorful foliage in fall and its beautiful flowers in late winter. To me, the blossoms resemble a bunch of tiny ballerinas or faeries dancing along the bare branches. Others liken them to spiders or ribbon fringe. Many of them are quite fragrant. The scent is often spicy with a touch of citrus. If you are a Witch Hazel aficionado, a visit to Green Spring Gardens in late winter should be on your bucket list—the extensive Hamamelis plantings, with more than 215 Witch Hazels and 110 different types or unique taxa, were designated as an official Plant Collections Network (PCN) collection in 2006. Virginia’s special connection to the species began when a British botanist, the Reverend John Banister, discovered the common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in 1678. This native witch hazel blooms in fall and is not as showy as its Asian relatives. It does have medicinal properties and is a good food source for pollinators. Witch hazels like well-drained, but evenly moist, soil. They are forest understory plants that require some shade from the full summer sun. They are not usually troubled by pests or diseases. Witch hazels are deciduous. In the fall, the leaves turn a golden-bronze, then drop off. Well, most drop off, but same hang on for months. Many gardeners strip them off because they are impatient and want to see the flowers unobscured by the nowtattered and brown foliage. If you are looking at adding a witch hazel to your garden, I recommend these four varieties in particular: ‘Diane’, ‘Pallida’, ‘Arnold Promise’, and ‘Jelena’. All are proven performers here in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. and worth a showcase spot in your own home garden. o Kathy Jentz is editor of Washington Gardener and has two native witch hazels in her home garden. 12

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PLANTprofile Witch Hazel ‘Jelena’

Witch Hazel ‘Pallida’

Witch Hazel ‘Arnold Promise’

JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

Join us for: Seed Swapping Planting Tips Expert Speakers Goody Bags Door Prizes Washington Gardener Magazine presents the

14th Annual Washington Gardener

Seed Exchanges

on Saturday, January 26, 2019, 12:30–4:00PM

National Seed Swap Day! at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD Registration is now open at WGSeedExchange-BG.brownpapertickets.com

and on Saturday, February 2, 2019, 12:30–4:00PM at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA Registration is now open at WGSeedExchange-GSG.brownpapertickets.com

Feeling Crafty? We have a fun Make-it Take-It Seed Crafting Table

Space is limited, so act today! Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers get $5 off the $20 attendee fee!

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

Overview

Washington Gardener magazine, the publication for DC-area gardening enthusiasts, is hosting the 14th annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchange at Brookside Gardens and Green Spring Gardens. These seed swaps are in-person and face-to-face. You bring your extra seeds and swap them with other gardeners. Everyone will leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends, and expert planting advice.

When

On Saturday, January 26, 2019, in MD and on Saturday, February 2, 2019, in VA from 12:30–4:00PM (Foul weather that day? Call 240.603.1461, for updates about possible snow/ice delay.)

Where

We are holding a duo of Seed Exchanges one week apart on opposite sides of the Washington Beltway. We urge you to attend the one closest to you. One exchange will be held at Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD. The other will be at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA.

How to Register

Register online at WGSeedExchangeBG.brownpapertickets.com for the 1/26/19 event and WGSeedExchangeGSG.brownpapertickets.com for the 2/2/19 one. OR you can fill out the form on the opposite page. Send the form, along with payment, to Washington Gardener, 826 Philadelphia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910, Attn: SE Registration. Please make checks out to “Washington Gardener.” Registration fee is $20 per person. Friends of Brookside members, Friends of Green Spring members, and current Washington Gardener subscribers receive a discount rate of $15 per person. We strongly urge you to register in advance. There is a limited enrollment of 100 participants at each location!

We are GREEN!!! Garden Book and Seed Catalog Exchange

Seed Exchange attendees are encouraged to bring their used or new garden books and seed catalogs to swap and share at this year’s event. We also ask you to bring your own water bottle or reusable mug and a home-made nametag. We will have a “best nametag” contest, so get crafty!

Hashtags #GardenDC and #SeedSwapDay

Washington Gardener Magazine’s 14th Annual

Seed Exchange Details

If You Have Seeds to Bring and Swap

Please package them in resealable plastic zipper or wax sandwich baggies. Put an average of 20 seeds per baggy—more for small seeds like lettuce, fewer for large seeds like acorns. Label each baggy with a white sticker (such as Avery standard 5160 address label sheets) giving all the information you have on the seeds. If known, include the plant’s common and scientific names; its soil, sun, and watering needs; and, its origins—where and when you collected the seeds. If you don't know all the information, that is okay; just provide as much as you can. Yes, you can bring unused or opened commercial seed packs.

What If You Don't Have Any Seeds to Swap?

Come anyway! Even if you don’t have any seeds to trade, you are welcome to attend. We’ll have plenty of extra seed contributions on hand and many attendees will be there just to learn, network, and prepare for next year’s seed collecting.

Education Program

Expert speakers from the local gardening community will give short talks on seed collection and propagation tips. There will be ample time for individual Q&A throughout the program with the featured speakers, and invited experts as well.

Schedule

(Note: This schedule is subject to change.) 12:00-12:30 Registration check-in 12:30-12:40 Introductions 12:40-1:20 Gardening talk 1:20-1:55 Gardening talk 2:00-2:15 Snack break and room reset 2:15-2:30 Seed Swap preview time 2:30-3:00 Seed Swap 3:00-3:30 Photo Contest winners 3:30-4:00 Door prizes and closing talk

How Do We Swap?

As you check in, staff will collect your seeds and place them at the appropriate seed category tables. You will be assigned a random seed swap number. There will be a short period for attendees to preview all the seeds brought in and available for swapping. You will be called in by your number to pick a seed pack from each of the category tables (if desired).

After the initial seed swap is complete, attendees are free to take any of the left over seeds and to trade seeds with each other. Dividing of packets is encouraged and extra baggies with labels will be on hand for that purpose.

What Types of Seeds?

Seed swap categories will include natives, edibles, herbs, exotics, annuals, perennials, and woodies (trees/shrubs). If you can pre-sort your seeds in advance into which of these seven major categories fits best, that would help us speed up the process on the swap day.

Door Prizes! Goodie Bags!

Each attendee will receive a goodie bag at the seed swap. The bags include seeds, publications, and garden items donated by our sponsors. In addition, we have some incredible door prizes to give away especially for area gardeners. If your organization would like to contribute seeds or garden-related products for the goodie bags and door prizes, contact Kathy Jentz at 301.588.6894 by January 22.

14th Annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchange Advance Registration Form

Please ﬁll out this form and mail with your check/money order to: Washington Gardener Magazine, 826 Philadelphia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address:____________________________________________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________________________________ Seed Exchange Date and Location:  Jan. 26 at Brookside Gardens  Feb. 2 at Green Spring Gardens (We will only use your email address for Seed Exchange notices and will never share them with anyone else.) Seed Exchange Attendee Fee: $20.00 __________ Discount (if eligible*): -$5.00 __________ Optional: Washington Gardener Magazine Annual Subscription: $20.00 __________ TOTAL_____________ *The following groups are eligible to pay the discount attendee rate of $15.00; please CIRCLE if one applies to you: • Washington Gardener Magazine subscribers • Friends of Brookside Gardens members • Friends of Green Spring Gardens members A portion of the event proceeds will go to beneﬁt Native Seeds/SEARCH for conserving crop genetic resources. JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

8 SPECIALfeature

Garden Trends for 2019

The future for gardening looks joyful and holds a connection to Mother Nature that just may be the saving grace of the planet. This bold prediction comes from Garden Media Group’s 2019 Garden Trends Report: Rooted Together—Reconnecting with the Natural World. The 18th annual report dives deep into the intrinsic connection people have with nature and how banding together could be the best defense to protect the earth. According to the Report, today’s “social clock” society is online 24/7. In a desert of work, stress, and the internet, nature—both indoors and outside—has become an oasis. “We are finding joy in nature to achieve peace and purpose,” says Katie Dubow, creative director at the trend-spotting firm. “Our 2019 Garden Trends Report (GTR) showcases trends in design, color, and technology that will strengthen our relationship with Mother Nature.” The 2019 Garden Trends Report predicts a move toward a higher value on increasing our connection with nature and dives deeply into cultivating a healthier relationship with expanding technology. The team of trendspotters at Garden Media, who have had their fingers on the pulse of trends for almost 20 years, sees the beginning of a change from the “ME” generation to a focus on “SHE”—Mother Nature. One of the reasons nature is calling us, says environmental author Michael McCarthy, is thousands of years of evolution. “We have a link to the natural world. It’s where our minds evolved. It’s where we became who we truly are, and it’s where, really, we are most at home.” From robot bees to pruning “blue screens,” the 2019 GTR: Rooted Together demonstrates how changing habits can cultivate a healthy lifestyle, healthy community, and healthy planet. The eight garden trends show how our love of nature will become an emotional, physical, and spiritual resource to help us connect and find a common focus to save the planet. The report also captures more good news from the National Gardening Association (NGA) annual survey, which says more people are gardening and spending more money on lawn and garden retail plants and products than ever before. The average households set a spending record of $503—up nearly $100 over the previous year, for a record $47.8 billion in retail sales. Millennial gardeners, 18-34 year olds, set a record high last year, making up 29% of all gardening households. Millennials are responsible for 31% of houseplant sales, according to NGA. “We are in a new awakening. People are getting off their devices, going outside, and getting back in touch with their roots,” Dubow explains. “And gardening is a natural fit.” To access the full Garden Trends Report, download it from: http://grow.gardenmediagroup.com.

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

Indoor Generation

According to the New York Times, wellness-minded millennials are filling their voids—both decorative and emotional —with houseplants. In the last few years, millennials were responsible for 31 percent of houseplant sales, according to Gardenresearch.com.

Silence of the Insects

There is a new global reality. Each passing year is the hottest on record, insects are rapidly disappearing and we are buried in technology. According to landscape designer Thomas Rainer, we have driven nature out of our neighborhoods and cities. “Gardeners have taken up the mantle to save the bees,” Dubow says. “We need to garden to save all flying insects by planting not just flowers with pollen but majestic trees such as oaks.”

SPECIALfeature

RoboGardening

From robotic mowers and landscapers to wireless plant sensors and sprinkler systems, high-tech tools free gardeners from unpleasant tasks or simply make them better gardeners. Garden designers and arborists are using drones to get a bird’s eye view of landscapes from the tops of trees. New technology is opening up exciting future possibilities in the landscape.

Golden Hearts

The Golden Hearts are looking for fulfillment outside themselves and are turning to caring for the Earth. Unilever found that one-third of people worldwide choose brands for their social and environmental impacts. Volunteering among 18-34 year olds set a record 25.2 percent, exceeding the national rate, according to the Corporation for National & Community Service.

Root to Stem

Last year, Google saw a 700 percent increase in the search term “zero waste.” Upcycling isn’t new but expectations are. A world-wide shift is zeroing in on the need for sustainable solutions. Composting is the “new recycling.” Make healthy food to help Mother Earth survive and thrive.

Screen Age

Prune screentime and teach our younger generations healthier habits. The #DeleteFacebook movement has people turning off the blue light and turning on Mother Nature in real life. Being part of the online crowd is bad for health and happiness, fueling higher rates of obesity, issues with cholesterol, and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Gardening teaches responsibility and encourages healthy choices. Gardening teaches nurturing, patience, and delayed gratification. Gardening teaches good stewardship and how to care for Mother Earth.

Moonstruck

Connecting with the phases of the moon taps into our deep desire to be in tune with the natural world. Lunar planting is an age-old belief that phases of the moon affect plant growth. “Gardening by the Moon” is a great way to help plan your above- and below-ground crops. Moon gardens are great for those who work long hours. Flowers, plants, and containers that glow at night appeal to the garden entertainer, a large percentage of consumers.

Get Minted

A cool, minty color trend is on its way. No longer considered outdated, vintage mint green is making a comeback in home décor and in the garden. People are obsessed with this “new neutral.“ The global trend forecasting network WGSN says that “neo mint” will dominate the worlds of fashion and interiors in 2020. o JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Events ~ January 16 to February 16, 2019 SPECIAL NOTE: During the federal government shutdown, many public gardens and parks in our area may be closed. In addition, speakers who are federal government employees may be prohibited from giving programs. Confirm events with the organizers before heading out. • Wednesday, January 23, 7:30pm Enjoying the Art of Bonsai Michael James will offer a look at the art form through the lens of the collection at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. He will talk about the horticulture that makes it possible to grow woody plants in shallow containers and will bring some living examples to show. Held at the James E Duckworth School, 11201 Evans Trail, Beltsville, MD. Free. Details at http://beltsvillegardenclub. org/. • Thursday, January 24, 11am–12n Marvelous Morphology: Plant-Animal Interactions Tour Ever wonder why flowering plants are so diverse? Plant-animal interactions have driven diversification for more than 90 million years. Join Dr. Susan Pell on a tour of the U.S. Botanic Garden and discover vegetative, flower, and fruit structures that facilitate plant-animal interactions. Topics such as fruit dispersal, pollination methods, and vegetative adaptations for animals will be explored and explained. Tour meets in the Conservatory Garden Court at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Free: Pre-registration required, visit https://learn.usbg.gov. • Saturday, January 26, 12:30–4pm Washington Gardener Magazine’s 2019 Seed Exchange at Brookside Gardens. Make your “wanted” list, and save, pack, and label your seeds! See pages 14–15 of this issue for details and the registration links/form. • Saturday, January 26, 8am–4pm The 39th annual NCOS Paph Forum This forum to be held at Harlow Hall of the North Chevy Chase Christian 18

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

Church, 8814 Kensington Parkway, North Chevy Chase, MD, will feature internationally renowned speakers; an unparalleled selection of Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, and Cypripedium plants for sale by leading vendors; a show table featuring hundreds of slippers in bloom; ribbons and trophies for outstanding show plants; door prizes; a silent auction; and American Orchid Society judging. Pre-registration required and the fee is $60. For further information, visit www.ncos.us. • Sunday, January 27, 1:30–2:30pm Winter Lecture: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf Join the Friends of Green Spring in viewing the documentary “Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf.” This documentary immerses viewers in Oudolf’s work and takes us inside his creative process, from his beautifully abstract sketches to theories on beauty to the ecological implications of his ideas. Discussion to follow. Cost is $10/person. To register, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ parks/parktakes and use code EB8. D4A8 or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. • Monday, January 28, 8pm Dry Shade Gardening Talk Silver Spring Garden Club invites readers to their January 2018 meeting featuring a talk on dealing with dry shade. Kathy Jentz, editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine, will discuss this common challenge for many local gardeners. Large trees are wonderful, but they can quickly suck up all your garden’s resources, leaving little for the understory plantings. Jentz will talk about design choices, soil amendments, and proven plant choices, as well as some inventive dry shade space substitutions. Held at Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD. Free. Open to all. • Tuesday, January 29, 7:30–9pm A Kusamono Talk & Demonstration The Takoma Horticultural Club and Four Seasons Garden Club will co-present this talk by Young Choe, a propagation horticulturist at the U.S. National Arbo-

retum. Kusamono refers to a Japanese botanical art that developed alongside bonsai. Kusamono are potted arrangements of wild grasses and flowers in unique pots or trays selected to suggest a season or place. Heffner Community Center, 42 Oswego Ave., Takoma Park, MD. Free and open to all. See updates at takomahort.org. • Tuesday, January 29, 7:30–9pm Invisible Connections - Introduction to Parasitic Plants The Maryland Native Plant Society hosts Vanessa Beauchamp, PhD, for a talk about these biological phenomena in all their fascinating variations. In 2019, the Maryland Native Plant Society talks all feature “parasitic” plants. Held at the Kensington Library, 4201 Knowles Ave, Kensington, MD. The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Details at https://www.mdflora.org/. • Tuesday, January 29, 7—8:30pm Urban Agriculture: Grow Lights Show and Tell Give your plants a healthy start with grow lights that can ensure your seedlings get great light indoors, even when it’s snowing and freezing outside, and even if you don’t have a bright southfacing window. You can grow unusual and hard-to-find varieties of vegetables that may never be offered at local garden centers, or farm microgreens indoors that are bursting with nutrition. Learn the pros and cons of different types of lights and some options for creating your own grow light system inexpensively. Held at the West-over Branch Library, 1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington, VA. Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org. Questions: email mgarlalex@gmail.com. • Friday, February 1 Today’s Horticulture Symposium Sponsored by Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center, and the Chanticleer Foundation, the daylong conference features eight speakers addressing contemporary topics for the horticulture professional, landscape designer and architect, passionate gardener, and stu-

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Events ~ January 16 to February 16, 2019 dent of horticulture. This annual event is held in the ballroom at Longwood Gardens The symposium fee includes admission to Longwood Gardens, the lecture series, plant sale, refreshments, and a buffet lunch. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register online, go to: longwoodgardens. org/todayshorticulture. • Saturday, February 2, 12:30–4pm Washington Gardener Magazine’s 2019 Seed Exchange at Green Spring Gardens. Make your “wanted” list, and save, pack, and label your seeds! See pages 14–15 of this issue for details and the registration links/form. • Saturday, February 2, 10am–3pm 10th Annual Seed Sale The Hyattsville Horticultural Society will be selling seeds, gardening books, garden tools, soup, baked treats, and much more. Held in the Mary Prangley Room (2nd Floor) at the Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin St., Hyattsville, MD. See details at http:// hyattsvillehorticulture.org. • February 2–April 28 Orchids: Amazing Adaptations! This installation at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard showcases how orchids have adapted to their many environments and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. This is a joint collaboration with the Smithsonian Gardens, United States Botanic Garden, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and National Portrait Gallery. Free and open to all. See updates at the http://www. gardens.si.edu/. • Friday, February 8, 10am–12n Plants with Winter Interest From colorful stems to persistent berries and cones, there’s lots to appreciate about the winter landscape. In “Plants with Winter Interest,” discover the colors of the season and find plants appropriate for your own projects. Fee: $30. Held at the Mt. Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Rd., Hockessin, DE. Register at https://education.mtcubacenter.org.

• Saturday, February 16, 9am–4pm The Maryland Horticultural Society and the Perennial Plant Association present their winter seminar, Perennially Inspired, a day-long program with horticultural experts discussing perennials. This event will be held in Baltimore, MD. Early bird deadline is February 1, Fees: $105 for current members or $125, if purchased after February 1, and $125 for nonmembers or $145, if purchased after February 1. See https://mdhorticulture.org.

Save These Future Dates • Saturday, February 23, 8:30am–2:30 pm Montgomery County Master Gardeners 19th Annual Spring Conference If you are looking for some gardening inspiration, check out the MCMG Spring Conference: “Gardening from the Ground Up.” The conference is held at the Agricultural History Farm Park/University of Maryland Extension Montgomery County Office, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD. Price is $55.00, or $50 each for groups of two or more registering at the same time. Cost covers coffee and refreshments, bag lunch, presentations, handouts, door prizes, access to speakers, and online reference for presentations. The registration deadline is Friday, February 15. For more info, go to: http://goo.gl/i4nalm.

Spring officially begins with the Spring Equinox on Wednesday, March 20 Still More Event Listings

See even more event listings on the Washington Gardener Yahoo discussion list. Join the list at http://groups.yahoo. com/group/WashingtonGardener/.

How to Submit Local Garden Events

To submit an event for this listing, contact kathyjentz@gmail.com with “Event” in the subject line. Our next deadline is February 5 for the February 2019 issue, for events taking place after February 16, 2019. o

DPR Urban Grower Certificate Course Every Monday, February 4–May 18, 6:30–8:30pm, and two Saturday classes, 10am–12n, at various sites in DC. This 17-class course will cover a variety of topics about urban gardening in DC, from garden design, organic management, critter-proof composting, cooking what you grow, food justice, and many more. After the completion of this course, each participant will receive a certificate and the knowledge to create and manage a large variety of urban gardening projects. Participants must plan on attending 16 out of 17 classes to register for the course. Schedule: 4-Feb - Urban Garden 101 11-Feb - Vegetables A-Z 21-Feb - Garden Calendar (This is a Thursday, Monday, Feb 18, is a holiday) 25-Feb - Starting Seeds and Propagating at Home 4-Mar - Container Gardening 11-Mar - Garden Plant Botany 18-Mar - Intro to Urban Beekeeping 25-Mar - Garden Pests, Diseases, and Weeds 1-Apr - Gardening with Mammals 8-Apr - Urban Fruit trees 15-Apr - Urban Composting 20-Apr - Garden Carpentry (Saturday, 10am–12n) 22-Apr - Medicinal and Edible Herbs in the Garden 29-Apr - Harvesting and Cooking from the Garden 6-May - Food Justice 101 (National/ International Issues) 13-May - Food Justice 201 (Local issues) 18-May - Farm Design and Farm Tour (Saturday, 10am–12n) For more information on the course, contact joshua.singer@dc.gov. Registration at: https://web1.vermontsystems.com/ wbwsc/dcwashingtonwt.wsc/search. html?module=AR&fmid=12937021. JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

INSECTindex

Colorado Potato Beetle By Carol Allen

Adult Colorado potato beetle on a potato plant. Adults and larvae eagerly consume potato foliage. Photo by Peggy Greb.

Although it isn’t really from Colorado, the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is native to the Americas. It is believed to have originated from central Mexico. Widely distributed throughout the continental United States, it typically feeds on Buffalo-Bur (Solanum rostratum). It is considered an invasive pest, but not an invasive in a natural ecology—only on cultivated potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). You may also hear it referred to as the ten-striped spearman, the ten-lined potato beetle, potato beetle, or the potato bug.

History

It was discovered and described in the early 1800s. In 1859, for an unknown reason, it switched its preference from Buffalo-Bur and decimated the potato 20

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

crop near Omaha, NE. By 1874, it had reached the East Coast and then sailed on to Europe by 1922, wreaking havoc as it went. By 1949, it had munched its way to Turkey and was found in Xinjiang, China, in 1993. It is widespread in Europe in spite of intense efforts to control it.

Diet and Lifecycle

The Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) has shown an amazing adaptability to climate extremes and resistance to pesticides. It feeds on potatoes and other related, cultivated crops, including tomatoes and eggplant. It also attacks wild members in the Solanaceae family. which are common in most regions and can act as a reservoir for infestation. The adults feed on the tubers of host plants in addition to leaves, stems, and growing points.

If you grow potatoes, you may have met this recreant. It is early spring and you are admiring the lush foliage on your potato plants, but what’s this? You notice that some of the leaves have been eaten down to the mid-rib or the whole stem may be eaten down to a nub. You notice icky black fecal matter and small, ⅜" beetles with black and yellow-orange stripes. There may be some of the hump-backed, ½" long, fleshy, orange or tan larvae as well. Oh, no! What happened? CPB will feed on Solanaceae weeds like nightshade, datura, or horsenettle. The adults overwinter in the soil and emerge just in time to feed on the early shoots of your potato plants. Adults mate within 24 hours of emergence, although some females may have mated before diapause. Eggs are laid on host plants within 5 to 10 days

NEIGHBORnwork of adult emergence. The eggs are bright-yellow to yelloworange, are laid in masses of 20–60 eggs per mass, and are usually found on the underside of the leaf. A female can lay 200–500 eggs in her life. The larvae emerge in four to 10 days, depending on the temperature. They will feed continuously, going through four molts before pupating in the soil. In good conditions, the CPB can go from egg to adult in 30 days. There are two generations per year in our region, and more farther south.

Control Methods

Although the Colorado Potato Beetle has a voracious appetite, there are many effective controls. Start by eliminating weeds from the Solanaceae family if you find CPBs near the garden. If you like to turn over your garden plot, do so in the late fall (early spring is also a possibility, but generally not practical in our wet springs). This will expose the overwintering adults to cold temperatures and possible predation. Mulch your potatoes immediately after planting with 6" of straw. The straw makes adult CPB emergence more difficult and reduces the population. Examine the underside of the potato (and tomato) leaves frequently for the egg masses. Remove and crush them. Larvae and the slow-moving adults can be knocked into a bucket of soapy water and disposed of. If spraying is an option, both Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Bt var. t) and spinosad are approved for organic gardening. Bt var. t is most effective on early instar larvae, but spinosad is effective on both larvae and adults. If possible, rotate your Solanaceae family crops every three years so potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes are not planted in the same place. If space is limited, consider using containers as an alternative rotation. o Carol Allen describes herself as a committable plant-a-holic. She has more than 25 years’ experience in the horticulture industry, with a special interest in plant pests and diseases; is a Licensed Pesticide Applicator in the state of Maryland; and is an ISACertified Arborist. She can be contacted at carolallen@erols.com.

Snip, Snap, Sauté

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families, a local nonprofit helping youth with a variety of challenges succeed, is starting Snip, Snap, Sauté, a student-run food preparation service, at its Special Education Day School in Laurel, MD. The school serves youth from DC and Maryland, including Howard, Prince George’s, and Montgomery counties. The service is part of PHILLIPS’ Growing Futures, a career training program that incorporates a vertical farm and commercial kitchen. “Our students grow, cook, and now prepare food. Traditional curriculums aren’t as effective for our students. Educational programs that are active and engaging help train our students for careers. Snip, Snap, Sauté rounds out our classroom offerings, taking them from farm to fork,” explained Piper Phillips Caswell, president & CEO, PHILLIPS Programs, based in Annandale, VA. Growing Futures’ Farm to Table model is a hands-on experiential program encompassing both culinary arts training in a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and training in an indoor hydroponic vertical farm growing and harvesting fresh ingredients such as herbs, vegetables, and microgreens all year long. Snip, Snap, Sauté is a food preparation service that is part of PHILLIPS’ Growing Futures. Students use the fresh ingredients they have grown in the farm to augment the taste and nutrition of the food they cook in the school’s commercial kitchen. Growing Futures youth gain confidence and competence, culminating in employment. Through participation in entrepreneurial activities and authentic work experiences, youth thrive as they develop marketable career skills, acquire health and wellness practices, and gain an understanding of sustainability practices with Earth’s natural resources. The curriculum teaches students the foundational food service skills needed for ServSafe Certification, while Snip, Snap, Sauté gives them an opportunity to reinforce these classroom skills by applying them to real-world situations. The combination of classroom learning and real-world scenarios gives PHILLIPS’ students a unique way to apply their hospitality knowledge, gain confidence, and ultimately become employed and productive young adults. The Growing Futures Program complements PHILLIPS Building Futures, which provides intensive trades education for students with disabilities. These programs are important since PHILLIPS serves students with behavioral needs ages 6-22 who have significant learning and emotional challenges and for whom school has often been a place of repeated failure and frustration. For 51 years, PHILLIPS has helped youth succeed by providing customized support and education through three programs, including Special Education Day Schools in Annandale, Fairfax, Leesburg, and Laurel; PHILLIPS Family Partners, offering home- and community-based counseling and support; and PHILLIPS Career Partners, which offers career and technical education avenues, including Building Futures, Growing Futures, and Designing Futures. o JANUARY 2019

WASHINGTON GARDENER

GREENliving

Humane Tricks For Dealing with 8 Pesky Creatures in Your Garden By Ashley O’Connor

“Managing deer and other wildlife in your garden” was the topic of Kathy Jentz’s recent class at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. The publisher and editor of Washington Gardener told an attentive audience how to humanely handle pesky animals destroying their home gardens. Here are a few of her tried-and-true tips. Deer: • Cage small saplings during the fall to protect them from antler rubbings. • Borrow an aggressive dog; just make sure he/she is leashed and gets no closer than 15 feet to the deer. • Use mesh fencing around property perimeters, but be sure to bring the mesh to the ground with landscape staples. (This will prevent the deer from slipping under.) Rabbits: • Sprinkle the border of your garden with used cat litter; they hate it! Moles and Voles: • Use peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball to deter these critters. Rats: • Clean up rotting fruit on the beds of your gardens. Crows: • Scare these birds off with fake rubber snakes. Groundhogs: • Plant chickenwire in an L-shape, facing out around your vegetable beds. Squirrels: • Purchase bird seed soaked in a “flaming squirrel seed sauce” like Cole’s brand. Chipmunks: • Incorporate sharp gravel or chicken grit into your garden; it won’t hurt them, but the texture will irritate their digging paws. Dealing with multiple creatures at once? Try an activated motion sprinkler. It’s a great way to scare off any creature. Remember to move its location every few weeks during the season. o Ashley O’Connor is a senior multi-platform journalist at the University of Maryland. This past autumn, she was an editorial intern at Washington Gardener. 22

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

13th Annual Washington Gardener Philadelphia Flower Show Tour Organized by Washington Gardener Magazine Wednesday, March 6, 2019, 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 2019, “Flower Power,” will pay tribute to the enormous impact of flowers on our lives. America’s leading floral and garden designers will create stunning landscapes, imaginative gardens, and breathtaking floral displays. Through imaginative exhibits, guests will see ideas like community, healing, peace, transformation, and hope brought to life in surprising, vibrant ways. The Flower Show attracts non-gardeners as well as die-hard green-thumbed people of all ages. First-time and returning riders will enjoy the welcoming, custom details of our coach service. 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, storage under the bus 2. Choice of Gourmet Box Lunch on the way up to the show 3. Snacks for the return trip 4. Suggestions of restaurants near the show for dinner on your own 5. Information package on the show to assist in prioritizing your day 6. Two Garden DVD showings 7. Admission to the show & driver tip 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.



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Registration deadline: March 1, 2019

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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 the many workshops, enjoy new plants on display, and shop the vendors’ tempting array of goodies.

WASHINGTON GARDENER JANUARY 2019

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