Saturday at Old City Farm and Guild Festival....not just another day................

A few weeks ago my dad and I were going to mulch a bed he created in the middle of the front yard...but we decided against it because it was too hot.  We have to be a bit careful in the heat these days after his health scare earlier this summer.  I thought that a brief visit to visit Frank Asher at Old City Farm and Guild's Home Grown DC Event was the wiser thing to do. In my world, when in doubt, find a festival or a party...because life is short....and there should always be time for FUN!!! Off we went to see what fun could we could fall into, on such a warm Saturday afternoon.

Look at those healthy plants!!!

Daddy beat me going into the festival...imagine that!

Well we were not disappointed.  The crowd was manageable and the festive spirit was in the air in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington DC.  My Dad reminisced about how he delivered papers in this area as a child and how much the area had changed. With development encroaching upon this historic neighborhood, the grounds of the Shaw Junior High School, 925 Rhode Island Avenue was looking more like an outdoor party than a small local garden center.  There were people who resided in DC, had grown produce from their own gardens, school groups/gardens and even a flower grower who had items for purchase. If you chose to be a participant, there were several categories that our own Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine, shared with the audience for judging. From the longest bean to the strangest looking vegetable, Kathy invited audience participation by clapping to see who would win.  I still think that one of those vegetables looked a little....well...you just  had to be there.  It looked like so much fun, just think to have an audience of strangers (but food aficionado's) judging your homegrown vegetable - AWESOMNESS!!!  I wonder who won best pie?????  The garden community is such an awesome place to participate and belong.

Kathy Jentz in her awesomeness as Judge...

I am quite passionate about supporting local business people.  When I first visited Frank at Old City Farm and Guild, I noticed the pottery, healthy plant material, mulch, bee hives and propane....all in one place.  It was also rather neat that customers can participate in a CSA and pick up their produce delivered weekly to Old City Farm and Guild.  What an astute businessman or Pied Piper of Green to think of the necessities one might need in the center of the Shaw area from a grass roots perspective. The staff at Old City Farm and Guild all were quite eager to assist customers - even on this busy day of festivity..a smile ...a Thank You for coming out....how awesome was that???  Frank Asher, I hope you are a permanent fixture in the Shaw neighborhood or at least in the DC area.  You are a needed component to a changing community....



Thinking I had tuckered my Dad out, I was planning on taking him back home.  He had other ideas.  Earlier this summer we were in one of the big box stores - looking at plants - when we over heard this lady sharing that there was this nursery off of Briggs Chaney Road and Old Gunpowder Road. that has excellent merchandise. Road warrior that I am, I was ready to put Dad in the truck and rush over to see what the offerings were.  That young man trains quickly and well...he was headed to the truck before I was!


TBC....

Unanticipated gift in my garden.....

Today was a different kind of Monday.  In my haste to get to work, I glanced at my garden noticing that it was winding down and that we needed the 80% chance of showers in the forecast for today.  I knew that I would revisit my garden when I got home before The Garden Coalition meeting.  It is ritual for me to peruse my garden capturing a visual memory as I depart daily.  However today, I was greeted by a special gift in my garden.

Every year I invite one of my tropical plants to overwinter in the house.  One year I tried Ferns.......that did not last long.  Another year I tried a humongous Fuschia...never again....in my world, this is a ANNUAL tropical plant to be enjoyed for a moment, outdoors where it can just be beautiful.  However for the past two years, I have had success with a particular tropical plant that has even given me a gift of bloom about late February...in the house, by a partially sunny window.

Purchased on clearance at Ginkgo Gardens on Capital Hill, it was end of season and she was looking like she was a leave behind after the party.  I brought her home, all 48 inches of her and THEN thought, where will I over winter her.  The dining room window seemed the perfect spot for her to pause until the following season.  Her first gift was mid February....right around the time when I am itching to get outside in the garden.  It was beautiful........and then it was gone.

Flash forward to this evening......a sweet smell permeated the air in the darkness of the evening.  I remembered the cigar like buds when I left this morning......but never had I experiences such an intoxicating scent, sweet, sultry and right by my front door. Perhaps it was the four blooms emitting what must be the perfume of the heavens.

It was my Brugmansia welcoming me home and offering her fragrant gift of Thanks for bring her to The Cottage In The Court!

The scent makes me think I have escaped to a tropical paradise....

I could simply immerse myself in this bodacious bloom.....

I can only admire the intricate beauty that this bloom holds....

I love gifts, especially unanticipated gifts from my garden...I wish I could capture the scent in a bottle........I will appreciate and respect her beauty for as long as I can....prior to moving her inside allowing me space to paint the exterior of the house......

Sharing the beauty that surrounds me.......

Subliminal signals our gardens share with us

Transition is the buzzword for this time of the year. Back to school, end of summer clearance in most stores, I noticed the the Lowe's ear me has begun moving the remaining plant material to the front of the nursery yard and YES, I have seen Halloween items creeping into the stores.  Enough already, I am trying to grasp why there are leaves on the ground, crunchy, big brown leaves that cause me to look up and notice yellowing leaves hanging on the trees above.

I do not remember leaves in such abundance on the ground this time last year...but this has been a different kind of summer, following a very different kind of winter. I have noticed a few things this year in my garden as I walk through and wonder where in the world do I start.  I have had one too many projects in the garden this year, so actually planting for enjoyment and pausing to actually see the fruits of my labor - well, let's just say it was not in the cards.

All was not lost however, some of the plants in my garden are screaming look at me, I am still here and looking great just for you....perennials, plant material one can usually count on!

Sedum Autumn Joy and Brilliance are just pausing to start the color parade as the nights get cooler and days stay warm.....

Hosta Francis Williams.....she makes beauty effortless as she flanks the sidewalk leading to my porch...

Hosta "Patriot" along with his friends Heuchera " Molten Lava", Japanese Painted Fern and a touch of vinca minor soften the walkway leading to my "large project" in the rear (details to follow).  Each of these plants have survived yet another year of me not watering, compost in the Spring under a light dressing of mulch ad allowing Mother Nature to water when she felt like it.  

By watching and sometimes listening to the subliminal messages that our gardens share with us, we can plan for the next season. My next season is already here.  I am planning on using as much Heirloom Kale and Chard in my containers accented by seasonal annuals like Pansies and Johnny Jump Up's. I can make my fall/winter garden an edible delight!! I am ordering my garlic from a reliable resource, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, where Ira Wallace is sure to send me the best garlic and shallots for my small garden.

Listen to your surroundings and your garden today.  Find out what it is sharing with you.  It might be telling you that you need more transitional color - before the mums start blooming.  It might be telling you that next year one more sowing of annual seeds for cutting is in order.  There are many things that our gardens share with us....but we have to unbusy ourselves and listen.......listen....and observe....... 

WE MUST BLOOM IN SPITE OF IT ALL........

I am so Thankful that it is raining today.  Sometimes the rain seems to push the reset button.  We need to have the reset button pushed today, so in my world - I am Thankful that if just for today, I am pushing my reset button. 

It has been a summer of unexpected happenings and life changers - yet again.  I vaguely remember starting to plant all of my summer pots so that I could sit outside and just breathe and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me.  Well....I have not had a lot of time to do so (yet I am keeping hope alive for autumnal pausing) however there was this one huge pot overflowing with weeds and I thought, well let me put some chard, lettuce or something in so that it can be a tad more productive than a weed laden pot.  As I cleared awway the obvious weeds, I noticed something off-white - almost looked like crumpled paper of some sort. I continued to cautiously and carefully dismiss the weeds, I remembered that I had put a small Hydrangea in this pot..... it was now blooming and it made me smile.  How awesome is this?? 

 

Sometimes we have to dismiss all of the negative energy that surrounds us -cautiously and carefully -and just do what we do.  If that means we have to bloom in spite of it all - THEN WE MUST BLOOM.  Otherwise, we will succumb to all of the forces that are against all things positive.  In spite of all that is going on in our midst, we must seek out the beauty that surrounds us....

 

DO YOU SEE THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS YOU AND HOW THANKFUL ARE YOU THAT YOU CAN????



 

BRANCH AVENUE IN BLOOM....BUILDING A COMMUNITY WITH FOOD, FUN AND INFORMATION

BRANCH AVENUE IN BLOOM

A new initiative to reinvigorate Branch Avenue at Naylor Road and the St. Barnabas Road Commercial Corridor...............a program of the Maryland SBTDC

Most people who know me realize quite quickly that I am dedicated to community building, beautification efforts, supporting local business and sharing useful information.  I happened upon something right in my back yard (so to speak) that speaks to these principles which I am passionate about. 

In 2012, the first Branch Avenue Day proved to be the spark that lit the surrounding communities along the St. Barnabas Road corridor into action.  Providing the residents with a farmer's market, beautification efforts and maintaining a safe environment, Branch Avenue In Bloom project is continually working to build the community.  From the Marlow Heights Shopping Center to Sam's Car Wash, including Iverson Mall and River of Life Church - these Community Building Businesses have joined forces to make this a weekend of gathering great fresh produce, collecting school supplies and spending local dollars where they are needed most - LOCALLY.

Mr. Fleming Thomas , Market Manager, could not hide the excitement in his voice while sharing with me that Dusty Harrison (a boxer with a winning record of 23 - 0) would be on hand to sign autographs,  as well as music, give aways and of course an awesome Farmer's Market.  The local Fire Department will have information as well as some of the local government agencies.  Just think one could start out by visiting the Market, seeing exactly what the offerings are for local produce available for purchase, grab a free backpack, collect school supplies that will be given out from the local businesses,  patronize some of the food sources and end the day by attending a Church service....all in your own community!!!

According to Jennifer Funn, Program Coordinator of Branch Avenue In Bloom, 60 cents of every dollar spent in the community goes back into the community. This means that the more we spend in our community, the more jobs it will provide by attracting more businesses to share in the business of Community Building.  What a win win for everybody!!

This wonderful day filled with fun starts at 9:00 am and goes on until 4.  The second part of this wonderful day begins at River of Life Church and continues on until 8:00 pm.  Join the celebration of Branch Avenue Day.......I can't wait to speak to Mr. Fleming about the Urban Farm.............

Hollyhock Heaven

My dad and I buy a lot from Bluestone Perennials.  This year he bought several Hollyhock's. They are all healthy and  Let me tell you.....the selection offered this year was awesome!!!  

 

Fiesta Time Hollyhock is a one woman party.  I am in love with this bloom!
 

 

Spring Celebrities Lemon was also a knock out this Spring.  Like powder puffs on a velvety green stem...

 

 

There were two other varieties he ordered Spring Celebrities Carmine and Spring Celebrities Crimson.  These were budalicious and hopefully the deer will not nibble before we can experience the blooms.  Gardening is so good for the mind, body and spirit!!!

BRIGHT FARMS CROWD FUNDING UPDATE

I consider myself an up front kind of person, a woman on a mission of finding all things beautiful and promoting eco- friendly/sustainable living.  I am excited about the possibilities of Ward 8 getting something positive in it's midst.  Especially something that speaks to the healthy eating and wellness of this under served community.  I am so excited that when I got news of a change in the crowd funding of the Bright Farms/Ward 8/Giant food Greenhouse project, I was completely taken aback.

According to the email I received, the crowdfunding effort has been discontinued.  Any and all monies received will be returned.  The good thing is that the project will still move forward and the funding is in place.

I guess I will not get my supporter kit :( and the party might not happen....................BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY......

THE BRIGHT FARMS GREENHOUSE PROJECT IN WARD 8 IS STILL HAPPENING!!!

Bright Farms,

The residents of Ward 8 are excited about this and look forward to the opportunities that will prove to be fruitful from this venture.  I am looking forward to this innovative idea that will provide resources right here in the Nation's Capital to a community that needs this uplifting project.  We will be keeping our fingers crossed as we watch this project unfold!!

Keeping thoughts of Green and Growing Things...........and of course all things beautiful.  Which Bright Farms...............THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL THING!!!

Silent Saturday

Ward 8, Giant Food and Bright Farms............YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

Once again this week, I was delighted to read an article that was focused on something positive happening Washington, DC - particularly Ward 8.  I am a native Washingtonian and grew up in Riggs Park, Eastern Avenue to be exact.  It was a different Washington, DC back then.  We walked to school, we went outside and played in our yard and my Mom was a homemaker.  My siblings and I grew up eating food from the local Giant Food Store.  Summer morning's we were awakened by the smell of fresh cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon waiting for us in the kitchen as a preamble to a hearty hot breakfast.  Yes, those were the days when there were not a lot of chemicals to concern ourselves with as we devoured fresh food prepared daily from my stay at home mom.

OK - REALITY CHECK.  Those days are for the most part over.  With daily talk of knowing where your food is coming from, GMO's, glysophosphate and other nasty chemicals permeating the soil, tainting our food and causing rare illnesses, I long for those days once again.  When my daughters were growing up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, I either grew our produce or went to the market.  I was also a founding farmer for one of the transitionally organic CSA's in Stafford County at the Eitt Farm.  We ate good, we ate fresh and we knew where our food came from, how it was grown....usually knew or became friends with the farmers at the market and I felt good about what was I was feeding my family.  We tried different vegetables that we had never tried before and my daughters loved the experience.  My daughters know the hard work that goes into growing and harvesting good, healthy, organic food.  Quite honestly, every child should experience growing and harvesting their own food or at least know how it is done in today's world........especially the under served people in Ward 8 in Washington, DC.

I grew up knowing Ward 8 as that area of DC that you just did not go into.  It just was not safe and was always on the news.  This time however, I am ecstatic to report that something great and positive and wonderful is about to happen in Ward 8 and should make the news as well.  The Anacostia Economic Development Corporation, Bright Farms and Giant Food have entered into an agreement for Giant Food to be the exclusive resource of year round local produce grown locally.  According to Mr Paul Lightfoot,  Bright Farms is in the process of Crowdfunding  the World's most Productive and Largest Urban Farm....in our very own Ward 8....imagine that???

Bright Farms is not new to this type of adventure.  As we focus more and more on the renewal energy industry, Bright Farms business model has been proven to be successful.  Currently many grocery stores in Bucks County, Pennsylvania are enjoying the benefits of year round fresh produce grown locally due to the efforts and vision of Mr. Lightfoot and the Bright Farms Team.   I listened to Mr Lightfoot recently on a Ted Talk where he spoke about his mission of growing and delivering the freshest food possible.  Simple mission of growing it as locally as possible and delivering it as fresh as possible within hours of harvesting, all while watching his environmental footprint. This is just a good idea  on so many levels. Bringing such a facility to Ward 8 will aid in permanent green jobs with benefits, including health care, will educate the surrounding community on the benefits of knowing where your food comes from, will connect the food producers to the community and give this under served community a sense that someone cares...an Uplifting or Revival of Spirit, so to speak.

With 55 days left, Indiegogo and Bright Farms has a crowd funding event happening right now that you can participate in - even if you do not live in the DMV.  If you visit www.Indiegogo.com, you will find more  information and the options on how to donate to this  more than worthwhile effort. This 100,000 square foot facility will do such great things for the community that surrounds it.  All of the ground work is taking place now, permits are being issued, final architectural plans and last but not least - the financing needs to be secured.

From $5.00 on up, Indiegogo has a great selection of items in return for your donation to make this a reality. I personally am donating to receive not just a warm fuzzy feeling that I am helping to build a better Ward 8, but for the invitation to the party (there will be a party for sure) a complete supporter kit including a tote, a water bottle, tee shirt, and hydroponic starter kit.

I want to say THANK YOU AEDC, Bright Farms and Giant Food for realizing that giving back to the community can help build a community and there is nothing better than a healthy community.  I would  love to just shake your hand Mr. Lightfoot for having the vision and the experience of what it takes to bring fresh ideas as well as jobs and produce to this under served community.....perhaps on opening day for a tour or at the party???

Please visit www.indiegogo.com, search under FOOD and look for Help build a hydroponic greenhouse farm in our Nations Capital.


As Washingtonians have heard many times over the years.....

THAT'S MY GIANT!!!

Sunday Smile....

Brookgreen Gardens.....................I do so miss you............

For those of you who know me, I am all about all things beautiful and I seek the beauty in all things.  On a recent visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I did not have to go far to find one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever visited.....Brookgreen Gardens.

Located in the Low Country of South Carolina, across the street from Atalaya, which is on the grounds of Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens should be on every gardeners bucket list or vision board.  My journey to Brookgreen took me a mere thirty minutes from Myrtle Beach.  I had hoped to also visit Atalaya on the same trip, but had no idea of what was in store for me at Brookgreen Gardens.

Archer M. and Anna Hyatt Huntington created this naturalistic oasis of beauty out of their love for each other and their love of nature..  Mr. Archer Huntington was a man who never really had to worry about money, a wealthy industrialist/philanthropist and a scholar.  Mrs. Anna Huntington was a respected artist and sculptor. One of the most awesome things about this couple is that they did not have a formal college education.  Both of these fine people were either privately tutored or self taught.....simply amazing.  To see what they have created should inspire anyone to just DO what you are inspired to do.

The Huntington's bought four rice plantations in what is now known as Murrells Inlet, Georgetown County, South Carolina, bordering the banks of the Waccamaw River.  The thought process was to settle in an area that would help Anna's Tuberculosis, a warmer winter climate during the winter months (they lived in New York and Connecticut), provide a place where she could work as an artist and exhibit her art as well.  They built Atalaya, which they considered their Winter home.  Across the road they developed Brookgreen Gardens.  In doing so, they were responsible for opening America's first public outdoor sculpture garden.  Oh what a garden it is!!!  You can find out more about the Huntington's and their vision at www.brookgreen.org ...however...I need to share a little about the gardens.........those glorious gardens.....the gardens that pop up in my mind at random times throughout the day.

If you are an art lover, then imagine seeing a life size statue of Homer....

Diana of the Chase.....................

or

The Fountain of The Muses.........................

all in one place,each  surrounded by amazing floral combinations, water features and dragonfly's.  Oh the dragonflies were in such abundance.  Each time I paused....this garden does make one pause often and repeatedly....a dragon fly would make it's presence known. Resting on my shoulder, my shoes, my camera, as well as the art in the garden.  This garden with all of it's sculptures and vignettes was truly a garden filled with love and life.

I will not spoil it for you, as this is a garden that must be seen and appreciated individually, but a few things jumped out at me, causing me to anticipate my next visit.  I love texture. I love to see textures mixed and in abundance.  There are a few spaces where the textural tapestry of green just makes you gasp in amazement.

There were some vignettes that spoke to texture with minimal bright colors.  The cool greens allowed your eye to rest, even though the sculptures within the garden, would catch your eye and allow one to mentally look at the vignette as a picture within a bigger picture.  The dappled light of certain areas would make something so ordinary, like a little bloom, moss  hanging from the branches above or hydrangeas embracing a borrowed view "POP" right before your eyes. 

The sounds..................oh the sounds of nature - not cars, buses or emergency vehicles....just nature.  The buzzing in my ear from the wings of the dragon flies, the sounds of baby birds, the many fountains/water features and on this particular day, the sound of rain.  The rain steadily, but gently dancing on the leaves, in the ponds, on the sculptures and on the pathways was like an outdoor symphony, quietly in 3D.  I almost got soaked, but I did not care, because I was mentally immersed in all that Brookgreen had to offer me at that moment.  Entering this garden was like entering a dream on a hot summers day in the south, complete with mature alleys of Live Oaks that once led to the Big House (as the slaves would call it) which Mrs. Huntington used as a central point of the garden design, which on paper resembled the shape of a butterfly, with opened wings. I know...simply amazing.  The Huntington's were on a mission to surround themselves with all things beautiful, while appreciating and preserving nature, yet capturing and exhibiting the essence of Mrs. Huntington's work.  I get emotional when I think of the discussions they might have had as they walked among the naturalistic landscape at various times of the year to really create their version of beauty. 

The garden rooms.  Oh the different garden rooms with an abundance of horticultural delights. from the Climbing Lillies to the Cleome, from the Hosta's to the Heuchera, from the Native Pines to the Crepe Myrtles....and of course, I always have a favorite.   The Poetry Room.....

There is no way to enjoy all  of Brookgreen Gardens in one day,  Far too much is offered not just for the gardener, but for children ( the Low Country Zoo Discover Room and Enchanted Storybook Forest), butterfly enthusiasts, Cypress Aviary, Plantation History and Nature Tour,  boat cruises, a beautiful collection of Long Needle Pines, a fantabulous gift shop and The Poetry Garden Room.... and there is so much more!!!  For the cost of the ticket, a mere $14.00, one can visit and re-visit for 7 consecutive days.  No wonder Brookgreen Gardens is considered a National Historic Landmark and one of the top 10 public gardens in the United States..  Now to wait til Christmas, when I hope to return and spend more time and perhaps visit Atalaya and Huntington beach as well....

I wish horses could fly....

`

so I could be strolling through Brookgreen Gardens right now.........

Hydrangeas Queen of the Summer Garden - You Can Grow That!

Hydrangeas are one of the delights of the summer garden.  I like to think of them as the Queen of the garden because they seem to reign over other summer shrubs with their blooms.  With an array of bloom types, heights and colors, from the traditional Mophead, Lacecaps, Oakleaf to the Ever blooming series, you an count on an outstanding statement for mid to late summer splash of color.

Most hydrangeas tolerate medium/bright shade and some cultivars can withstand full sun.  Therefore it is important to know what cultivar you purchase, what zone you are in and what your growing conditions are.  Averaging in height from 2/3 feet to 6/10 feet, knowing what type you need for that special spot is very important.

Hydrangea's are best planted in early summer or fall.  If you are not sure of the bloom color/size/plant habit, plant it where pruning will not be a necessity.  If you are transplanting an existing hydrangea, this should be done when it is dormant.  Watering deeply rather than often, usually ensures that the roots are getting the moisture that they need.  Also, well draining soil is a necessity to ensure the health and well being of your hydrangea. If you notice that the leaves wilt mid day and/or get brown along the edges, this usually means that it is getting too much sun.

Soil neutrality or acidity can affect the color of your hydrangea.  Turning a pink hydrangea to a shade of blue can be done by adding aluminum to the soil.  In order to change a blue hydrangea to pink you would do the reverse and subtract the aluminum from the soil.  Sometimes this is harder than one would think and some hydrangeas will not change color no matter what you do. Purchasing hydrangeas in bloom definitely allows you to know what color and size your typical bloom will be.

Sometimes the large leaf hydrangea is susceptible to powdery mildew.  As with most plants, this happens when there is high humidity and improper growing conditions (like too much shade).  If grown in too damp conditions, fungal spots might prove to be a problem on the leaves and will eventually cause certain death tot he plant, unless it is relocated.  Oakleaf hydrangeas are very sensitive to soil conditions that are too damp and will surely die if not moved to soil that drains better.  Mites can also become an issue if hydrangeas are not adequately watered  during the dry times of the summer months.  As with most plants, paying attention to small issues and addressing them quickly, will result in a happy shrub and a happy hydrangea owner.  Hydrangea................You Can Grow That!

What exactly is The Garden Coalition?

The Garden Coalition is a coalition of like minded people who are like minded and interested in community beautification efforts, garden related travel and garden related programming in the District Heights, Capitol Heights and surrounding area.  This area is under served as it pertains to beautification efforts, educating community members and garden club type activities.  To participate and take ownership of certain areas of the Communities mentioned, it will bring to life and change the outside perception of how we feel about our surroundings.

What have we done so far this year??  Well, we gathered a few of our friends, family, a few strangers, a celebrity and the District Heights Community Garden participants and went to the Philadelphia Flower Show.  A good time was had by at the show and on the bus.  Our raffle winners won a trio of ceramic pots, an expandable rake and some pretty cool garden markers.

Our celebrity, Mr. Nikita Floyd aka Nature Boy,  WOL 1450 Newstalk Radio kept the humor going as well as answered a few questions on the bus to captivate our attention.  Mr. Floyd also shared his shopping adventure with us as our day ended.

I represented The Garden Coalition as the Capitol Heights Community Garden welcomed Spring.  I spoke on Garden Basics and shared a few hints and tips with the gardening community. What a wonderful morning that was.  To share my love of gardening and spark a conversation on how and why we garden was such a treat.  The participants thoroughly enjoyed this demonstration and discussion.One man was very specific in what he wanted to grow, another guest was certainly a seasoned gardener and one guest was simply not into bugs as part of the garden.  A wonderful mix of participants but they all left with a smile.

We hosted our first in a series of Garden Conversations.  Our featured guests were:

Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine and local Garden Guru.  Ms. Jentz spoke on Deer and other Critters in the Garden.  What awesome info she shared on this topic....lots of things we did not know. We certainly hope to have her back one day soon!

Mrs. Deborah Weller from the Department of Environmental Resources, Community Outreach Program.  Mrs. Weller informed us of several programs that are offered through Prince Georges County from Tree Releaf to Permeable Pavers.  I am observing as one of my neighbors is currently having this system installed as a driveway.  How exciting!!  We are continuing the conversation with Mrs. Weller to revisit with us and    guide us as fall is tree planting season....and we do have some ideas!

Mr. Nikita Floyd (Nature Boy, WOL 1450 Talk Radio) spoke to us on lawn care and fertilization. We found his discussion informative and humorous as well.  I look forward to him interacting with us in our community on some level.

Our latest accomplishment was the installation of plant material to show that we care about the appearance of OUR Municipal Center in District Heights.  We wanted to bring life and color to the forefront by way of a xeric planting.  This would not only bring the bees and butterfly's, but educate community members on how using some native plant material along with basic shrubbery and annuals can be beautiful and welcoming!

We are just gearing up, growing and welcoming new friends and neighbors.  We generally meet the second Monday of the month, 7:00 PM in the Computer Lab at the Municipal Center.  Come on by and check us out.   We would love to outgrow our meeting space, take ownership in certain beautification efforts and make the corridors leading to the City of District Heights City BEAUTIFUL!!