Seed sowing is this Gardener's Winter Olympics. This is becoming a National trend. Got seeds? Seed sowing season begins right after the new year. I noticed when the wrapping paper goes on sale, the seed stands take their place. For the past 10 + years, Washington Gardener Magazine has hosted the … [Read more...]
MANTS -Winter Networking
Winter warm-up could have multiple meanings depending on where you live. As a garden writer, winter warm-up means gearing up for the seasons ahead. In the Mid-Atlantic, the horticulture community looks forward to an event called MANTS. A BIT OF HISTORY The Maryland and Virginia Nurseryman's … [Read more...]
All America Selections…What’s Not to Love?
I want to say Thank You to Mr. Ray Hastings, founder of All-America Selections. One of those visionaries in horticulture who realized a need and made it happen. What are All-America Selections?? Well, you just might be growing one or a few in your garden. As President of the Southern … [Read more...]
Saturday Seed Swap…It’s Not Too Late!!
In a few days, Elements of Nature will be presenting Stewards of Future Harvests - A Free Community Seed Swap and Gardening Expo. This is a first of its kind in Prince Georges County and should be quite an interesting event. The hostess of the day is Linda L. Jones, Owner of Elements of Nature, a … [Read more...]
A Farmer, an Inventor and Two Patents
Around 1807 in Glen Ross, Maryland, a young African-American was born by the name of Henry Blair. This young man would become a local farmer and have two patents attributed to his existence. Did I mention that he was illiterate and there is no record of him ever being a slave? Let's think about that … [Read more...]
Beauty in Building Community…
Building community is something that I consider daily. As a Community Engager and gardener, I am eternally seeking creative ways to build my community and seek environmental activities on which we can build upon. I am a firm believer that any community can be great if you connect the dots. When I … [Read more...]
Believe With Me in 2016
It is 2016, a brand new year. A new year allowing us the opportunity to believe that things will be better, get better. Another chance to believe that we can be and can do better. Simply put, another once in a lifetime opportunity to believe, for we will not see 2016 ever again in our … [Read more...]
Lesson in a basket…
Many times we see things simply as they are. In this instance, merely a basket of tomato's. To me, it's a little more than that. It is a simple lesson in diversity. A lot of folks will only buy a red tomato. That's the safe, normal color of a tomato which is familiar to us. However, having the … [Read more...]
Philadelphia Flower Show….More Than Just An Event
Lights, Camera, Bloom was the catch phrase for this year's Philadelphia Flower Show. The theme was Celebrating The Movies and was certainly a winning collaborative effort of The Philadelphia Horticultural Society, and its loyal partners as well as Disney and Disney-Pixar. The most amazing part of … [Read more...]
DC Gardens…YOU CAN GROW THAT!
I recently participated in #GardenChat with Bren Haas and Adam Cortell, featuring Susan Harris and Kathy Jentz who are cultivating an exciting effort promoting garden tourism in the DC area. We have so much to offer and it is quite a monumental event for these two ladies to be an integral part of … [Read more...]