The following events are scheduled by VCE Master Gardeners in Arlington and Alexandria in April 2018.
Printable: April 2018 Publicity Flyer
Plant Selection: DIY Sustainable Yard Series
Natives summer phlox and red bee balm (behind) in July 2010. Photo Credit: Mary Free
Wednesday, April 4, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Beatley Central Library
5005 Duke St., Alexandria VA 22304
OR
Tuesday, April 10, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Westover Branch Library
1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington VA 22205
There’s a perfect palette selection of plants right for you that will thrive best in the conditions of your site. Learn how to select appropriate plants for your site, what is meant by a native plant versus a cultivar, and some best practices for planting and maintenance.
Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org.
Questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.
2018 Gardening Talks at Arlington Central Library
Planning & Planting the Herb Garden
Wednesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington VA 22201
If herbs be the spice of life, plant on! An ounce of oregano, a sprig of rosemary can change a dish from okay to delicious.
Free. No registration necessary. Presented with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
Arlington County Earth Fest!
Monday, April 9, 10 am-12 pm
Arlington Mill Community Center,
909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington 22204
This is a new family-friendly community event featuring an “Ask the Master Gardener” table; topics covered include seed distribution, paper pot making, and transplanting of seedlings. Please join us!
Free.
Contact Details:
nenglund@arlingtonva.us
703-228-7369
2018 Gardening Talks at Arlington Central Library
Irrigation: Gravity Drip Systems with Rain Barrels, Ollas, DIY Sub-irrigated Planters
Wednesday, April 11, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington VA 22201
Water conservation saves money and natural resources. Learn about efficient drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to roots.
Free. No registration necessary. Presented with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
Arlington Home Show & Garden Expo
Saturday, April 14, 10 am – 4 pm,
Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington 22204
This is a family-friendly community event featuring an “Ask the Master Gardener” table; topics covered include composting, soil fertility, and turf alternatives.
Free. http://arlingtonhomeshow.org
2018 Gardening Talks at Arlington Central Library
Garden Structures: Supports, Going Vertical, and Rabbit & Deer Control
Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington VA 22201
Lack space? Grow up! Have rabbit & other critter problems? Learn about garden structures that support tomatoes, vines, and other crops to increase yields, improve circulation, prevent disease, AND keep those critters out.
Free. No registration necessary. Presented with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
Vegetable Gardening Series, Part 5: Square Foot Gardening
Square Foot Garden
Photo © 2017 Madeleine Faust
Thursday, April 19, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Burke Branch Library
4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria 22304
OR
Saturday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Westover Branch Library
1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington 22205
Using this system, originated by Mel Bartholomew, you can grow more fresh produce with less in a small space, and save time with less watering, weeding, and tilling. Learn the simple principles of square foot gardening that give you a high yield, easily maintained intensive garden.
Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org.
Questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.
Aprilfest
Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Walker Chapel
4102 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, 22207
This is a family-friendly community event featuring an “Ask the Master Gardener” table; topics include with a focus on container gardening.
Free.
Small Space Gardening: Selecting Trees & Shrubs
Peonies in the perennial garden with boxwood shrubs beyond
Photo © 2017 Elaine Mills
Monday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen St., Alexandria 22314
Even if space is tight in your yard, there are a variety of trees and shrubs native to our area that could work for you. We will discuss how to assess your site and soil conditions, how to select trees and shrubs to reshape your small yard into a more sustainable landscape, and how to install and maintain your new plantings
Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org.
Questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.
2018 Gardening Talks at Arlington Central Library
Balcony & Container Gardening
Wednesday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington VA 22201
Apartment and condo dwellers can also enjoy gardening on roof decks & balconies in containers. Learn how to plant containers for vegetables and herbs, creating food and beauty at the same time.
Free. No registration necessary. Presented with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
Alexandria Earth Day
Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m
Harris Memorial Fields at Braddock Park, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria 22301
This year’s theme is Local Action, Global Impact. The event will include educational exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Free. Earth Day Contact Information
For general inquiries on Alexandria Earth Day, or to help sponsor the event, please contact Eldon Boes, Committee Chair at boes509@comcast.net.
Walter Reed Garden Group
Wildlife Garden
Photo © 2017 Elaine Mills
Monday, April 30, 1-3 p.m.
Walter Reed Community and Senior Center
2909 S. 16th St., Arlington 22204
Share your knowledge and experience, learn from each other, and enjoy the company of other seniors (55+) who understand the challenges, rewards, and wonder of gardening.
Ages: 55+ Cost: Free
Contact Details: LeeAnne Kaniut
703-228-0955
Gardening in Containers, Window Boxes, and on Balconies
Monday, April 30, 7-8:30 pm,
Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen St., Alexandria 22314
OR
Tuesday, May 1, 7-8:30 p.m.
Shirlington Library
4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
Use your prettiest containers in a sunny window or on a balcony or patio to grow flowers, foliage, herbs, and edibles. Learn what works best in these special places and get tips for maintaining them in our tough climate.
Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org.
Questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.
Sowing the Seeds of Victory: War Gardens in America
Monday, April 30, 7-8:30 pm,
Burke Branch Library
4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria 22304
Provides an overview of home food production during World War I and describes how contemporary gardeners can grow the same crops in your gardens today.
Free. Advance registration requested at mgnv.org.
Questions, telephone 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.
Check out our Plant Clinics!
The Arlington Central Library Plant Clinic is now open from 6:45-8:45 pm, every Wednesday through October 24 and is located in the East Lobby of the library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Click here to find out when the Farmers’ Market Plant Clinics start.
Horticulture Help Desk
Our Help Desk operates year-round and we welcome your garden-related questions, including those related to plant and insect identification. The Help Desk operates from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays at the VCE office at the Fairlington Community Center
3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington, 22206
Contact us at 703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com, or drop by to speak with our Help Desk volunteers. It’s best to call before you come to make sure we’re available.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these programs, please contact VCE at 703-228-6414 from 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. VCE programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
