Ten free white flowering dogwood trees will be given to each person who joins the National Arbor Day Foundation during March. The trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation's Trees for America campaign. They will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between now and May 31, with planting instructions. Members also receive a subscription to Arbor Day, the Foundation's monthly publication, and "The Tree Book" with information about tree planting and care. To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Dogwood Trees, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by March 31 or go online to arborday.org.
Spring Start-Up: Tropical Bulbs: Cannas, Callas, Caladiums and More. The gardening staff at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, provide time-saving techniques, clarify simple steps and debunk gardening myths. Friday, March 11 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 703-642-5173.
Spring Lawn Care. Mike Goatley, head of Virginia Tich's Turf Department and coordinator of the Turf Trial Beds, will share the latest information on growing lush lawns. Saturday, March 12 from 10 a.m.-noon at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Cost is $10. Call 703-642-5173.
Spring Start-Up: Pruning Perennials, Grasses and Half-Hardy Shrubs. he gardening staff at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, provide time-saving techniques, clarify simple steps and debunk gardening myths. Friday, March 18 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 703-642-5173.
Verticals. Add a dynamic dimension to a garden. Cindy Brown, staff horticulturist, will show different types of vertical features, both horticultural and architectural, explain how to use them and illustrate how they can transform a small space. Saturday, March 19 from 10-11 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Cost is $10. Call 703-642-5173.
Landscape Design Sessions at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Landscape designer Kathleen Wheeler guides aspiring and experienced home gardeners through the steps of the design process in this three-part series on Saturdays, March 5, 12 and 19, at 10:30 a.m., in the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Visitor’s Center, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court in Vienna.
Reservations are required for the limited space in this Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority program; call 703-255-3631 for reservations. The $45 fee includes all three sessions.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through February, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in March. For information about programs and the Gardens, call 703-255-3631 or visit www.nvrpa.org/meadowlark.html.
Sow the seeds of summer, spring and fall gardens with a workshop, demonstration or tour of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, near Vienna, now through April 30.
Chief Horticulturist Doris Rodriguez helps to "Get Your Garden Ready for Planting" on Saturday, March 12, at 9 a.m., in The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Gather ideas about removing existing vegetation and use of soil amendments and fertilizers and other tips. Reservations are required; call 703-255-3631. The fee is $5.
"Bog Gardens in Outdoor Containers" is the topic of Horticulturist Laurie Short's demonstration on Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m., in the Gardens' Horticulture Building. Learn which plants to use and how to maintain them. Reservations are required; call 703-255-3631. The fee is $5.
The Atrium Horticulturist Tammy Burke helps workshop participants create a living wreath using annuals on a moss frame on Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m., in the Gardens' Horticulture Building. Reservations are required; call 703-255-3631. The $30 fee includes materials and supplies.
Two free spring garden tours are set at the 95-acre garden park. The Atrium Horticulturist Tammy Burke leads a tour of the Atrium' Gardens on Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m. Meet in the Atrium then tour the White, Peach and Yellow Gardens. Chief Horticulturist Doris Rodriguez leads a spring garden tour on Saturday, April 23, at 10:30 a.m. Meet in the Visitor's Center then view the spring flowering bulbs, perennials and shrubs.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is located near Vienna, at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, off of Beulah Road, between Route 7 and Route 123. The gardens are open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in February, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in March, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. in April and 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. in May. Admissions close a half hour before the Gardens close. For information about programs and the Gardens, call 703-255-3631 or visit www.nvrpa.org/meadowlark.html.