How to Apply Fertilizer Properly. A free seminar on proper fertilizer application will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 24 at Vienna Town Hall, 127 Centre St., S. A representative from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will review participants' current fertilization programs and offer advice on proper fertilizer application to keep lawns green and healthy while protecting the environment. Call Hollly Chu at 703-255-6387 or e-mail chu@vienna.va.us.
Working with Bamboo. Bamboo is one of the earth's most renewable resources. The workshop, to be held Saturday, April 29 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, begins with a discussion of bamboo's uses, harvesting techniques and its physical properties. Then participants work on one of several bamboo projects to take home and use in their own garden. The projects are approximately six by three feet; bring an appropriately sized vehicle. All supplies and tools will be provided. Cost is $25. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Container Gardening with Succulents. Succulents, with their striking forms, unusual colors and easy-care reputation, are fun plants to use in container gardens. Growing tips, cultivar selection and design suggestions will be discussed at this workshop, to be held Saturday, May 6, 10-11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Then class participants create a container garden featuring succulents. Plants, soil and containers provided. Cost is $48. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Spring Garden Tour. Saturday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m., Doris Rodriquez, Chief Horticulturist, will lead a free tour through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, to view spring flowering bulbs, perennials and shrubs. Call 703-255-3631.
Native Plant Sale. Held at Great Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike, in the picnic area on Saturday, May 6. The sale will feature plants which are native to the Potomac River Gorge. Featured items are sized to carry and include shrubs, small trees and plants. The sale will be held from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Native plants are accustomed to the local climate and soil and help avoid the need to lime, condition or fertilize. They are also resistant to disease and resident pests. There is no need to treat with fungicides, pesticides and herbicides. Call 703-759-9018.
Blueberries. Blueberries grow into tall garden shrubs with striking pink winter twig color, spring flowers, blue-green summer foliage and masses of fruit, ending with dramatic fall leaf color that lights the garden. Sybil Mays, co-owner of Paradise Nursery, discusses planting, growing, harvesting and cooking blueberries at this workshop, to be held Saturday, May 13 from 10-11 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Samples and recipes shared. Blueberry plants available for purchase. Cost is $15. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Clematis Connections: The Evolution of a Garden Legend. This symposium, to be held at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Friday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., unlocks design secrets and proper cultivation of these vining plants. Clematis growers describe the discovery and reintroduction of native clematis hybrids that are causing a stir in the nursery business. Featured speakers come from as far away as Kawasaki City, Japan. This is an international and historical event. Lunch provided and clematis plants available for purchase. Registration required by May 12. Cost is $89. Call 703-642-5173.
Spring Plant Sale. More than 40 vendors of rare and unusual plants descend on Green Spring Gardens, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friends of Green Spring receive 10 percent off plants in the Garden Gate Plant Shop. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Summer Weeds — Identification and Removal. Brenda Skarphol, staff horticulturist, teaches how to identify common annual and perennial summer weeds at this workshop, to be held Friday, May 26 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. She also discusses control techniques including hand weeding, tools, herbicides and mulch. Dress appropriately for this outdoor class. Cost is $11. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.