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.
Mum Plant Sale. The Old Dominion Chrysanthemum Society will hold its annual Mum Plant Sale on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Springs Road, Alexandria. A wide variety of rooted, potted cuttings, including a complete range of Mum colors and cultivars, will be available. Call Jim Dunne at 703-560-8776.
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.
Flourishing, Flowering Salvias. Save a little room in the garden for fall blooming salvias. Nancy Olney, staff horticulturist, shows her favorites and shares her propagation and growing tips Saturday, June 3 from 9:30-11a.m. Take home a few cuttings and seeds to grow. Cost is $15. Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Vegetables: Hybrids vs. Heirlooms. Visit Green Spring's Kitchen Garden this summer to see which cultivars are outstanding performers. Thursday mornings from 10-11 a.m., June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20, and Aug. 10 and 24. Special vegetables, grown during the colonial time period, will be grown in honor of the Jamestown commemoration. Special tasting will be scheduled in the Kitchen Garden throughout the summer. Free. Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Landscape Design Workshop for Homeowners. Accompany Cindy Brown, staff horticulturist, into the gardens to take a close look at the designs, plants and structures that provide solutions to special problems. These sessions explore the design process, show how to conduct a site inventory and analysis, and help develop a garden's framework and produce a conceptual plan. Fridays, June 9, 16 and 23 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Homework is assigned before each session. Class limit is 10. Cost is $160. Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Workshop: Herb Gardening in Containers. Herbal containers expand available growing space, bring herbs closer to the kitchen and provide edible accents in empty corners. The instructor provides information and inspiration to guide the process of creating an attractive outdoor container. Proper pot and plant selection, potting mixes, and nutrient and water management discussed. Then, make a container to take home. Saturday, June 17 from 9:30-11 a.m. The workshop provides pots, soil and plants. Cost is $40. Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Workshop: Basic Gardening Series. Green Spring's gardeners will share gardening tips and time-saving techniques, clarify simple steps, and debunk horticulture myths. Sign up for the entire series or for individual workshops. Saturdays, June 24, July 8 and 22 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Work alongside a gardener as they explain the hows, whens and whys of summer maintenance. Cost is $11 per class. Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.