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Alexandria, VA: American Horticultural Society’s 2015 Spring Garden Market

Posted in DC, Travels, Virginia, Washington DC, tagged , , , on Sunday, 29 March, 2015| 4 Comments »

Little did I know, the American Horticultural Society headquarters is located just four miles south of Old Town Alexandria,VA. I love plants and beautifully blooming flowers but my mother was the green thumb of the family. It must have skipped a generation, but I try.

American Horticultural Society River Farm
Entrance to River Farm

Because I have visions of lovely gardens, I’m planning to attend the Annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm scheduled for April 10 and 11, 2015. The market will have:

  • plants for sale (including natives, specialty plants and edibles)
  • garden books
  • garden accessories
  • garden paintings for sale by local artist
  • Food from Rockland’s BBQ and Grilling Company
  • Whole Food’s Cooking demonstrations
  • Free raffle for garden prizes
  • “Pet the Alpaca”
  • Family-friendly activities for kids

Even if you’re not a gardener, a day at the beautiful River Farm’s estate is worth the visit. The views of the Potomac River are lovely.

If you want to go, the location is 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA. AHS members-only morning is Friday, April 10 from 10-noon. The public sales will be Friday, April 10 from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from 10 am to 6 pm. Parking is $5.00 per car. For more information go to AHS or call 703-768-5700.

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US Botanic Garden

Posted in DC, Travels, tagged , , , , on Sunday, 15 May, 2011| Leave a Comment »

After enjoying the flowers in my pretty Virginia backyard, I decided it was time to visit the US Botanic Garden which is located at 100 Maryland Ave SW in DC. It’s between 1st and 2nd streets SW and is adjacent to the US Capitol. We drove into DC and found metered parking on 3rd street. The closest metro stations are Federal Center or Capitol South. The metro bus lines are #30, 32, 34, 35 or 36 which you take to Independence and 1st Street SW. Just walking up to it is so impressive with all the beautiful glass and the US Capitol in the background.

The Garden has been open to the public (continuously) since 1850. There are more 60,000 plants among the gardens collection and it even has historic specimens which date back to 1842.  I enjoyed the different sections which included medicinal plants, garden primeval, children’s garden, Hawaii, World Desserts, Plant Exploration, Rare/Endangered species, Jungle, Southern Exposure and the Orchid room. I spent about an hour in the building and another half hour roaming around outside. You could do it in less but I was taking my time and sat out to enjoy the beautiful day.

         

There is a fun section for kids and the outside garden area was spectacular. Rose section, First Ladies Water park, and benches/tables everywhere in case you want to picnic.  Being from Hawaii, I particularly enjoyed the Orchid Room but have to say, my daughter has been growing orchids which are just as gorgeous.

Favorite Girl’s Orchids:

There’s no entrance fee and the gardens are open from 10 am to 5 pm daily and you’re welcome in the Bartholdi Park (outside) from dawn until dusk.  No smoking allowed anywhere.  Handheld cameras and videos are allowed anytime. Sketching is allowed along with the use of easels, tripods and art material but if you’re using solvents you’ll need to get permission and a permit.

For detailed information, go to: US Botanic Garden

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Spring Update

Posted in Virginia, Virginia Home, tagged , , , , on Thursday, 5 May, 2011| 3 Comments »

Spring in DC is a wonderful time of year. The blooming cherry blossoms, dogwoods, azaleas are all gorgeous and I’m looking forward to a warm fun summer. Living in a old well-established neighborhood has its advantages when landscaping.  For us, it’s more a matter of cutting back, rather than adding plants. Here’s the backyard:

And the gorgeous Dogwood tree:

Flowers:

  

We’ve settled nicely into our “new ” old home. So much to do with the house but we’re taking our time and doing one project at a time. After a year and a couple of months, I’m finally having an estate sale on Saturday for my mom’s furniture and household goods.  My sister, Jo, came into town to help out and we’ve been working diligently emptying boxes but pause frequently when a memory is triggered.  We’ll keep the items which make us smile and reminds us of many good times with both my mom and dad.

Update: Estate sale went well except none of the furniture sold. Time to get reacquainted with Craigslist.

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