WashingtonGardener

Monday Thought: “It was June, and the world smelled like roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold all over the grassy hillside.” ~ Maud Hart Lovelace

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:55:12 +0000

“It was June, and the world smelled like roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold all over the grassy hillside.” ~ Maud Hart Lovelace

GardenDC Podcast Episode 289: Landscape Design Combinations

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:15:00 +0000

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with garden designer and blogger Lee Miller, about landscape design combinations*. The plant profile is on Japanese Snowbell Tree and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Peas Don't Like me" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

***Please Vote for our show the GardenDC Podcast at

https://bestof2026.washingtoncitypaper.com/ under Arts & Entertainment > Best Local Podcaster

The deadline to vote is June 10, 2026. Thank you in advance! ***

*You can order Lee Miller's book Landscape Design Combinations at https://amzn.to/4vALSzC
This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 135: Plants for Shade

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/01/gardendc-podcast-episode-135-plants-for.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 111: Flower Combinations

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-111-flower.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 102: Annual Combinations

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-102-annual.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 72: Low-Maintenance Gardening

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-72-low.html

Show Notes will be posted after 6/15/2026.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/75PLiYQxGF2tumQ8ufeLnB?si=UImjbc-lTHSZiq30CFnrQg

The GardenDC podcast is also available on -

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We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.

And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

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Fenton Friday: Blackberry Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:45:16 +0000

This week was there was no rain and constant, drying winds -- now the 90-degree days have moved in. That means I'm watering the tiny seedlings a lot and praying for a pop-up storm.

The Blackberries are ripening now and I harvested about a pint this week (see pic above) with many more to come. They are very large and juicy -- and delicious! I draped some plastic mesh over the shrub along with a few rubber snakes in hopes of keeping the birds off them for now.

I actually have harvested a couple Pea pods thanks to the wire cage around one remaining vine -- with the heat setting in now that is the end of the pea season.

We harvested all the Kale and one of the summer interns planted tomatoes in their spot -- they are the Purple Tomato and Citrine.

The container with the Romaine Lettuce growing it wil be harvested next and I think I may put a Sweet Potato in there.

I harvested and shared the Dill and Cilantro as well as cutting a big bag of the bolted Cilantro for drying to go to seed to collect the Coriander.

The Asparagus is now tied up and next to it is where the other summer intern planted Okra 'Puerto Rico Everblush'. The seeds were shared with us at our Seed Exchange last January and I am eager to try out this variety as we have never had it before.

I discovered more returning Dahlia plants! So they were not all a loss from last winter, just very slow to return.

In the pollinator strip, I planted more Cornflower seedlings and the interns planted three kinds of Nasturtium ('Baby Red', 'Baby Yellow', and 'Baby Gold') and Zinnia ('Zydeco Fire' and 'Crestar Fieldgrown Mix' seeds. I also added a Verbena seedling and we did a bit of weeding. The Crabgrass there is rampant and battling it is super-frustrating.

Next week, I plan to add Cucumber and Squash as well as the Lisianthus seedlings in the cutting garden.

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

About Fenton Friday: Every Friday during the growing season, I'll be giving you an update on my community garden plot at the Fenton Street Community Garden just across the street from my house in zone 7 Mid-Atlantic MD/DC border. I'm plot #16. It is a 10 ft x 20 ft space and this is our 15th year in the garden. (It opened in May 2011.) See past posts about our edible garden by putting "Fenton" into the Search box above (at the top, left on this blog).

Blue-Eyed Grass Plant Profile

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:53:49 +0000

Blue-Eyed Grass Plant Profile

Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is a clump-forming perennial plant with tiny violet-blue flowers. These flowers close up late in the day and open again in the morning, It is actually not a grass, despites its name and grass-like looks but is instead in the Iris family.

It is native to eastern North America and is hardy to USDA Zones 4 to 9. It grows from 8 to 12 inches tall.

It flowers in late spring and does best in full to part sun. It prefers moist or wet soils and will die if it is allowed to get too dry. Avoid applying mulch around it as that can cause crown rot.

Blue-Eyed Grass is often used as a groundcover, edging plant, or in cottage gardens. Pollinators are attracted to the flowers’ nectar and pollen. It is considered to be rabbit- and deer-resistant.

You can propagate it by digging and dividing it in the springtime. It can also self-sow if you let it. Deadhead the flowers as they finish blooming, if you do not want it to produce seeds.

Blue-Eyed Grass: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Videos Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Editing by Koree Perry

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If you liked this video, we think you will like these other Plant Profiles:

~ Little Bluestem Grass:

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/08/little-bluestem-grass-plant-profile.html

~ Mexican Feather Grass:

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/10/plant-profile-mexican-feather-grass.html

~ Hakone Grass:

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2019/10/plant-profile-hakone-grass.html

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Meet the New Summer 2026 Interns

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:36:01 +0000

This summer, I have taken on two editorial interns. Look for their author byline in our upcoming Washington Gardener Magazine issues, our videos, GardenDC Podcast, and on this blog. As a first assignment, I asked them to write a short introduction to our readers so you can get to know them.

Greetings, readers and listeners! My name is Maya Hand (pictured above, at right). I am a rising senior journalism major at the University of Maryland in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. I am minoring in science, technology, ethics and policy. I want to be a science communicator, doing science writing as well as formats like podcast and video. I have contributed as a science writer to UMD’s College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS) News site. I have also written and produced an audio package for WMUC News, UMD’s student-led radio. I am about to depart for a two-week study abroad program in Tanzania, where I will collaborate with students from UMD and the University of Dar es Salaam to create a broadcast about Dar es Salaam’s youth-led innovations against climate change.

I enjoy dancing, listening to podcasts, hiking, and eating international cuisines! I am excited to join the Washington Gardener magazine. I look forward to learning more about gardening and getting to engage with the local gardening community!

Hello everyone! My name is Koree Perry (pictured above, on left) and I am a senior studying Multi-Platform Journalism Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland College Park, and I will be one of two of the interns this summer for Washington Gardener Magazine. I’m a native of Baltimore City, MD, and while I’m a beginner at all things gardening, I’m excited to learn and write this summer! I was a freelance writer and copy editor for Her Campus, a Gen Z lifestyle publication on campus, as well as the historian for the Maryland Association of Black Journalists for the 2025-2026 term.

Outside of my time with Washington Gardener, I love to cook, read, and write fiction (I’m currently working on writing my first book)! I’m excited to be apart of this wonderful magazine and able to write meaning stories about gardening for you all to hopefully enjoy!

Monday Thoughts: "The pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing." ~ George Orwell

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:19:27 +0000

"The pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing." ~ George Orwell

GardenDC Podcast Episode 288: Growing Roses Naturally

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Sat, 30 May 2026 20:14:57 +0000

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Rita Perwich, consulting rosarian and author of Natural Rose Gardening*, about growing roses organically. The plant profile is on Larkspur and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Summer Squash Companions" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

***Please Vote for our show the GardenDC Podcast at

https://bestof2026.washingtoncitypaper.com/ under Arts & Entertainment > Best Local Podcaster

The deadline to vote is June 10, 2026. Thank you in advance! ***

*You can order Rita Perwich's book Natural Rose Gardening at https://amzn.to/4nV1Rpj
This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.

Rita will be speaking to the Potomac Rose Society in January 2027. Be sure to join the society at https://potomacrose.org/.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 13: Heritage Roses with Connie Hilker

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/05/gardendc-podcast-episode-13-connie.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 111: Flower Combinations

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-111-flower.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 285: Thomas Jefferson's Flowers

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/05/gardendc-podcast-episode-285-thomas.html

Show Notes will be posted after 6/15/2026.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4GYz8DYyIzu70HVOi0LeLk?si=9ESpz-f8SZGutiWlFrofCA

The GardenDC podcast is also available on -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gardendc/id1502631179
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc
RadioPublic: https://radiopublic.com/gardendc-G2ql5V
iHeartRADIO: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-gardendc-73615877/
aCast: https://play.acast.com/s/gardendc
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Bullhorn https://www.bullhorn.fm/gardendc
Chartable: https://link.chtbl.com/GardenDC
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Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/5587897
GoodPods: https://goodpods.app.link/u3gtlpybILb
Headliner: https://play.headliner.app/podcast/37086
Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/courses/gardendc-1747568
Ivy: https://ivy.fm/podcast/gardendc-940013
Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/VIfcBjWRnw6
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/gardendc/
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YouTube: https://youtube.com/washingtongardenermagazine

And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

You can order Rita's book at https://amzn.to/4nV1Rpj
This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales,
but it wil not impact your purchase price.

Fenton Friday: Paltry Scapes

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Fri, 29 May 2026 21:49:13 +0000

This might be most pathetic Garlic scape harvest ever (see pic above) -- which gives me very little hope for the actual garlic bulb harvest in a few weeks. It has been a rough winter and tough spring, so I'm not that surprised.

This week was a rainy one! Boy, did we need it! Today is sunny and breezy. It will be blue skies with temps in the high 70s predicted for most of the next week. It should be really nice weather to tackle some of the rampant weeds brought on by the rains and to get our summer crops planted.

I have one set of Pea vines protected by a wire cage that is finally starting to climb -- I may harvest some peas yet this season!

The Romaine Lettuce and Kale are getting really large under their respective cover cloths so I will pull them soon.

The Blackberries are starting to ripen and I need to get a mesh covering over them before the birds get them all as the few Strawberry fruits I had are already gone - perhaps to the birds or rabbits or squirrels.

The Dill is now getting way too big as is the Cilantro - but I'm letting that go to seed to collect the Coriander. The Asparagus needs tying up soon too.

In the pollinator strip, I planted three Cornflower seedlings that were given to me by the Capital Area Food Bank's urban gardener when I spoke about growing tomatoes there this past Wednesday. The flowers are really starting to pop now -- the Common Milkweed is already blooming and smells like honey, the Marigolds are filling in nicely, and the wildlower mix we planted earlier this spring has resulted in some really pretty blue flowers that I still need to ID. I'll try to share pics and names of those in next week's post.

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

Monday Thoughts: "Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring." ~ Lilly Pulitzer

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Mon, 25 May 2026 14:07:22 +0000

"Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring." ~ Lilly Pulitzer

GardenDC Podcast Episode 287: The Itty Bitty Mosquito Committee

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Sat, 23 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Michelle Mingrone, founder of the Itty Bitty Mosquito Committee, about mosquito prevention tactics. The plant profile is on Sweet Potatoes and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Cherry Trees from Pits" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

***Please Vote for our show the GardenDC Podcast at

https://bestof2026.washingtoncitypaper.com/ under Arts & Entertainment > Best Local Podcaster

The deadline to vote is June 10, 2026. Thank you in advance! ***

You can order Mosquito Dunks and Bits at: https://amzn.to/4fAjngr
This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 255: Expert Advice for Tick-Free Gardening

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/09/gardendc-podcast-episode-255-expert.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 115: The Dreaded Spotted Lanternfly

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-115-dreaded.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 198: Rats and Other Destructive Critters

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/06/gardendc-podcast-episode-198-rats-and.html

Show Notes will be posted after 6/11/2026.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pZddO8GkSaHtC7ABszyWD?si=SkwMO0OuRc-rgzyDyZZcpA

The GardenDC podcast is also available on -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gardendc/id1502631179
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc
RadioPublic: https://radiopublic.com/gardendc-G2ql5V
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Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/5587897
GoodPods: https://goodpods.app.link/u3gtlpybILb
Headliner: https://play.headliner.app/podcast/37086
Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/courses/gardendc-1747568
Ivy: https://ivy.fm/podcast/gardendc-940013
Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/VIfcBjWRnw6
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YouTube: https://youtube.com/washingtongardenermagazine

And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

You can order Mosquito Dunks and Bits at: https://amzn.to/4fAjngr
This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales,

but it wil not impact your purchase price.

Fenton Friday: Lettuce for Days

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:26:07 +0000

This week was a hot one! Record temps of 96 degrees followed by a big drop in temps and finally some blessed rains. It is supposed to rain even more over the next several days and I'm thrilled.

I harvested Asparagus, Cilantro, and various Lettuces (pictured above). This was my last Asparagus harvest and I'll let the spear grow up now and collect energy for the rest of the growing season.

Someone left some Romaine Lettuce seedlings for free at our garden gates, so I took 4 and planted them ain a pot where the Peas failed to grow (or were eaten by baby bunnies). I put a covercloth over them, so hope that protects them.

The Blackberries are starting to color up and the Strawberries are setting fruits -- though I think I may have lost a few already to rabbits or squirrels.

The Dill seedlings are really taking off and I need to thin them out again -- anyone need any?

The Garlic is just starting to for its scapes, but the plants are also starting to turn yellow. I fear they may need to be dig early and may not have much of a harvest this year.

After weeks of no sign of the Dahlia plants returning, this week I noticed one plant was back and putting on some good growth so they were not a total loss to the harsh winter afterall.

Gardening friend Tony S. dropped off some coffee grounds and we had a nice compost delivery from the county parks folk. I plan to amend the beds with those after the rains clear and before we plant our Tomato and Pepper seedlings in a few weeks.

In the pollinator strip, I weeded a bit and planted Marigolds and Zinnias (donated by the local Ace Hardware) as well as Mrs. Burn's Lemon Basil (donated by the Silver Spring Garden Club). I also put in the label signage for the returning Milkweed, Mountain Mint, and Sunchokes. Brazilian Verbena, Borage, and Calendula that reseeded there is also returning.

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

Reduce Your Lawn Day: Start Small and Build on Little Victories

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:57:54 +0000

Last year for Reduce Your Lawn Day, I replaced about 6x6 feet of my hellstrip (the turf between the sidewalk and the street) where my recycling and trash bins go for our weekly collection day. It is a really tough spot to keep any plants alive there due to the bins, daily foot traffic, and bikes/scooters/cars that don't always stay in their lane. I seeded in Red Clover from American Meadows and it took awhile to establish, but now looks great. (Here is a link to what it looked like last year when it was new.) I took the photo shown above this morning. Notice in the background is my two-year-old Reduce Your Lawn Day sign still looking pretty new.

For this year's Reduce Your Lawn Day project, I am seeding another part of my hellstrip with American Meadows' Monarch Highway Native Wildflower Seed Mix. I hope by the end of the summer that most of the perennial pollinator plants in the mix are up and blooming. I'll try to circle back with an update to this post then.

My brother and sister-in-law also shared with me a Reduce Your Lawn Day project of their own. Shown below are the steps they took to put in a new vegetable bed -- from sod removal to leveling the site to the final planting. I think they did a great job!

You can learn more about Reduce Your Lawn Day and its origins by listening to our GardenDC Podcast episode here.

This post is part of the #GardenBloggersChallenge sponsored by GardenComm for the month of May. You are invited to join in and can see more details at gardencomm.org

Rethinking Traditional Lawns as Reduce Your Lawn Day Returns

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:35:06 +0000

The growing movement encourages pollinator-friendly landscapes, native plants, flowering lawns, and waterwise lawn alternatives.

Reduce Your Lawn Day is about helping people realize their yards can become living ecosystems where even small changes can support pollinators, biodiversity, and meaningful environmental impact.”

— Tabar Gifford, American Meadows Partnership Cultivator and Master Gardener

SHELBURNE, VT, UNITED STATES, May 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Reduce Your Lawn Day is a month-long national movement encouraging homeowners to replace portions of traditional turf lawn with sustainable lawn alternatives, including native wildflowers, pollinator gardens, flowering lawns, microclover, perennial gardens, edible gardens, waterwise plants, and biodiversity-supporting landscapes.

What began as a grassroots awareness campaign has evolved into a growing national movement helping homeowners rethink traditional lawns and embrace more sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

As drought conditions, pollinator decline, and interest in sustainable landscaping continue shaping homeowner priorities nationwide, organizers say the movement is resonating far beyond traditional gardening audiences.

THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES TO GROW

Now entering its third year, Reduce Your Lawn Day has expanded into a month-long movement throughout May, inspiring homeowners across the country to transform portions of conventional lawn into vibrant ecosystems that support pollinators, conserve water, increase biodiversity, and reconnect people with nature.

The initiative, led by American Meadows and nationally recognized gardening expert Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution, continues gaining momentum through support from dozens of gardening educators, environmental advocates, designers, nonprofits, and mission-aligned organizations.

Together, these advocates are helping expand awareness around sustainable landscaping, pollinator gardening, native plants, edible gardens, ecological lawn alternatives, and climate-resilient landscaping.

Since launching in 2024, participants have collectively pledged and converted millions of square feet of traditional turf into ecologically beneficial landscapes filled with native wildflowers, pollinator habitat, edible gardens, flowering groundcovers, perennial gardens, drought-tolerant plants, and biodiversity-supporting garden spaces.

Organizers say the pledge campaign continues growing each year as more homeowners seek practical, achievable ways to support biodiversity and reduce resource-intensive landscaping practices.

“Reduce Your Lawn Day was never really intended to be just about one day,” said Tabar Gifford, Master Gardener, Certified Pollinator Steward, and Partnership Cultivator at American Meadows. “It’s about helping people realize that our yards can become living ecosystems. Even the smallest changes — planting clover instead of conventional turf, adding native flowers along a walkway, growing herbs and vegetables, or replacing part of a lawn with pollinator-friendly groundcovers — can create meaningful environmental impact.”

WHY AMERICANS ARE RETHINKING TRADITIONAL LAWNS

Across the United States, traditional turf lawns remain one of the largest irrigated crops in the country despite providing relatively little ecological value.

According to widely cited estimates referenced by campaign organizers:

• More than 40 million acres of lawn exist across the United States, making turfgrass the nation’s largest irrigated crop
• An estimated 800 million gallons of gasoline are used annually on lawn equipment, totaling more than $2.4 billion in fuel costs
• Gas-powered lawn equipment contributes up to 5% of U.S. air pollution
• Modern turfgrass lawns surged in popularity during the Victorian era alongside the invention of the lawnmower, despite today’s growing environmental and water conservation concerns

“What we think of as a ‘normal’ lawn is actually a relatively modern cultural invention,” Gifford said. “Nature has always done a better job creating resilient, beautiful, living landscapes than monoculture turf ever could. Sustainability really does begin in your own backyard.”

As concerns around drought conditions, pollinator decline, biodiversity loss, water conservation, and climate resilience continue growing nationwide, organizers say more homeowners are looking for alternatives that are both beautiful and environmentally beneficial.

“For decades, the American lawn was treated as the default,” Gifford said. “But people are starting to ask bigger questions about how their outdoor spaces could do more. Could they support pollinators? Could they conserve water? Could they create habitat, reduce maintenance, and bring more beauty and joy into everyday life? The answer is yes.”

BETTER ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL TURF

The movement encourages homeowners to start small and participate in ways that feel approachable for their space, budget, and lifestyle. Suggested alternatives include native wildflowers, pollinator gardens, perennial gardens, edible landscaping, flowering lawns, microclover lawns, low-mow fescue blends, native groundcovers, creeping thyme, habitat gardens, and other waterwise landscaping solutions.

“Not every yard needs to become a wild meadow,” Gifford said. “For some people, replacing a section of turf with microclover or flowering groundcovers may be the perfect solution. Others may want more native flowers, perennial gardens, edible gardens, or pollinator habitat. This movement is about creating healthier relationships between people and the landscapes they care for.”

“There’s this misconception that ecological gardening means giving up beauty or functionality, and that could not be further from the truth,” Gifford added. “Flowering lawns can still feel soft and inviting. Groundcovers can be lush and walkable. Edible gardens can be joyful and productive. Native plants can absolutely be breathtaking. We’re helping people expand their imagination for what a modern landscape can look like.”

SMALL CHANGES CREATE COLLECTIVE IMPACT

Throughout May, homeowners are invited to take the Reduce Your Lawn Day pledge and participate in a nationwide celebration of sustainable gardening and habitat restoration.

Organizers emphasize that the campaign is intentionally solutions-based and focused on progress over perfection.

“This movement succeeds because it makes environmental action feel achievable,” Gifford said. “You do not have to remove your entire lawn overnight to make a difference. One garden bed matters. One patch of clover matters. One pollinator habitat matters. Collectively, those small changes add up to something incredibly powerful.”

“What I love most about gardening is that it transforms both landscapes and people,” Gifford added. “Gardens reconnect us to seasons, to pollinators, to soil, to community, and to hope. Every time someone replaces a little bit of lawn with living habitat, they’re participating in something restorative. They’re helping create healthier ecosystems right outside their door.”

Kathy Jentz, nationally recognized gardening expert, author of Groundcover Revolution, and host of the GardenDC Podcast, said the movement’s continued growth reflects a broader cultural shift in how Americans think about lawns and outdoor spaces.

“People are realizing that lawns are not the only option,” Jentz said. “Wildflowers, native plants, flowering groundcovers, edible gardens, habitat corridors, and pollinator-friendly landscapes can all be beautiful, deeply personal, and environmentally meaningful. The Reduce Your Lawn Day movement is helping people feel empowered to take that first step.”

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Supporting organizations and mission-aligned partners across the gardening industry are also helping expand participation through educational resources and a nationwide giveaway designed to help homeowners take the next step in transforming their landscapes.

Giveaway partners include Timber Press, Online Landscape Designs, Power Planter, Womanswork, High Country Gardens, Kathy Jentz, and American Meadows, with resources focused on pollinator gardening, ecological landscaping, habitat restoration, sustainable lawn alternatives, and gardening education.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have,” Gifford said. “Once people discover how much life a small pollinator patch can support, or how much water they can save with better lawn alternatives, it changes the way they see their entire landscape. Gardening becomes more than decoration. It becomes stewardship.”

Participants can take the Reduce Your Lawn Day pledge, enter the giveaway, and explore educational resources focused on pollinator gardening, lawn alternatives, native plants, edible landscaping, flowering lawns, perennial gardens, and waterwise gardening throughout the month of May.

Organizers hope this year’s campaign inspires even more homeowners to see their yards not simply as lawn space, but as opportunities to support pollinators, conserve water, restore habitat, and reconnect with nature.

To learn more, participate in Reduce Your Lawn Day, or explore sustainable landscaping resources, visit www.reduceyourlawnday.com

Also, if you missed the "From Grass to Glory: 2026 Lawn-to-Meadow Guide" webinar live, it is now available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/FK9eDS6rKgA?si=QvdhHzvt8vwdXhct

Monday Thoughts: "I enjoy the spring more than the autumn now. One does, I think, as one gets older." ~ Virginia Woolf

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Mon, 18 May 2026 21:20:20 +0000

"I enjoy the spring more than the autumn now. One does, I think, as one gets older."

~ Virginia Woolf

GardenDC Podcast Episode 286: Grow Food in Containers

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Sat, 16 May 2026 16:15:00 +0000

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with horticulturist Christine Froehlich about growing edible plants in containers. The plant profile is on Deutzia and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Help Hydrangea" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

***Please Vote for our show the GardenDC Podcast at

https://bestof2026.washingtoncitypaper.com/ under Arts & Entertainment > Best Local Podcaster

The deadline to vote is June 10, 2026. Thank you in advance! ***

Read "12 Vegetables that Thrive in Containers" on Martha Stewart Living online:

https://www.marthastewart.com/vegetables-that-thrive-in-containers-11895697

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 143: Balcony Food Growing

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-143-balcony.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 116: Miniature Vegetables

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-116-miniature.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 68: Summer Vegetables

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-68-summer.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 55: Container Gardening Basics

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-55-container.html

Show Notes will be posted after 5/31/2026.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Nd5nQQiUYxGkmki0Xhwtz?si=jexQ8Po9ROat8Yy7PletoQ

The GardenDC podcast is also available on -

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And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

Fenton Friday: Lettuce (What I Grew This Semester)

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Fri, 15 May 2026 19:44:57 +0000

Deer Tongue Lettuce (and Dill seedlings)

Guest Post By Aicha Bangoura

With so many seed choices available at the annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchange events this year, I was stumped on what I could grow. I went with Lettuce and I didn't know whether or not I was setting myself up for failure. I was tasked with planting four kinds of lettuce. A couple of them were packaged for 2024 and were most likely not going to germinate, but we thought they were worth a try.

I was interested when I read the names: Deer Tongue Lettuce, ‘Queen of Crunch’ Crisphead Lettuce, Oakleaf lettuce, and ‘Monet's Garden Mesclun’ Signature Salads lettuce. It seemed like such a diverse range of seeds to work with, but I would soon find out how some of them shared similar qualities.

When we went over to the Fenton Community Garden in early March, I was ready for an adventure.

I had my four popsicle sticks that listed each lettuce name and scattered the seeds into their own rows. That was the easy part with the assistance of Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener.

I wasn’t as confident when I was covering it up with compost, because I was unsure of how deep the seeds should be plants, so I did a very light dusting.

We notice baby rabbits that would run around the garden and while common and oftentimes startling, those were memorable moments. When my section was shielded with hardware cloth fencing material along with a covercloth material overhead by Kathy, I felt the seeds would have a greater chance of growing successfully.

A couple weeks later, I found out my lettuce seeds weren’t developing as expected and there were barely signs of baby lettuces, but we decided to give them a chance and wait for any possible changes. Unfortunately, not much of a difference showed, especially for Oakleaf Lettuce and ‘Queen of Crunch’ Crisphead Lettuce, so Kathy recommended that I replace them.

On April 3, ‘Queen of Crunch’ Crisphead Lettuce was substituted to Blossomdale Spinach seeds and Oakleaf Lettuce was switched out to arugula seeds.

Checking on the plots was always a new journey as there were several duties that we had to handle. Weeds were constantly encroaching on my vegetables and we had to diligently get rid of them.

By the end of April, I was pleased to notice my Deer Tongue lettuce was growing taller. This reminded me of my science class days, examining seeds and waiting for them to grow, but this was even more substantial in the garden plot.

When we attended the Cathedral FlowerMart in Washington, DC, on May 1, Kathy informed me that my lettuce was around one or two inches and at the stage where I could eat them, but she suggested we let them develop a bit more before I cut them, which I thought was a good idea.

At our final gathering on May 8, I harvested practically all of my Deer Tongue lettuce with the use of clean kitchen scissors and placed them into a handy ziploc bag. I was also surprised when Kathy pointed out that there were some Arugula leaves growing nearby that I also collected.

In all, this activity challenged me. I came into it relatively unseasoned, but I ended up restoring an admiration of gardening and learned helpful lessons.

See last week's post about what my fellow intern, Lauren Bentley, grew this semester.

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

About the Author:
Aicha Bangoura was an intern this past spring semester with Washington Gardener Magazine.

Monday Thoughts: "One must be as willing to study as to dig, for a knowledge of plants is acquired as much from books as from experience." ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:45:00 +0000

"One must be as willing to study as to dig, for a knowledge of plants is acquired as much from books as from experience." ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

GardenDC Podcast Episode 285: Thomas Jefferson's Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Sat, 09 May 2026 21:43:00 +0000

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Peggy Cornett, curator of plants at Monticello, about Thomas Jefferson's flowers. The plant profile is on Zizia and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "The Great Planting Day Adventure" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

**You can order Peggy's book at https://amzn.to/4tl9tCD. This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 24: Monticello's Historic Plant Collection

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-24-peggy.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 13: Heritage Roses with Connie Hilker

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/05/gardendc-podcast-episode-13-connie.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 153: An American Garden Story

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/06/gardendc-podcast-episode-153-american.html

Show Notes will be posted after 5/15/2026.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jLWSCOj42amZVcNpbeLLy?si=f52f649513eb4f5c

The GardenDC podcast is also available on -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gardendc/id1502631179
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And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

Your host and Monticello's Love Lies Bleeding...

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

Order at https://amzn.to/4tl9tCD*

Fenton Friday: Kale (What I Grew This Semester)

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Sat, 09 May 2026 00:08:00 +0000

'Rubybor' Kale by Lauren Bentley

Guest Post By Lauren Bentley

Throughout my time at the Fenton Community Plot, I grew two rows of kale. I started them from seed in mid-March. One row was purple kale 'Rubybor' (an All-American Selections winner), while the other was a more traditional green variety -- 'Dwarf Blue Curled Vates'. Given the harsh winter, it was good to pick a cold-weather crop.

I have limited experience with gardening, so I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn’t know exactly what to do, but it was much easier than I thought!

Also, when I have grown something in the past, it has mostly been flowers. I have never had to grow a vegetable to harvest, so I was very excited about seeing the end result.

'Dwarf Blue Curled Vates' Kale by Lauren Bentley

Over the past few months, there has been very inconsistent weather, which made me worried about how well the kale would sprout. There were a few very hot, 90 degree days, which were the biggest concern. However, the kale ultimately persevered and turned out very well. We put a covercloth over it to insulate from the freezing nights and the hottest days, as well as to keep the insects from chewing on it.

I started to see small leaves after about the first two weeks. I watered on Fridays when I made it down to the plot. When I first spread the seeds, I put a few of them too close together which meant I had to do some thinning throughout the gardening process.

We also did some other work while at the plots, such as decorating the bulletin boards and spreading new woodchips along the garden path in the meantime.

Today, I officially harvested the kale and left with a bag of it. The traditional green kale turned out much better than the purple one, as the leaves were bigger and seemed healthier.

Also, one of the purple kale plants was missing, so I think it might’ve been eaten by an animal (rabbit?). Overall, I’m very happy with how my planting experience turned out.

Kale was a fantastic beginner crop for me, and I highly recommend trying it for anyone who is just beginning their gardening journey, especially in the winter.

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?

About the Author:
Lauren Bentley is an intern this semester with Washington Gardener Magazine.

May 2026 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine: Kerria, Tomato Leaf Disease, String of Pearls, Vetch, and much more…

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Fri, 08 May 2026 02:55:00 +0000

The May 2026 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine is now out.

It is posted and archived online at:

https://issuu.com/washingtongardener/docs/washington_gardener_magazine_may_2026_

Inside this issue:

· Charismatic Kerria

· How Not to Kill a String of Pearls

· Meet Sabrathia Draine of ReaLeaf Tea Shop and Herbal Apothecary

· Preventing Tomato Leaf Disease

· How to Design a “Fire-Resistant” Garden

· Tone-on-Tone Bouquet Trend

· Garden Book Reviews

· Adding Native Plants with Great Scents

· America’s State Flowers Exhibit

· Eco-conscious Gardening Practices to Adopt

· Edible Landscaping Basics

· Meet Yuki Kato, Urban Garden Scholar

· and much more…

Note that any submissions, event listings, and advertisements for the June 2026 issue are due by May 15.

>> Subscribe to Washington Gardener Magazine today to have the monthly publication sent to your inbox as a PDF several days before it is available online. You can use the PayPal (credit card) online order form here: https://www.washingtongardener.com/index_files/subscribe.htm

California Poppy Plant Profile

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Wed, 06 May 2026 23:27:00 +0000

California Poppy Plant Profile

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a wildflower. They have bright orange, yellow, white, or rose-colored flowers that bloom in late spring. The foliage is a distinctive blue-green with a feathery, lacey texture.

They are also known as golden poppy, California sunlight, or cup of gold. They are the official state flower of California and are native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. They are hardy to USDA zones 8-10.

They need a location with at least 6 hours of full, direct sun.

California Poppy prefers fast-draining, poor to average soil; avoid heavy, wet clay, which causes root rot.

Direct-sowing is best, as they dislike root disturbance. Scatter seeds on prepared soil. There is no need to cover them with soil or mulch.

In the Mid-Atlantic, we grow them as a cool-season annual. In our region, it is best to direct-sow California Poppy seeds in late autumn for early spring growth -- or in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.

Water them sparingly. They are drought-tolerant once established.

They generally do not need to be fertilized as too much fertilizer reduces blooms.

To encourage more flowers, remove the spent blooms, but leave a few up to self-seed for next year.

They are generally considered to be deer-resistant due to their bitter taste and toxicity.

California Poppies attract native bees and many other pollinators.

California Poppy: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Video, Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Additional Video and Editing by Aicha Bangoura

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

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~ Podcast: GardenDC

If you liked this video, we think you will like these other Plant Profiles:

~ Borage Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/07/borage-plant-profile.html

~ Calendula Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/02/calendula-plant-profile.html

~ Yarrow Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/06/yarrow-plant-profile.html

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Win two pairs of tickets to a showing of The Gardener on May 20 in our May 2026 Washington Gardener Reader Contest

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:57:00 +0000

For our May 2026 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, we are giving away two pairs of tickets to a showing of The Gardener on Wednesday, May 20, at the Miracle Theater in Washington, DC (a $30 value).

The Gardener is a fictional movie. A powerful cosmetics heiress retreats to a remote mountaintop garden cottage while fighting to protect her family legacy. An unexpected connection with a mysterious gardener leads her on a soulful journey of healing, self-discovery, and transformation. You can listen to our interview with the film’s director at https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-281-healing.html.

As a bonus prize, anyone who buys a ticket to this showing is entered into a drawing to win The Gardener Book and a $100 gift certificate for flower bulbs. See more about the movie at https://themiracletheatre.com/events/the-gardener/.

To enter to win one of the pairs of tickets, send an email by 5:00pm on Friday, May 15 to WashingtonGardenerMagazine@gmail.com with “The Gardener Movie” in the Subject line and in the body of the email. Tell us about your favorite movie featuring gardens in it. Please include your full name and mailing address. Winners will be announced and notified on May 16. Replies might be published.

UPDATE: The winners are Lynette Wright and Claire Wade.

Congratulations and enjoy the film!

Monday Thoughts: "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." ~ Lao Tzu

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Mon, 04 May 2026 19:11:00 +0000

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

~ Lao Tzu

GardenDC Podcast Episode 284: Summer Bulbs

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Sat, 02 May 2026 16:15:00 +0000

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with horticulturist Peggy Anne Montgomery of the Garden Media Group about Summer Bulbs. The plant profile is on Lamb's Ear and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "The Easiest Mushrooms to Grow" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month!

See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 104: Dahlias

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/05/gardendc-podcast-episode-104-dahlias.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 127: Unusual and Specialty Bulbs

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/11/gardendc-podcast-episode-127-unusual.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 233: Buttercups

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-233-whats-up.html

Show Notes will be posted after 4/7/2026.

Win $100 worth of bulbs from https://flowerbulb.eu/! To enter, go to https://www.youtube.com/washingtongardenermagazine and comment on this podcast episode there. You have until June 12, 2026. to enter.

This episode is archived at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mxrY0MuRJnlwPCewYoEDU?si=289-4RXoRmWZ4KBtT3F3CQ

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And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!

Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

Fenton Friday: Dill Seedlings

noreply@blogger.com (WashingtonGardener) — Fri, 01 May 2026 22:13:00 +0000

This week was another week of hardly any rain -- a big storm was promised, but we didn't get much here. Temps were cool and windy.

I harvested Asparagus, Cilantro, and Lettuce. I offered bunches of Cilantro on my local Buy Nothing group thinking they might want them for Cinco de Mayo - -so far, no takers!

Pictured at right are the Blackberries that are forming. I checked on the Strawberries and they are settling in.

The intern's Kale and Lettuce plants are doing fine and should be ready to harvest next week.

The Dill seedlings (shown above) need thinning and I did a bit of weeding, but need to do much more.

I still see no sign of the Dahlia plants, so fear they did not make it through the harsh winter.

In the pollinator strip, I found Borage and Brazilian Verbena seedlings. I will likely seed in some Marigolds and Zinnias there too.

Tomorrow we have a table at the Greenbelt-Beltsville Gardeb Club Plant Sale -- please come by and see us there!

What are you growing and harvesting in your garden this week?