Gardening

Parle et Promenade à Brookside Garden: **25 avril à 10:30 am.** Retrouvons-nous à l’entrée principale (Main entrance, près de Visitor’s Center--pas le jardin d'hiver) Le jardin et le parking sont gratuits. Si vous prévoyez venir, envoyez-moi un email à [jhobin@gmail.com](mailto:jhobin@gmail.com) afin qu’on on puisse vous attendre au parking. **Brookside Garden** **Samedi, le 25 avril 10:30 am** **1800 Glenallan Ave** **Silver Spring, MD 20902** **[https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/)** **En cas de pluie, on se retrouvera à La Gelatteria a Kensington** : https://lagelatteria.com/

**Interested in urban farming?** Guess what? DC has a few urban farms, including 3 Part Harmony Farm! **3 Part Harmony Farm is a Black woman-owned and operated farm in Northeast DC.** They also produce pesticide-free food and operate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. They're hosting their open house from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 25th. Address: 3 Part Harmony Farm 3401 12th Street NE Washington, DC 20017

Let’s enjoy spring together with a peaceful walk through the stunning Brighton Dam Azalea Garden! With over 22,000 blooming azaleas across 5 acres, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the area during peak season. https://www.wsscwater.com/azaleas **Everyone meets at the Visitor Center.** **Rain Plan**: If it rains on Saturday, we’ll POSTPONE to Sunday at the same time. **Optional Lunch After**: If there’s interest, we can grab lunch together at: • Thai Cuisine: https://thaicuisineolney.com/ • Silver Spring Sichuan Bistro: https://www.silverspringsichuan.com/ • Or other lunch spot Expect a relaxed stroll, fresh air, great scenery, and friendly conversation. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to unwind. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and feel free to bring water or a camera. Looking forward to seeing you there! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Spring in DC just hits different, so we’re taking it outside 🌷 If brunch had a flirtier, prettier cousin, it would be this. We’re bringing the girls together at Hook Hall for a garden brunch that feels a little extra in the best way. **Join us on WhatsApp where we’ll be coordinating for the event (Intros required)** [Glow Girl Introductions](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KQjjpJMbXCCJ8rQsyCfmVr?mode=gi_t) **RSVP limit: Space is limited - please RSVP only if you're committed so we can hold the right number of seats.** **Cover is for the full experience including the space we’re reserving, mimosa bar and other drinks, food, desserts, etc.** **$65 for first 10 girlies** **Send your cover to Venmo** **@GlowGirl-SocialClub** **RSVP limit: Space is limited, so please RSVP only if you’re committed so we can hold the right number of seats.** Reminders * Please let the organizers know if you have any concerns or feedback, we're always open to hearing how we can make things better. * Everyone is responsible for their own check (you may be paying as a table so please be ready to send your portion including tax + tip) * If there's an issue with your order or service, please work directly with the restaurant so they can make it right * While we're sipping, stay connected, keep it small-group friendly, and let the good energy flow

**\*\*Friday, April 24 UPDATE\*\*** Members, we currently have **33 attendees** that would overwhelm the parking lot so I **highly recommend CARPOOLING** where possible. If interested, note your origin and route in Comments. **LUNCH**: Only **7 of the 33** have commented that they will be attending Lunch. Please update if that has changed. **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** Social Sips & Bites Family, I've organized the outing below for another Meetup for several years. **Please indicate via COMMENT if you will be attending the LUNCH.** **BTW: Pets** are **not permitted** at the Garden. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* This is a **road trip** (>30 miles / \~50 minutes from West Falls Church Metro) for our mostly VA-based Meetup. It is organized in 2 segments so members can participate in one, or both activities. I chose a Sunday to make it easier to car pool from, say, a Metro Station. The date is always a guess so the date may change based on azaleas blooming close to me. **1\. Stroll/Explore the Brighton Dam Azalea Garden at Brighton Dam\.** **FREE.** The azalea garden is situated on the banks of the Patuxent River, by Brighton Dam (built in 1942). **The 5 acre garden has over 20,000 azaleas and is provided by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. 20k!!!** The trails are crushed asphalt (soft vs. gravel) and grass so wear appropriate footwear. Note: The garden is along a river bank so the upper part does rise meaning a hill. **Parking:** A good amount of it across the road at the main Brighton Dam Recreation Area Parking Lot, but this will likely be popular so carpooling is recommended. FREE. ***Carpooling*** \- For those that wish to carpool\, please indicate in comments that you would and from where\. **2\. Lunch/Picnic\.** In a prior year, we had **lunch** at Brookeville Beer Farm. It was an overcast, chilly day so the patio heaters were a godsend. This year, I'm **initially picking**: **Z Burger & Maman Joon Kabob** \- good variety\, plenty of seating\, individual counter ordering to minimize the hassle of separate checks\. However, small parking lot though they told me overflow can go to the 7-Eleven next door. I have several signed up already in the other Meetup so can take about 8 more as the venue has minimal parking though a good amount of seating. **Please indicate via COMMENT if you will be attending the LUNCH** **.** Additional nearby or en route attractions: -Woodmoor Pastry Shop (longtime/old school w/reasonable prices) -Upper Rock Creek Park (incl. Lake Needwood Public Archery Range) -Historic Brookeville, MD -Sandy Spring Slave Museum -National Capital Trolley Museum -multiply dairies-creameries with Ice Cream!

Social Sips & Bites Presents: A Monthly Culinary Experience **Small Group • Big Flavor • Great Company** We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly food series designed for those who truly appreciate great food and even better company. Each month, a small group of just 12 food lovers will gather at one handpicked spot in the DMV area, chosen for its vibrant flavors, cozy vibe, and overall wow factor. Think hidden gems, chef-driven menus, and memorable bites. This isn’t just about eating out. It’s about sharing a beautiful meal, great conversation, and unrushed time together. Reservations will be made in advance, so you can relax, savor the moment, and connect. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just someone who loves a well-plated dish, this is your table.

**☕ Code & Coffee \| Black Code Collective** Pull up, plug in, and enjoy some good company. Join us for a chill Sunday coworking session — bring your laptop and your current project (or no project at all). All skill levels welcome. **Free to attend. Coffee & treats provided. Just show up.** 📅 **Sunday, April 26** 🕙 **10:30 AM – 12:30 PM** 📍 **Falls Church, VA** Please note that we would be located on the 5th floor with the listed address below. 105 W Broad St, Suite #410 · Falls Church, VA 22046

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

Celebrate Spring Fest at Shipgarten 🌸 SPRING FEST AT SHIPGARTEN 🌸 Spring has officially sprung, and we’re celebrating the season in full bloom at ShipGarten 🌞🍻 Join us for Spring Fest, a vibrant outdoor celebration filled with fresh air, festive vibes, and nonstop fun in our bier garden. Gather your friends and family and soak up the sunshine as we welcome warmer days with music, seasonal drinks, and spring-inspired activities. Whether you're here to sip, dance, play, or just relax under the open sky, Spring Fest is your perfect excuse to get outside and celebrate. EVENT SCHEDULE: 3:00 Water Balloon Toss (Winning Team $25 Gift Card!) 4:00 Blow Your Shot (Winner $25 Gift Card) 5:00 Marshmallow into Stein Toss (Winner $25 Gift Card!) 🌷 What to expect: • Live music & DJ sets • Seasonal drink specials & spring cocktails • Outdoor games & activities • Festive décor & photo-worthy moments • Delicious food & bier garden favorites Throw on your favorite spring fit, bring your crew, and get ready for a day full of color, community, and good vibes. 🌼✨ Let’s raise a glass to sunshine, fresh starts, and a season worth celebrating — only at ShipGarten 🍻🌸 I will have a popup booth for Swift Running so I would be busy that way. But I will also do a scavenger hunt / mini activity. Park over here and there is a FREE shuttle or you can walk! \#\# PARKING ADDRESS: 1700 OLD MEADOW ROAD\, MCLEAN\, VA 22102\.

Annual plant sale to support the Inniswood Volunteers Inc., giving back to the gardens. Offering mostly perennials, herbs and a few shrubs. Day 1: Saturday May 2, 2026 8am-4pm Day 2: Sunday May 3, 2026: 11a-3pm rain or shine. Bring a wagon if you have one!

Annual plant sale to support the Inniswood Volunteers Inc., giving back to the gardens. Offering mostly perennials, herbs and a few shrubs. Day 1: Saturday May 2, 2026 8am-4pm Day 2: Sunday May 3, 2026: 11a-3pm rain or shine. Bring a wagon if you have one!

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

GRANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Plant Swap May 3, 2026 3-4 p.m. Granville Public Library | 217 E. Broadway Is your perennial garden overflowing? Did you start too many native plant or vegetable seeds? Bring your extras to trade with other gardeners. Participants will be able to walk away with one new plant for each one they bring. Plants considered invasive are prohibited from the plant swap. [Click here to read list of prohibited plants ](https://www.oipc.info/list-of-assessed-species.html) To encourage participants to remove invasive plants & plant native plants, Pollinator Pathway will be offering free native plants at the swap. Please label the plants you bring.