Gardening

Let’s have a leisurely walk to see what is blooming. Plants and trees are exploding everywhere. If anyone is interested we can go to The Stained Glass Pub which has half price pizza on Tuesdays. Let’s meet to the right facing the visitors center.

Brisk 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Dache Beer Garden in Shaw in Northwest DC. We will walk to the U.S. Capitol Building, across the plaza, before returning to Dache for drinks and food. Closest metro stations Shaw Howard and Mt. Vernon Square.

**++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: anOTHER Cherry Blossom Koffee Klatch Ride 2025 * START LOC: [Fletcher's Cove](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm) (Toilets available at the start) * START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA) * START PARKING: Parking lot across the Canal, ample parking. * ARRIVAL: 10:00 a.m. * SPEECH: 10:25 a.m. * ROLLING: 10:30 a.m. * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 20.8 miles * PACE: 11 to 13mph * TERRAIN: Mostly Trail, Some Street, Hills. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_KOFFEEK_KENWOOD_2026 * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54369843](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54369843) **NOTES:** * Bring a camera. **+++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents anOTHER Cherry Blossom Ride as a Koffee Klatch. While the famous cherry blossoms are around the Tidal Basin and Hains Point, the crowds there are truly stunning, it just isn't practical to RIDE there. (Our Tidal Basin cherry blossom rides are ride to the site, park, and walk around). Lucky for us that there are other collections of blossoms around the area. One of the best is up in the Kenwood area of Bethesda. Kenwood hosts around 1200 trees that were planted in the 1930s and 40s. The route is a loop starting at Fletcher's Cove uphill along the CCT to the cherry blossoms in Kenwood (mile 4) and coffee at Simona Cafe in Bethesda (mile 5.6. After coffee we ride through Chevy Chase and down to Beach Dr in Rock Creek Park and on to the Rock Creek Trail. We exit at P St over to 31st St and downhill to Water St and the CCT **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** [Fletcher's Boathouse/Abner Cloud House](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm) (Toilets available at the start) We will be in the parking lot across the canal 4863 Canal Rd NW Washington, DC 20016 START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA) **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride after the Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Is the Coffee Shop within the Ride [TBD]: **[SIMONA CAFE](https://simonacafe.com/#locationss)** 4520 East West Hwy Bethesda, MD **++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level : If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level : You can easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 10+ to 12+ mph. * Medium Level : You can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace of 13 to 15+ mph. * Advanced Level : You can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or other odd cycling situations. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release " found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. NO exceptions. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. Again, no exceptions.

Come out to [Third Hill Brewing Company](https://www.thirdhillbrewing.com/) and play some board games! Serving food with their variety of drinks so come and fuel up for the games. Learn about new games, play games, meet new friends, and have a good time! All ages and levels of experience/knowledge of games are welcome as long as you have a willingness to learn and/or teach your games. Host will provide some games but as always, you are welcome/encouraged to bring your own (recommended you know them and/or ready to teach them). Please be aware that there is no direct parking but there is nearby parking garages. **NTBG** is a safe environment for all to have fun. Bullying/harassment is not tolerated.

**Join the District Cycling Collective for a scenic spring ride through some of the DMV’s best cherry blossom spots. This 40-mile loop takes us from DC out through Hyattsville and College Park, circling Lake Artemesia before heading back through the National Arboretum and along the Anacostia.** **Expect a mix of city riding, smooth trails, and a few rolling sections to keep things interesting. The Arboretum stretch brings some short climbs, but nothing crazy—just enough to wake the legs up.** **📍 Distance: ~40 miles** **⛰️ Elevation: ~700 ft** **🛣️ Surface: Mostly paved** **🌸 Vibe: Scenic, social, steady pace** **🚴🏽‍♀️ Rolling 10 am sharp!** **This is a great ride to enjoy the blossoms, build endurance, and roll with the crew. We’ll keep things together, but come ready to ride.** **Community in Motion.** **Link to route.** **https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54408449**

**Tickets just released for the Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens. I already bought my ticket for April 4th at 9:00 AM.** Feel free to go at other times that work for you [https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/special-events/the-butterfly-experience-at-brookside-gardens/](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/special-events/the-butterfly-experience-at-brookside-gardens/) **Butterfly Experience Details** WHAT: The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens Conservatory 1500 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD (Additional parking is available at 1800 Glenallan Ave.) WHEN: April 1 – September 7\, 2026 \| 9 am – 3 pm TICKETS: Under age 3: Free Ages 3 to 12: $10.99 (ticket fee $9 plus $1.99 service charge) Ages 13+: $15.99 (ticket fee $14 plus $1.99 service charge) \-\-\-\-\- From the website (http://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/visit/): Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also feature two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. A horticultural reference library is located in the Visitors Center. Admission to the gardens is free. Here is the Photography policy per the website: Non-commercial, Hobby Photography Guidelines Are you taking photos of just the Gardens? Individual photographers are welcome to photograph the plants and gardens of Brookside. No permits are needed, though we ask that you follow the hobby photography guidelines: Do not disturb any gardens, stand on rocks or displays, block paths, or climb garden or fountain walls. The photo session must not interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the gardens. Absolutely no tripods are allowed in the Conservatories. Published photographs should credit location of the photograph, i.e. “Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD”. \*Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks, Montgomery County Policy on User Fees: (Effective January 1, 2010, approved by M-NCPPC Planning Board, October 2009) Be aware of your equipment, as there have been break-ins in past years. Bring: Comfortable shoes Water Fully charged batteries Empty memory cards Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

The Cherry Blossoms at Meadowlark Gardens are forecasted to peak from April 4-11. So, feel free to go when it works for you. [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens) **Regular Garden admission and memberships apply.** | Ages 5 & under | Free | | -------------- | ---- | | Age 6 - 17 | $5.00 | | Age 18 - 59 | $9.00 | | Age 60 and over | $5.00 | **We will meet at the visitor center.** **Bring Water, a tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards** **There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace.** **Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: [https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y](https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y)** **For lunch, after the field trip around 12:00 PM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180** Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Join us for an Easter brunch at Matchbox in Mclean followed by a springtime escape at the beautiful Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. ⭐️Brunch starts at 10AM. 📍Matchbox address: 1340 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101 💐Garden Tour will start after we finish the brunch, depending on when we finish brunch, but projecting a start time of 12:30pm. Will keep everyone posted here in the comments. 🐣Let’s celebrate Easter at Meadowlark Gardens surrounded by peaceful lakes, winding garden paths, and vibrant blooms — without the overwhelming crowds. We may also get a chance to see beautiful Cherry Blossoms throughout the garden. ✨ Open space to stroll and take photos ✨ Quiet corners for reflection and conversation ✨ Beautiful landscaped gardens and waterfront views ✨ A relaxed, unhurried atmosphere 💲entrance fee(pay at the visitor center upon arrival): Age 18 - 59 ----9.00 Age 60 and over ----5.00 This is your chance to truly experience spring. Soft petals drifting in the breeze, sunlight shimmering on the water, and room to pause and soak it all in. Let’s trade the hustle for harmony and experience the season that way its meant to be enjoyed. If you RSVP and your plans change you must remove your RSVP 48 hours before the event. No-shows are strongly discouraged and may be removed from the group based on the organizer's discretion.

**Every six months, to honor the passing of the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, the circle hosts a potluck at the pavilion in front of the fire pit. We don't keep track of who will bring what behind-the-scenes, so feel free to bring whatever you'd like!** **If you have any dietary restrictions and would like to attend, but worry there won't be anything you can eat, please reach out to Ethan or Ben and we'll make sure there's something available for you!** -- The[ Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern VA](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog/important-community-update-join-our-new-meetup-group-simplicity-living-circle-of-northern-va) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **\*This is a rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Through participant-driven discussions and facilitated activities, our circle fosters connection, reflection, and mutual support. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA, we welcome those who are curious about simplicity, mindful living, and environmental care. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey, you are warmly invited into this inclusive and supportive space. *Note: Our official Meetup group changed due to administrative complications. This new group is now our verified and active community hub, which you can confirm at our in-person events.*

Let's visit my favorite Balkan/German restaurant in Old T. In my humble opinion, they have the best schnitzel in this area! They may have a special Easter menu. If there's interest, we could go to a movie afterwards. [MENU | old-house-cosmo](https://www.oldhousecosmopolitan.com/menu-2)

Social Sips and Bites, let’s get together, celebrate Spring, and enjoy a new local restaurant for dinner during Happy Hour. Stratford Garden is located in Falls Church. We will have a table for 10 inside the restaurant. Following dinner, we may be able to linger and enjoy the beer garden if it’s open by that time. The address for this new location is 300 W. Broad Street. Parking: There is a parking lot directly next to the restaurant, behind Broad St. Limited street parking is also available. You can also park across the street at Harris Teeter. For payment, we are able to do separate checks. Please ensure that you are able to communicate with the organizers via direct message one week before the event so that we can confirm RSVP’s for our table reservation. Can’t wait to see you, mingle and enjoy.

Community Seed and Plant Swap Do you love gardening? Want to expand your collection of plants and seeds without breaking the bank? Join MOFB for their free community-based event. Sunday, April 19th 4-6 pm at Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop 116 N Wheatland Ave Columbus OH, 43223 To RSVP for free in-person attendance: https://forms.gle/t6Ppoc5WnRFPTJMZ

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.

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

LICKING COUNTY LIBRARY Author & Artist Julie Zickefoose Saturday, April 11, 2026 1 p.m. Licking County Library 101 W. Main St. | Newark, Ohio Julie Zickefoose: Author, Painter, and Bluebird Extraordinaire Zickefoose is an American nature book writer, naturalist, bird artist, and blogger. She lives in Ohio on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary, which she said inspires much of her work, including her 2012 novel, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Bird, and NATURAL GARDENING FOR BIRDS The novel is illustrated with 320 of Zickefoose’s colored paintings, life sketches, and drawings, and it was one of Oprah’s 2012 book club reads.

***Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Wyandotte Winery!*** Discover where local wines are crafted, and gain insights into the making of small-batch wines. Learn about the interesting history of Wyandotte Winery and the unique aspects that make it a local gem. **Highlights:** • Guided tour of the wine cellar and details on our wine-making process • Historical overview of Wyandotte Winery - and updates on What's New at the winery! • Opportunity to taste our current wine selection • Ask questions and interact with the Wyandotte team **Start Times**: 1:00 PM, other times by request. **Cost:** $10 (includes 1 glass of wine). Pay at the door **Parking:** usually best to park one block down the road in the church parking lot. 2 minute walk. **Note:** Touring the cellar requires taking one flight of stairs. After your tour, feel free to join us for a Fired Up Pizza or winery small plate! Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just curious, this tour will enhance your appreciation for wine and small-batch winemaking. Cheers!!![🍷]()

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/