Washington Gardener Enews November 2013

Welcome to the Washington Gardener Enewsletter!This enewsletter is the sister publication of Washington Gardener Magazine. Both the print magazine and online enewsletter share the same mission and focus — helping DC-MD-VA region gardens grow — but our content is different. In this monthly enewsletter, we address timely seasonal topics and projects; post local gar-den events; and, a monthly list of what you can be doing now in your garden. We encourage you to subscribe to Washington Gardener Magazine as well for in-depth articles, inspirational photos, and great garden resources for the Washington DC area gardener. IMPORTANT NOTE: This enewsletter is only sent out as a PDF via email to current subscribers. Without your support, we can-not continue publishing this enewsletter nor Washington Gar-dener Magazine! Our magazine subscription information is on page 9 of this enewsletter. If you know of any other gardeners in the greater Washington, DC-area, please for-ward this issue to them so that they can subscribe to our print magazine using the form on page 9 of this enewsletter. You can also connect with Washington Gardener online at:• Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com• Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener• Washington Gardener Instagram Feed: http://instagram.com/wdcgardener• Washington Gardener Pinterest boards: http://pinterest.com/wdcgardener/• Washington Gardener Discussion Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonGardener/• Washington Gardener Facebook Page:www.facebook.com/washingtongardenermagazine• Washington Gardener Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/WDCGardener• Washington Gardener Web Site: www.washingtongardener.comSincerely,Kathy JentzEditor/PublisherWashington Gardener Magazine

NOVEMBER 2013ENEWSLETTER

Summer-Fall 2013 IssueOur Summer-Fall 2013 Washington Gar-dener Magazine issue is now mailing to all current subscribers. The cover story is on creating Magical Miniature Gar-dens also known as Faerie Gardens. You’ll also find in this issue:• Carrot Growing Tips• Plant Profile of Abelias• Kudzu Bugs Threaten Beans• Rose Rosette Disease Spreads• Annmarie Sculpture Gardens • Easy-to-Make Stepping Stones• Native Nashville Breadroot• Preventing Powdery Mildew• And much, much more... To subscribe, see the page 9 of this newsletter for a form to mail in or go to www.washingtongardener.com/index_files/subscribe.htm and use our PayPal credit card link. Fall-Winter 2013 issue is in the works with a cover story on Fabulous Ferns!

Reader ContestFor our November 2013 Washington Gardener Read-er Contest, Washington Gardener is giving away one of our 2014 Local Gardening Task Calendar. Each month includes a list of what to do in the gar-den for local DC-MD-VA and Mid-Atlantic gardeners, along with a gorgeous photo of a seasonal flower from a local DC-area public gardens’ collection.

You can order one for yourself and as gifts for your favorite local gardeners by going to: http://www.cafepress.com/washgardener. (Note that you can select the calendar to start with whatever month you choose.) To enter to win a Local Gardening Task Calendar, send an email to [email protected] by 5:00pm on November 27 with “Garden Calen-dar” in the subject line and tell us: What Garden Task You Always Procrastinate On and Why. In the body of the email, please also include your full name and mailing address. The calendar winner will be announced and notified on December 1.

Inside This Enews Issue• Back Issue Sale• Bulbs 201• Gifts from the Garden• Garden To-Do List• Latest Blog Links• Local Garden Events Listings• Magazine Excerpt: Getting to the Root of Growing Great Carrots• Mum’s the Word• New Clematis ‘Sweet Summer Love’• Reader Contest to Win a Local Gardening Task Calendar• What NOT To Do in the Garden

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Quick Links to Recent Washington Gardener Blog Posts• Garden Frights: What is Lurking in Your Garden Beds?• A Cutting Garden: You Can Grow That!• Surprise Pumpkin Patch• Bishop’s Garden Re-dedication• Sweet Potato Harvest Time

See more Washington Gardener Blog posts at WashingtonGardener.Blogspot.com.

New Plant Spotlight Clematis ‘Sweet Summer Love’Clematis ‘Sweet Summer Love’ is a hybrid breakthrough by award-winning breeder, Szczepan Marczynski, combining the ease-of-growth, strong fragrance, and hundreds of blooms of ‘Sweet Autumn’ clematis with the added benefit of rich cranberry-violet hues. This deer-resistant woody vine is covered in rich color a month earlier than other vari-eties and continues to fall. The vine climbs to over 10 ft, is hardy to USDA Zone 4, and can be placed in full sun or part shade. ‘Sweet Summer Love’ has also received a Bronze Medal at the 2011 Plantarium in the Netherlands and a Silver Medal at Flowers 2011 in Moscow, Russia. Clematis ‘Sweet Summer was added to the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® line in 2013. It is currently available through mail order companies such as Garden Crossings, www.gardencrossings.com, and will be wide-ly available at retail in spring 2014.

November Garden To-Do ListHere is our comprehensive garden task list for gardens in the greater DC metro region for November 16-December 15. Your additions to this list are most welcome:• Switch your deer deterrent spray, if you’ve been using the same one for several months. Re-apply after heavy rains.• Have your soil tested at least once every three years. • Cover carrots and other root crops with straw to extend the harvest season. • Deadhead spent mums and plant them (if still in pots). • Leaf drop on established evergreen shrubs and rhododendrons is normal this time of year. • Bulb foliage already starting to surface? Don’t fret. It is also normal and will not impact next year’s blooms. • Check for vole problems and set out traps. • Caulk and seal your home to prevent wildlife coming indoors. • Protect fig trees from freezing by piling up leaves around them. • Clean the leaves of your indoor houseplants to prevent dust and film build-up. • Collect plant seeds for next year’s planting and for trading. • Turn off outdoor water valve and store hoses. • Store terra cotta pots in a shed or protected areas. • Prune and mulch hybrid tea roses. • Harvest last of your vegetables and till compost into the beds. • Plant garlic for harvest next spring. • Force spring bulbs for indoor blooms this January by potting them up, watering thoroughly, and placing them in your vegetable crisper for about 10 weeks. • Remove this year’s fruiting raspberry canes down to the ground from raspberries. • Clean out your ponds and compost annual plants. Move hardy plants to deeper water. Cover with netting to block falling leaves. • Clean, sharpen, and store your garden tools. • Reduce fertilizing of indoor plants (except cyclamen). • Set up a humidifier for indoor plants or at least place in pebble trays. • Vacuum up any ladybugs that come in the house. • Rotate houseplants to promote even growth. • Pot up Paper Whites and Amaryllis for holiday blooming. • Water evergreens and new plantings to keep them hydrated this winter. • Fertilize your lawn and re-seed if needed. • Transplant trees and shrubs. • Continue to divide and transplant perennials. • Rake leaves, shred, and gather in compost piles. • Start feeding birds to get them in the habit for this winter. • Attend a local garden club meeting. • Turn your compost pile weekly and don’t let it dry out. Work compost into your planting beds. • Plant evergreens for winter interest. • Weed. • Take a break from holiday stress to enjoy your garden. • Do not place live wreaths or greenery in between your door and a glass storm door, especially if the doorway is facing south. This placement will “cook” the arrangement on a sunny day. • Sign up all your friends and family for garden magazine subscriptions as holiday gifts.

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November 29, 2013 – January 5, 2014

Open Sunday – Thursday 5:30-9:00 pmFriday – Saturday 5:30-10:00 pm

(Closed December 24 & 25, and January 1 & 2)Open New Year’s Eve until 9:00 pm

Conservatory Train Exhibit

1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902 • Show Info Line: 301.962.1453 • BrooksideGardens.org

$20 per car/van (M-Th) • $25 per car/van (F-Su)ADVANCE SALE TICKETS: $20 (available November 1)

CASH ONLY AT ENTRANCELast car admitted 30 min. before closing time

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Expires Jan. 6, 2014 Not valid with any

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The holiday season is fast approaching and nothing is a more personal gift than something you have grown yourself. Here are several ideas for giving from the garden.

Herbal Oils, Vinegars, and ButtersSelect and chop up fresh herbs to add into oil infusions, vin-egars, flavored vodkas, or mixed into herb butters. Always use sterile containers and clean herbs. Follow the USDA guidelines for canning products.

Seed CollectionsCollect seeds from flowering annuals and carefully label them. You can put them into small coin envelopes and slip each into a small photo album with planting instructions. You can also make a seed-saving jar by painting the lid as an insect or in any pattern you like. (See Ladybug Jar sample above.)

Flower ArrangementsGather in-season blooms, grasses, and greens from your gar-den to create mixed bouquets — either fresh or dried. Use tin cans and glass jars as rustic vases that your giftee won’t need to bother to return. Tie a piece of burlap with raffia around the container to dress it up a bit.

Potpourri and SachetsStrip the buds off dried lavender and package a few table-spoons of it in a circle of tulle tied with ribbon to create a nice drawer/closet sachet. For potpourri mix, gather dried flower heads (such as cham-omile) along with rosehips and assorted herbs. If desired, mix in a few drops of essential oil Package in a pretty jar.

Garden-Fresh EdiblesIf you grow salad greens and/or root vegetables (carrots, rad-ishes, etc.), pick, clean, and package a fresh bundle along with a homemade salad dressing and a pretty salad bowl.

Holiday GreensCut greens from your own garden to create holiday wreaths, door swags, and table arrangements. Combine assorted greens such as boxwood, magnolias, junipers, etc. along with woody herbs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme to add a fresh scent to the greens. Wire them all together and tie with a big bow.

Pressed Flowers Cards and CraftsThroughout the growing season, cut and press dianthus. cos-mos, violets, miniature roses, and other colorful blooms to use in the off-season to make various crafts. Pressed flowers are terrific for those of us with poor drawing skills. They can be glued on cards, placeholders, bookmarks, picture frames, and much more. Don’t forget to press some leaves and stems so you can incorporate those as well into any flower collage you create.

Small Starter PlantsPot up some indoor plant divisions and include care instruc-tions. If the plants have a history, for example a Christmas Cactus that was handed down by your grandmother, include that information as well, A selection of African Violets or cole-us cuttings in small pots on a tray are an excellent hostess or house-warming gift.

Gifts from the Garden

WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2013 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved. 5

What NOT to Worry AboutTwo things many new and inexperienced gardeners start to panic about this time of year are leaf drop of evergreens and bulb foliage popping up out of the ground. These are two things that are totally natural this time of year and nothing to worry about. Leaf/needle drop on established evergreen shrubs and rhododendrons is normal. Even though they are called “ever-green” they still go through a natural shedding cycle. You will see most of the drop come from the inside branches. Some will lose one-third to one-half of their needles at this time of year. Note that not all trees and shrubs with needle-like foliage are evergreen. Many are deciduous and shed all their foli-age such as the Larch, Swamp Cypress, and Dawn Redwood. These conifers will leaf back out in spring, don’t worry. Another garden phenomenon that newbie gardeners notice this time of year is bulb foliage already starting to surface. Don’t fret. It is also normal and will not impact next year’s blooms. You will notice this especially among some of the minor bulbs such as Ipheon and Muscari. Even a blanket of snow or ice will not impact the bulbs storing energy below the soil. You can give these emerging bulbs a bit of extra mulch, if you desire, but it is really not necessary.

Bulbs 201You may have been planting the same old daffodils or tulips for a few years now, why not spice things up and taken then to the next level? Here are a few tips to get your bulb displays to be even better.1. Layer. Instead of digging a small hole and dropping in one bulb at a time. Dig out a whole bed and then layer your bulbs. Put in the tulips and hyacinths first, then daffodils, and last the minor bulbs.2. Stagger. Choose bulbs with different bloom times to lengthen the seasonal display. All bulbs are marked as early-, mid- or late-season blooming. You can use that information to create displays of bulbs that coordinate with each other and with nearby flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees.3. Throw. Instead of planting bulbs in straight rows or pat-terns, scatter them in your planting hole and plant them where they land for a more natural “drift” effect. Another way to plant them is in clumps or groups of odd numbers: so three here, a few feet later plant five more in one hole, then another three in another bed, etc. This is especially effective on a slope or in a woodland garden.4. Choose. Pick bulbs that are more unusual in color and pattern than you normally see. There are hundreds of tulip varieties, no need to go only with red or yellow. Some of my favorites are ‘Princess Irene,’ a peachy-orange, and ‘Queen of Night,’ a dark purple-black tulip. The parrot and peony type tulips are especially striking and you only need a few of those to make a big impact.5. Experiment. Go in search of early minor bulbs that can

fill in bare spots while the rest of your garden awakens in spring. A few to try are Scilla, Muscari, Chionodoxa, Eranthis, Galanthus, and Fritillaria. By trying a few of these more advanced bulb gardening techniques, your garden will be full of surprises, beauty, and adventure next spring!

Mum’s the Word!Local public gardens are putting on spectacular mum shows this season! These mums are far from the boring, old chrysanthemums found in tired supermarket flower bunches. These mums are show-stoppers, stunners, and out-right marvels of nature. “Chrysanthemum Craftmanship” is on display at Brookside Gardens’ conservatory in Wheaton, MD, through Sunday, November 25. This show (pictured here) focuses on the chry-santhemum plant and its diversity of floral styles and plant forms. Amazing results come from skilled and meticulous training of these versatile plants. Vertical columns of color nearly six feet tall and cascading waterfalls of flowers will be on display. These solid masses of flowers are contrasted by “disbudded” plants, whose energy is channeled into fewer but larger flowers. The cool color palette for the display is pinks and purples and white, with blues and silver added by salvias, grasses, and Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’. At the U.S. Botanic Garden, visitors can see one of hor-ticulture’s most challenging feats: the Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum, on until Sunday, November 17. The Thousand Bloom derives its name from the ambitious goal of cultivating a single chrysanthemum plant to produce as many perfectly placed blooms as possible. This ancient technique, known in Japan as Ozukuri, originated hundreds of years ago in Asia and is the most exacting and challenging of all Chrysanthemum training styles. The United States Botanic Garden teamed with Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA to grow the Thousand Bloom. The rigorous, 12-month growing process involves meticulous watering, pinching and tying of the chrysanthemum to a cus-tomized wire frame to train the plant to grow into the desired form. The largest Thousand Bloom in North America is on display at Longwood Gardens now through November 24. It features 1,416 blooms and measure more than 12 feet in diameter. Finally, don’t forget the outdoor mum displays. There are many varieties that are hardy to our area, such as the lovely ‘Sheffield’ mums, that can be viewed in the mixed borders of public gardens such as Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA.

About the AuthorKathy Jentz is editor/publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine.

Garden Tips and Tricks

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DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ November 16-December 15, 2013

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS

• Wednesday, November 20, 7:30pmBees in Your Garden TalkHosted by the Takoma Hort Club and held at Historic Takoma, Inc., 7328 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD. Join the Takoma Horticultural Club for a presen-tation by Sam Droege of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Friends, did you know that you have bees in your garden? Few people realize that Takoma Park is not only the city of trees, but the city of bees. While urban beekeeping for honey production is tak-ing off, less visible, but more important, are the native bees that let us share their habitats. Solitary nesting, non-stinging, there are over 100 species in the city that do much of the pollination. The choice of what we plant can aug-ment or depress the numbers of bees that live here; we will talk about these colorful and varied bees, the plants they use, and your role in creating or destroying their populations. This event is free and open to the public. No reservations required. • Thursday, November 21, 6:30pmRock Spring Garden Club’s Fourth Annual Holiday Floral DemonstrationPreregistration is required to attend the event featuring Sarah von Pollaro,, the owner of D.C.’s Urban Petals Floral Design, who has placed arrangements in the White House, Kennedy Center, museums and embassies. But von Pol-laro also shares tips aimed at inspiring people to “think outside the vase” and include flowers in their lives on any budget. Doors open for guests at 6:30 p.m. at the National Rural Electric Coopera-tive Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd. Admission is $25 and includes door prizes, raffles, refreshments, with pro-ceeds to benefit RSGC’s community outreach programs. To register contact Renee Bayes at 703-241-2651 or [email protected]. For more informa-tion visit the website at www.rockspring-gardenclub.com.

• Saturday, November 23Presentation: Seeing TreesJoin Nancy Ross Hugo for a special afternoon to discuss the behind the

• Wednesday, November 20, 8:00am-4:00pm2013 TREES MATTER SYMPOSIUMTrees and the Built EnvironmentSponsored by The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks’ Horticulture,Forestry and Environmental Educa-tion Division. Held at Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Attend the second annual Trees Mat-ter Conference to learn from some of the country’s leading experts about innovative efforts to plant, protect and preserve trees in urban and suburban settings. Trees Matter 2013 is ideal for arborists, municipal employees, land-scape industry professionals, designers,engineers, green industry employees and anyone interested in the latest research on trees. Approved forInternational Society of Arboriculture & Certified Professional Horticulturist CEU’S. To register or for more informa-tion, please visit http://www.montgom-eryparks.org.

scenes work and research that inspired her acclaimed nature book Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secret Lives of Everyday Trees. This event is cosponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum and Casey Trees. Held at the U.S. National Arbo-retum. Details at http://caseytrees.org/.

• Monday, November 25Thanksgiving Table FlowersKaren Nelson Kent AIFD, CFDIt’s a wonderful time to bring a friend or family member to kick off the holiday season while learning the latest trends for designing your Thanksgiving table. You will use traditional and new tech-niques while working with fresh flowers and seasonal items to create a floral design suitable for everyone’s table.Course #248809, 3:30-5:00pm or Course #248810, 6:30-8:00pmFee: $54 FOBG: $49, registration required. Held at Visitors Center Adult Classroom, Brookside Gardens, Whea-ton, MD. Details at http://www.mont-gomeryparks.org/brookside/.

• Thursday, December 5, 6-8pmHoliday Music ConcertFeaturing Lox & VodkaEvenings at the Conservatory are magi-cal! Get into the holiday spirit with live seasonal music in the Garden Court. This concert features festive Klezmer music performed by the group Lox & Vodka. Come join the fun and enjoy the USBG after hours! Please note: Limited seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. United States Botanic Garden Conservatory, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20001(202) 225-8333, See more at: http://www.usbg.gov/events/.

• Friday, Dec. 6, Saturday, Dec. 7, and Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.Wreath-Making WorkshopsJoin a six-generation tradition of deco-rating with Tudor Place greens as you create your own holiday wreath using materials from the gardens. Choose from cedar boughs, magnolia leaves, berry-laden holly, pine cones, and box-wood to fashion our own distinctive, medium-size wreath. All materials pro-

Advanced Landscape Plant IPM PHC Short Course

January 21-24, 2014For registration

information contact:Avis Koeiman

Department of Entomology4112 Plant Sciences Building

University of MarylandCollege Park, MD 20742

Tel: 301-405-3913Email: [email protected]

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DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ November 16-December 15, 2013

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS

Your Ad HereAre you trying to reach thousands of gardeners in the greater DC region/Mid-Atlantic area? Washington Gardener Enews goes out on the 15th of every month and is a free sister publication to Washington Gardener magazine. Contact [email protected] or call 301.588-6894 for ad rates. The ad deadline is the 10th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: [email protected].

vided along with helpful instruction and tips. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, 1644 31st Street, NW, Wash-ington, DC 20007. www.TudorPlace.org.

• Friday, December 6 - Tuesday, December 31, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pmGreens Show & SaleDon’t miss the chance to admire the holiday decorations adorning the Ham-mond-Harwood House! The theme for this year’s decorations is “Christmas Around the World,” and nine local gar-den clubs have crafted arrangements with an international flair. Wreaths and arrangements decorated by their talent-ed volunteers will also be available for purchase. Held at The Hammond-Har-wood House is the “Jewel of Annapolis.” For more information on this National Historic Landmark, visit www.hammond-harwoodhouse.org.

• Sunday, December 8, Noon-4pmGardeners’ Holiday Open HouseEnjoy a day of holiday fun in the garden: shop for holiday gifts and plants, listen to seasonal music, view the beautiful decorations and enjoy refreshments with friends. This festive day is for gardeners of all ages, individuals and families. Free admission, For more information call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

• Wednesday, December 11, 1:00-2:30pmA World of FlavorLaura Vogel, Brookside StaffHerbs and spices are a fixture in our kitchens, but how often do we think about the global sources of these hum-ble ingredients? Take a worldwide tour of fragrant plants while making poman-der ball ornaments for the holiday with citrus and cloves. Register for Course # 248849. Fee: $18 FOBG: $15, registra-tion required. Held at Visitors Center Adult Classroom, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD. Details at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/.

• Fridays, December 13 and 20, 5:30-9:30pmMaymont by MoonlightEnjoy an enchanting holiday evening at Maymont in Richmond, VA. A horse-

drawn carriage transports guests along a luminary-lit lane to Maymont Mansion where elegantly costumed Victorian ladies and gentlemen await. Witness the excitement of Christmas 1893, taste seasonal refreshments and listen to joyful carol singing by the bonfire. $28 per person/$22 for Maymont members. Register at www.maymont.org or call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.

• Saturday, December 14, 4-8pmFour-Museum Open House...Holidays Through HistoryNew and old mix beautifully in this fes-tive annual event! Tudor Place, with Dumbarton House, Woodrow Wilson House, and Anderson House, throws open its doors for music, crafts, treats and the splendor of holiday decor in historic settings. Children can enjoy creating holiday cards with the charming Peter Waddell, Tudor Place Artist in Residence. Visit just one mansion or all four, on foot or by shuttle bus (free with ticket). Museum members attend FREE! Register at http://tudorplace.org/.

SAVE THE DATE:• January 8 - 10MANTS 2014MANTS is one of the largest private Green Industry Trade Shows on the east coast with over 300,000 square feet of exhibit space. Registration required. Held at the Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt Street, Balti-more, MD. 21201; www.bccenter.org.

• The 9th Annual Washington Garden-er Seed Exchange, hosted by Washing-ton Gardener Magazine, takes place on January 25, 2014 (location TBA) AND on February 1, 2014 at Green Spring Gardens in Fairfax, VA. Seed Exchange attendees trade seeds, exchange plant-ing tips, hear expert speakers, and col-lect goody bags full of gardening treats. The event also includes such “green” features as the garden book and cata-log swap. Participants are encouraged to bring their gently used garden books and mailorder garden catalogs to trade with each other. . Subscribers to Washington Gardener

Magazine receive a $5 discount off the admission to the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange.

• RootingDC is a FREE Urban Garden-ing Forum held annually in late winter. Details to be posted soon at http://fieldtoforknetwork.org/rootingdc/ for the event on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

Still More Event Listings See even more event listings on the Washington Gardener Yahoo discussion list. Join the list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonGardener/.

Event Listing Submissions To submit an event for this listing, please contact: [email protected] and put “Event” in the email sub-ject head. Our next deadline is Decem-ber 12 for the December 15 edition of this enewsletter featuring events taking place December 16 - January 15.

Local Gardening CalendarEach month includes a list of what to do in the garden for local DC-MD-VA and Mid-Atlantic gardeners, along with a gorgeous photo of a flower from a local public garden collection. On November 25, go to http://www.cafepress.com/washgardener to order this new calendar. A great gift idea and treat yourself!

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MARCH/APRIL 2005• Landscape DIY vs. Pro• Prevent Gardener’s Back• Ladew Topiary Gardens• Cherry Trees

MAY/JUNE 2005• Stunning Plant Combinations• Turning Clay into Rich Soil• Wild Garlic• Strawberries

JULY/AUGUST 2005• Water Gardens• Poison Ivy• Disguising a Sloping Yard• Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005• Container Gardens• Clematis Vines• Sponge Gardening/Rain Gardens• 5 Insect Enemies of Gardeners

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005• Backyard Bird Habitats• Hellebores• Building a Coldframe• Bulb Planting Basics

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006• Garden Decor Principles• Primroses• Tasty Heirloom Veggies• U.S. Botanic Garden

MARCH/APRIL 2006• Top 10 Small Trees and Large Shrubs• Azaleas• Figs, Berries, & Persimmons• Basic Pruning Principles

MAY/JUNE 2006• Using Native Plants in Your Landscape• Crabgrass• Peppers• Secret Sources for Free Plants

JULY/AUGUST 2006• Hydrangeas• Theme Gardens• Agave• Find Garden Space by Growing Up

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006• Shade Gardening• Hosta Care Guide• Fig-growing Tips and Recipes

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006• Horticultural Careers• Juniper Care Guide• Winter Squash Growing Tips and Recipes• Layer/Lasagna Gardening

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007• Indoor Gardening• Daphne Care Guide• Asparagus Growing Tips and Recipes• Houseplant Propagation

MARCH/APRIL 2007• Stormwater Management• Dogwood Selection & Care Guide• Early Spring Vegetable Growing Tips• Franciscan Monastery Bulb Gardens

BACK ISSUE SALE!YOU CAN REQUEST A SINGLE COPY OF BACK ISSUES FOR $6 EACH OR, ANY 6 BACK ISSUES, FOR $24 OR ALL 30+ BACK ISSUES FOR JUST $100. PRICE INCLUDES POSTAGE AND HAN-DLING. PLEASE SPECIFY THE ISSUE DATE(S). ORDER MUST BE PREPAID BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. SEND YOUR ORDER TO:

WASHINGTON GARDENER, 826 PHILADELPHIA AVE., SILVER SPRING, MD 20910MAY/JUNE 2007• Roses: Easy Care Tips• Native Roses & Heirloom Roses• Edible Flowers• How to Plant a Bare-root Rose

JULY/AUGUST 2007• Groundcovers: Alternatives to Turfgrass• How to Pinch, Prune, & Dead-head •William Paca House & Gardens• Hardy Geraniums

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007• Succulents: Hardy to our Region• Drought-tolerant Natives• Southern Vegetables• Seed Saving Savvy Tips

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007• Gardening with Children• Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics• National Museum of the American Indian• Versatile Viburnums

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008• Dealing with Deer• Our Favorite Garden Tools• Indoor Bulb Forcing Basics• Delightful Daffodils

MARCH/APRIL 2008• Patio, Balcony, Rooftop Container Gardens• Our Favorite Garden Tools• Coral Bells (Heucheras)

MAY/JUNE 2008 — ALMOST SOLD OUT!• Growing Great Tomatoes• Glamorous Gladiolus• Seed Starting Basics• Flavorful Fruiting Natives

JULY/AUGUST 2008• Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses• Edible Grasses to Graze On• Slug and Snail Control• Sage Advice: Sun-loving Salvias

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008• Autumn Edibles — What to Plant Now• Beguiling Barrenworts (Epimediums)• The Best Time to Plant Spring-blooming Bulbs• 14 Dry Shade Plants Too Good to Overlook

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008• Outdoor Lighting Essentials• How to Prune Fruiting Trees, Shrubs, and Vines• 5 Top Tips for Overwintering Tender Bulbs• Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009• Compost Happens: Nature’s Free Fertilizer• Managing Stormwater with a Rain Garden• Visiting Virginia’s State Arboretum• Grow Winter Hazel for Gorgeous Winter Color

MARCH/APRIL 2009• 40+ Free and Low-cost Local Garden Tips• Spring Edibles Planting Guide for the Mid-Atlantic• Testing Your Soil for a Fresh Start• Redbud Tree Selection and Care• Best Viewing Spots for Virginia Bluebells

BACK ISSUE SALE!YOU CAN REQUEST A SINGLE COPY OF BACK ISSUES FOR $6 YOU CAN REQUEST A YOU CAN REQUEST A YOU CAN REQUEST A

MAY/JUNE 2009• Top Easy Summer Annuals for DC Heat• Salad Table Project• Grow and Enjoy Eggplant• How to Chuck a Woodchuck

SUMMER 2009• Grow Grapes in the Mid-Atlantic• Passionflowers• Mulching Basics• What’s Bugging Your Tomatoes• Growing Hops

FALL 2009• Apples• How To Save Tomato Seeds• Persimmons

WINTER 2009• Battling Garden Thugs• How to Start Seeds Indoors• Red Twig Dogwoods• Unusual Edibles to Grow in Our Region

SPRING 2010• Community Gardens• Building a Raised Bed• Dwarf Iris• Broccoli

SUMMER 2010• Fragrance Gardens• Watering Without Waste• Lavender• Potatoes

FALL 2010• Vines and Climbers• Battling Stink Bugs• Russian Sage• Garlic

WINTER 2010• Paths and Walkways• Edgeworthia• Kohlrabi

SPRING 2011• Cutting-Edge Gardens• Final Frost Dates and When to Plant• Bleeding Hearts• Onions

SUMMER 2011• Ornamental Edibles• Urban Foraging• Amsonia/Arkansas Blue Star• Growing Corn in the Mid-Atlantic

FALL 2011• Herb Gardens• Toad Lilies• Sweet Potatoes• Cool Weather Cover Crops

WINTER 2011 - EARLY SPRING 2012• Green Roofs and Walls• Heaths and Heathers• Radishes

SPRING 2012• Pollinator Gardens• Brunnera: Perennial of the Year• Growing Yacon

SUMMER 2012• Tropical Gardens• Captivating Canna• Icebox Watermelons

Coming Soon!Washington Gardener Magazine’s

DayTrip columns compiled into one handy publication — available soon in both paper

and e-book versions. Great gift idea!

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In Our Next Issue...Fabulous Ferns

Daytrip to Chanticleer GardensGarden Event Season Wrap-Up

Growing and Cooking BEETS

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Magazine Excerpt: Getting to the Root of Growing Great Carrots by Elizabeth Olson Carrots are perhaps best known as the popular orange-colored root vegetable available year-round in the produce section at markets. Although some consider carrots to be ordinary, they are much more than that. They have an interesting history and have been adapted to meet modern needs and pref-erences. The cultivated carrot was first grown in the region of central Asia now comprised of Afghanistan and surrounding areas. Purple-rooted and yellow-rooted carrots were in cultivation in this region by the year 900. Later centuries have seen the spread of cultivated carrots around the world and the development of orange-, white-, and red-rooted cultivars. Today, orange is the most popular color of carrots.

Carrot is a biennial species that is started from seed and grown as an annual. It belongs to the Apiaceae plant family, which also includes dill, celery, and parsley. The scientific name for this wonderful root vegetable is Daucus carota, ssp. sativus. The flavor of carrots varies from very sweet to spicy to rather earthy, depending on the cultivar. In addition to flavor, a signifi-cant reason for the popularity of carrots is that they can be prepared or preserved in so many ways. Fresh carrots store well in the refrigerator crisper drawer (remove the tops). Also, some cultivars hold their root quality well in the ground for a long period of time, especially in cool weather. The two most challenging aspects of growing carrots are matching the root shape to the soil type and getting the seeds to sprout. Carrots grow best in well-worked, deep, loamy soil that is free of rocks and debris, and into which compost has been incorporated. The popularity of carrots has led to the development of different styles of root shapes that can be grown in shal-low or heavier soil types... Want to learn more growing carrots? Read the rest of this EdibleHarvest column in the Summer-Fall 2013 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine. See how to subscribe below to start with this issue.

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10 WASHINGTON GARDENER ENEWS © 2013 Washington Gardener Magazine. All rights reserved.

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