Working for a Greener District of Columbia
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Saturday, May 17, 10:00, "Creating and Maintaining a Beautiful Sustainable Garden", presented by D.C. Urban Gardeners and the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
Master Gardener and local gardening coach Susan Harris shows how to create a beautiful garden scheme—naturally--by choosing plants that require no pesticides, very little supplemental water and less work. Using stunning visuals, Harris demonstrates ways to incorporate shrubs, trees and perennials into a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space that uplifts the spirit and protects the environment. You'll also learn how to have a great lawn without toxic herbicides and artificial fertilizers.
LOCATION: Historical Society of Washington, D.C., at Mt. Vernon Square, 801 K St. NW. Accessible from Chinatown and Convention Center Metro stations. Reservations (not required, just appreciated) via email, subject line "Gardening "or call 202-383-1828.
Friday, May 30, 7 pm, Second DC Urban Gardener Film Night, featuring “The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.”
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Cuba lost its biggest benefactor and also its most important supplier of fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers. Cuba suddenly found itself hungry, short of power and with a collapsed public transit system. More importantly, Cuba, which had relied on a commodity sugar export economy, needed a way to feed itself.
The result: the average Cuban adult lost 20 pounds, but they discovered organic agriculture. Yes, compost, composting with worms, growing vegetables. Now organic farmers are celebrated, and vegetables grow on every corner, in every back yard, on every rooftop. Many view Cuba as a test case for how civilization might cope when the oil wells start to run dry. We follow the 53-minute film with a half-hour discussion.
The screening will be held at the Emergence Community Arts Collective, located in the historic Merriweather Home for Children, 733 Euclid St. NW, Washington, DC. The Merriweather Home (formerly the National Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children) was the final home of Elizabeth Keckley, a dressmaker who served not only the family of Jefferson Davis—later to become president of the Confederacy—but also Mary Todd Lincoln as a close companion and attendant. The building is on the African American Heritage Trail.
We serve free popcorn. A donation of $5 at the door is suggested.
There’s room for 40 persons, but 25 seems like a better fit. So space definitely is limited. Please reserve your spot by e-mailing me, Ed Bruske.
Susan's Sustainable Gardening website
You've heard the rumors and now witness the unveiling of the 1st ever DCUG Plant Swap!
What: A Plant Swap - bring and receive free plants to expand your garden
Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: starting at 9am bring your plants for sorting -- swap starts promptly at 10am -- do not be late - if you arrive after 10am, sorry, you will not be able to participate due to the structure of this event - we will conclude well before 12noon
Place: H Street Farmers Market at H & 8th -- 624 H Street NE near Union Station on Saturdays 9am-12n
Who: anyone on the DCUrbanGardeners list is welcome as are any of your friends, relatives, or neighbors
Bring:
~ a name tag - home made or from work or school -- whatever works -- so that we know your name and we can all connect our emails, names and faces.
~ plants to swap - pot them up NOW -- the longer they can get settled in their pots, the better their chance of success and survival - (no plants to share? see note below)
~ labels - fully label all your swap plants with as much info as you have - optimally that will include: common and scientific name, amount of sun needed, amount of water needed, any other special care notes, and color of the blooms - if not currently in flower
How: be prepared to BRIEFLY introduce yourself and describe your plants (or other items - see note below)
What NOT to bring: common orange daylilies* and other invasive species - use this list (http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/list_terrestrial_plants.html) to screen your plant offerings
What if you do not have plants to swap? Come anyway! Bring garden tools, garden books, garden ornaments, etc. to swap or if you have nothing garden-related to share - bring refreshments - cold drinks and yummy snacks will pay your admittance fee :-)
*hybrid daylilies are fine and welcome
Do not worry if you cannot make this one - we plan to have these each spring and fall (or at least annually) and in a different ward of the city each time - so hope to catch you next time!
This event is rain or shine!
