Cuttings

April 25, 2009 12:35 am

Annual Plant Sale, sponsored by the Tri-County/City Soil & Water Conservation District, features high-quality, easy-to-care for, unique, food-bearing plants suitable for this area. To guarantee your species, place your order now. Pre-ordered plants can be picked up today, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at 1802 Augustine Ave., Fredericksburg. Some plants may be available that day. 540/656-2401; tccswcd.vaswcd.org.

Plant Sale, today, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; tomorrow, noon-5 p.m.; James Madison Museum, Hall of Agriculture, entrance on West Church Street, Orange. 540/854-9064.

"Water Gardening Bliss," today, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Palestine Farm in Ruther Glen. Learn how to add a beautiful, yet affordable, water garden to your landscape. Learn how to select a location, choose a size, a design and a proper depth to fit the location. See various types of containers and circulation methods. Learn about plant and pond life. This class is sponsored by Germanna Community Center's Center for Workforce and Community Education. The cost is $39. Bring a bag lunch; drinks and dessert provided. Registration and details: 540/891-3012; ger manna.edu/workforce.

Spring Bedding Sale through May 2, Rappahannock Adult Activities Inc., 750 Kings Highway, Stafford. Plants sold daily Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, noon-2 p.m.; Mayfest, May 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Plants include tomatoes and other vegetables, herbs, annuals, hanging baskets and perennials. For listing of plants and information, visit celebratemay fest.com or call 540/373-7643.

Guided nature tour, tomorrow, 2 p.m., Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Belmont, 224 Washington St., Falmouth. Members of the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Naturalist program lead a free tour of the woods and fields the last Sunday of every month, starting at the visitors center. The walk covers about a mile of trails and will touch on the historic ruins. Sturdy footwear recommended; rain or shine; free, no reservations necessary. 540/654-1839, GariMelchers .org.

Plant Auction, Monday, April 27, 7 p.m., J.F. Fick Inc., 224 Industrial Drive, near Four-Mile Fork. Plants from gardens of members of the Ann Page Garden Club and other garden-related items. Proceeds go to NatureCamp scholarships and gardening projects in the Fredericksburg area.

Grow Your Own Food, Tuesday, April 28, 6 p.m., Lawrence Property, King George. Learn about successful vegetable gardening and how to make self-watering containers. Sponsored by the King George Virginia Cooperative Extension Office. Free. Register at 540/775-3062.

Tree and Shrub Identification Series, Thursdays, May 7-June 11, 9-11 a.m., sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension The first class will be held at the Virginia Cooperative Extension--Stafford County Office, Rowser Building, 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway, Stafford. Subsequent classes will be held outdoors at the University of Mary Washington, Alum Spring Park and Chatham Manor. Learn the methods needed to identify trees and shrubs in the Fredericksburg area. Anyone with an interest in identifying woody ornamental plants is welcome to participate. Space limited. $65. Registration deadline is May 5. For a registration form or details, call the Stafford County Extension Office at 540/658-8000 or e-mail
Email: gmussey@vt.edu.

Open Gardens Day: Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, sponsored by Fredericksburg Area Iris Society. Five gardens open for tours. For details, e-mail
Email: beverlyaf@aol.com.

ELSEWHERE:

African Violet Show and Sale, today, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; tomorrow, noon-5 p.m.; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Interesting and unusual African violet varieties. 804/262-9887; lewisginter.org.

"Herbs Galore & More," today, 8:30 a.m. -4 p.m., Maymont, 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. The 25th anniversary of this plant sale and festival. Small-space gardening, workshops and vendors. $3 admission fee. Registration recommended for workshops; fees vary. 804/358-7166, ext. 301; maymont.org.

Children's Garden "Spring Fling," tomorrow, 1-4 p.m.; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Family-friendly music, entertainment, activities and food. 804/262-9887; lewisginter.org.

Spring Plant Sale, Thursday, April 30, 1-6 p.m.; Friday, May 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Largest in area with over 40 vendors. 804/262-9887, lewisginter.org.

Garden Party, Pry House Field Hospital Museum, Keedysville, Md. (Antietam National Battlefield). Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about gardening techniques and heirloom vegetables. Bring your gardening tools. The museum opens today. Complete listing and events: 301/416-2395, civilwarmed.org/events.cfm.

"Botanical Art & Illustrations," through May 3, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. An instructor and student exhibit. 804/262-9887; lewisginter.org.

"A Million Blooms," through June 7, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Plant shows and sales. A spectacular display of blooms and special activities. 804/262-9887, lewisginter.org.

--Compiled by Carol Lee

Mail items for Cuttings to Gwen Woolf, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; fax to 540/373-8455; or e-mail
Email: gwoolf@freelancestar.com.