Help keep other up to date on local goings on. Shows, sales, whatever.

Thanks for starting this thread, Ric! I'm lucky to be so close to the National Arboretum but hardly ever went before this year. I made a New Year's resolution to go more often and have actually followed through! I've taken a class, checked out their bonsai exhibition, and plan on taking more classes this spring. And they have their annual sale next month! It's dangerous to shop there with your credit card.

I also highly recommend their full moon hikes to anyone interested in nighttime hiking. :thumbsup:

All is well in my neck of the woods!! I originally posted on DG, not knowing it is hardly used and was "redirected" here!

And why is a hazelnut my "profile" picture?!!

Hi Becky!!!!! to ATP! Everything I have from you is growing beautifully. The honey suckle is already blooming! In March!

Your avatar is an acorn until you change it. The acorn signifies a seed not yet turned into a tree!

ssgardener said:Hi Becky!!!!! to ATP! Everything I have from you is growing beautifully. The honey suckle is already blooming! In March!

Your avatar is an acorn until you change it. The acorn signifies a seed not yet turned into a tree! :big grin:

I'm so glad to hear that! If I didn't think the HOA would get mad at a Honeysuckle taking over the fence, I'd plant one!

We are getting a backyard grill place/patio installed in a few weeks, and several trees finally - have lived with the blank slate for a few years now...time to upgrade

Becky!!!! It is so good to hear from you

Woohoo!! Becky's in the HOUSE!! Good to see you

Yes, Bec great to see you here.

So glad you found us Beck.

thanks RIc.
Becky, so nice to have you on board again!

Welcome Becky. Glad to see you made it. Was it coleup who sent you this way? She told me she was going to let other MAFers know where we went to.

What kind of trees are you potting in? Are you going the outdoor kitchen route?
HOAs need some 'pollenator, native plant friendly ' clauses. Do tell us what's blooming down there now so we know what we have to look forward to as Spring progresses.

Ans SSG, what honeysuckle is it that is blooming for you now?

For anyone who has any interest in home improvement projects, check out this major restoration of an abandoned, vandal destructed, run down mansion that is really close to my house. If you get online and take a look at this amazing place, my home is in the wooded foothills that you see behind the mansion. Mike and I actually took a peek inside in 2007 and it was abandoned and run down even then - has only gotten worse over the years. Another lofty and unrealistic dream of mine was to buy it and restore it just like Sharon is doing now - millions to buy, millions to restore, and probably millions to maintain. If I had ever won the lottery in a big way, that was on the top of the to do list. I am glad someone is bringing this place back to its former glory. Mike and I know Sharon, although it has been a few years since we have seen her. She is documenting the whole "rebirth" of Selma on Facebook - has hired a professional photographer to chronicle everything. Absolutely wonderful to follow if you enjoy this kind of thing.
https://www.facebook.com/Selma...

That's one big WOW Teri.

Mariposa, it's the native honeysuckle, Lonicera something. Sempervirens? Unfortunately it has no scent but hummingbirds love it.

We are getting more of a patio with a fire pit, grill area, swing, rock fountain and I will use planters for the most part due to the dogs

2 red Maples, 3 dogwoods, and 3 redbuds...waiting for the plans now, so I can take them to HOA office

I might get a couple of planters and grow Honeysuckle up the 2 pergolas

Very interesting Teri, I bet "you" would have done a beautiful job of refurbishing it given the chance.

yeah, wow that Selma mansion, fantastic

The Selma mansion is really something. I'm not exaggerating when I say I have dreamt of that place and the restoration possibilities so many times since I saw it in 2007. There are a lot of pictures on the Facebook page so I don't know if you want to take the time to scroll through all of them, but try to go towards the beginning where there are pictures of the foyer staircase - it has to be one of the most beautiful staircases I've ever seen - it rises three stories with balconies overlooking the entire foyer at the second and third story levels. It is funny what people are passionate about - me, I love old architecture and home interior design in addition to the gardening passion we all share.

DC folks! The national arboretum native plant sale is tomorrow! @catmint20906, you might be interested in this! Unfortunately (or fortunately for my wallet!), I won't be able make it.

Becky. Glad you joined us here.