The Garden Gate Plant Shop is open. Shop hours are Monday-Saturday, 9-4 p.m., and Sundays, 10-4 p.m., at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria.
Garden ABC. Learn the necessary steps to create a simple garden that both children and parents can grow and enjoy together. Make a small container filled with spring seedlings to take home, water and watch grow. $15 per project. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria.
Garden Sprouts. Preschoolers 3-5 discover the world of plants through stories, walks, activities and crafts. For more information, visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173. At Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Register and pre-pay for event.
Photography Workshop. On Wednesday, June 2, 7-9 p.m., Friday, June 4, 4-6 p.m., and Wednesday, June 9, 7-9 p.m., take this three-session photography workshop for gardeners and photo enthusiasts of all skill levels who want to capture gardens and flower images that are dramatic and aesthetically appealing. The first session includes an illustrated lecture, a graphic handout and a discussion of participants' work. Participants should bring two 4 by 6 inch photographs or two slides of gardens or landscapes and a camera. The second session is devoted to shooting in the gardens with the instructor. The third session is a formal critique of the work done during the second session. Joshua Taylor, Fuji Film talent team member, conducts the workshop. $60. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Landscape Design Workshop for Homeowners. Thursdays, June 3, 10 and 17, 7-9 p.m. Accompany Cindy Brown, staff horticulturist, into the gardens to take a look at the designs, plants and structures that provide solutions to individual problems. Learn the landscape design process, how to conduct a site and inventory and analysis, and how to develop a garden's framework and conceptual design. $130. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Basic Gardening Series. Fridays, June 4, 11, 18 and 24, 1:30-3 p.m. Learn to tips for preparing a garden bed. Learn about composting, common plant lingo, purchasing plants, installation and garden maintenance. Gardeners provide time-saving techniques, outline simple steps and debunk gardening myths. Sign up for the whole series, $35, or for individual workshops, $10 each. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Container Gardening Workshops. Container for shade, Saturday, June 5, 10-11:30 a.m. Container for sun, Saturday, June 5, 1-2:30 p.m. Get advice on pot and plant selection, potting mixes, and nutrient and water management. Learn design principles when choosing plants. Pot, soil and plants provided. $35. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Pond Scum. Saturday, June 5 or Saturday, June 19, 2-3:30 p.m. Follow Green Spring's water cycle down to the ponds. Bring boots to splash around with dragonflies, crawfish, frogs and fishes. $15. For more information, visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173. At Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Register and pre-pay for event.
New Garden Tour. On Saturday, June 5, 9-10 a.m., come enjoy the gardens of Green Spring. Guided tours allow groups or individuals to explore, ask questions and learn more about annuals. Find new ideas for plants to add to a garden. $5. Tour departs from the lobby of the Horticulture Center. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Propagation by Cuttings Workshop. Saturday, June 12, 9:30-11 a.m., work alongside Mary Frogale, Green Spring's propagator, and lean the importance and advantages of propagation by cuttings. Practice this new skill and take home some of Green Spring's treasures. $15. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Essence of Tea: Green Teas. Sunday, June 13, 1-3 p.m. The health benefits are well known, but what about the taste benefits. $22. Includes full English tea. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
The Potomac Rose Society Meeting and Bench Rose Show, where new exhibitors can practice, take place June 17, at 7:30 p.m. ARS regional director Nita Bowen will judge and offer advice. The event takes place at the McLean Government Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Entries must be on the tables by 8 p.m. All are welcome. Free.
"Hummingbirds: Flying Jewels of the Garden." On Saturday, June 19, come search for hummingbirds and learn facts about them. Brenda Skarphol leads a tour through the garden, highlighting nectar plants that attract the birds. $9. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Garden Sprouts, "Sunshine and Shadows." Saturday, June 19, 10-10:45 a.m. It's summer solstice time. Learn fun facts about the earth and sun, tell time at the garden sundial, then make a sunshine wand. For more information, visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173. At Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Register and pre-pay for event.
Summer Solstice Celebration. Wednesday, June 23, 7-8 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and listen to music in the gardens. Free. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173.
Perennial Artistry: Creating Colorful Combinations. On Saturdays, June 26, July 17 and Aug. 21, 9:30-11 a.m., Sandy Austin, landscape designer and author of 'Color in Garden Design,' points out combinations in the garden and explains why they are successful. Classes are outdoors; dress appropriately. $15 per class, $40 for the series. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Tisanes and Other Cooling Beverages. 1-3 p.m., Sunday, June 27 at Historic Green Spring, 703-941-7987. Tisanes are herbal infusions that can be mixed with tea. Sample different flavors that provide and healthy thirst-quenching options. $22. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.