The American Horticultural Society at River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: (703)768-5700
http://ww.ahs.org

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National Children & Youth Garden Symposium

Photo of the month:

A hellebore flower's subtle beauty is often missed unless examined up close.

We’re always happy to hear from our e-Bulletin readers! If you’d like to give us feedback, please email newsletter@ahs.org or call (800) 777-7931, ext. 140.

What's New at the AHS

March/April Issue of The American Gardener
In the current issue of The American Gardener, AHS members will find a candid look at coreopsis species and cultivars by plantsman Allan Armitage as well as information about unusual but delicious perennial vegetables, native water garden plants, the pros and cons of various potting soil components, new books for your gardening library, and much more. If you are not a member, you may view selected articles and excerpts online, or to receive The American Gardener, you can begin or renew your membership on our website or call (800) 777-7931, ext. 119.

Children's Gardening Webinar
Registration for the next AHS members-only webinar, “A Little Garden Magic: Connecting Kids to Plants,” will open on April 8 in the members-only area of the AHS website. Norm Lownds, curator of the 4-H Children’s Garden at Michigan State University, will present this online seminar on May 5 at 1 p.m. Eastern time. There is no fee to participate, but space is limited so be sure to register early. A high-speed internet connection is strongly recommended for best results.

Youth Garden Symposium Keynote Speaker
At the 17th annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, Common Ground: Gardens for a Greener Tomorrow, Will Allen will be the opening keynote speaker. Co-founder and chief executive officer of Growing Power Allen will share his experiences bringing young people with diverse backgrounds together to learn how to garden and produce healthy foods for their communities. Hosted by Cleveland Botanical Garden, the symposium will take place July 23-25 in Cleveland, Ohio. Registration will open on April 15 and AHS members are eligible for a discount.

AHS Travel Opportunities
Some of America’s most fascinating horticultural treasures and landmarks will be part of the AHS’s Travel Study Program this year. In June, we will explore the "Fascinating Gardens of Baltimore," and in October we will visit New York’s Hudson Valley amid breath-taking autumn color. For more information and to sign up for the Travel Study mailing list, visit the AHS website.

President's Council Portland Trip
Portland, Oregon is the destination for this year’s AHS President’s Council trip from August 12-16. Travelers will have a rare opportunity to visit the private garden of AHS Board Chair Susie Usrey and her husband, Bruce, executives at Monrovia. The program will also include a sneak peek at some the newest plant introductions at Monrovia’s Oregon nursery facility, as well as tours of the Oregon Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, the Classical Chinese Garden, and more of Portland’s finest private gardens. Accommodations will be at the Governor Hotel, a historic landmark luxury hotel in downtown Portland. This trip is exclusively for President’s Council members. For information about becoming a President’s Council member, please contact Stephanie Perez at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127 or sperez@ahs.org.

New Garden School Focuses on Sustainability
In our everyday choices, opportunities abound for making our gardens, landscapes—and even the earth—healthier and more beautiful places. Join fellow “green” gardeners on June 27 for the newest AHS Garden School—Green Garage®: Sustainable and Earth-friendly Solutions for the Landscape—to explore the many ways you can make a difference. Presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria, this intensive program at the Lee Center in Alexandria, Virginia, will include lectures, hands-on workshops, and an exhibit hall featuring companies that offer green products, services, and tools. Registration will open on April 15 and AHS members are eligible for a discount.

AHS Gala to Feature Celebrated Chef
Celebrated Chef Cathal Armstrong will be creating a special menu for this year’s AHS gala, “Celebrating the Elegance of Simplicity,” to be held on September 19 at River Farm. Executive chef of Restaurant Eve and The Majestic in Old Town Alexandria—which he co-owns with his wife Meshelle— Armstrong is credited with kicking off a dining revival in Alexandria by combining French technique with local and sustainable products. Additionally, this festive evening under the stars will include dancing and a silent auction. Advance reservations only; tables for 10 are available. For more information and tickets, contact Stephanie Perez at sperez@ahs.org or (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

2009 International Master Gardener Conference
The AHS is participating in the 2009 Master Gardener Conference as a vendor from March 22-26. This year’s conference will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada and will focus on top issues facing gardeners today, including pest control, water conservation, plant selection, and the incorporation of “green” technologies. If you are in the area, please stop by and see us!

What's Growing On

By James Gagliardi, River Farm Horticulturist

After planting nearly 15,000 bulbs donated by Brent and Becky’s Bulbs last fall, I am looking forward to a stunning spring display here at River Farm. While we have large areas of naturalized daffodils that go untouched by deer and other pests, our annual tulip beds would serve as a deer snack bar if nothing were done to prevent it. There are many clever and responsible ways to control deer damage in your garden. To learn about techniques that might work for you, and to see a list of deer-resistant plants, I suggest you read “Deterring Deer From the Garden," published in the September/October 2007 issue of The American Gardener.