by Kathy Sykes It’s that time of year when we think we need to rake leaves and “clean up” the garden. But think again. Contrary to popular belief, one of the best ways to help your garden and the environment is to leave the leaves. There are many reasons one should adopt this approach. Leaves […]
The invasion of the ‘tree snatchers’
by Adam Sieminski Winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei) is a tenacious, perennial, and evergreen plant that grows as a sprawling groundcover or climbing vine. Those qualities make it attractive to many local gardeners – but the plant is invasive and damaging to trees. Introduced from Asia more than a century ago, this species is becoming a pest […]
Backyard Nature: Enjoy the early spring wildflowers before they disappear
by Marjorie Rachlin I love early spring. I savor the filmy delicate look of the trees as they begin to leaf out. I watch for the many different shades of green on our streets. And, this is the time for early wildflowers in Rock Creek Park. They are called “ephemerals” because most last only a […]
Preparing your garden for spring, the pollinator-friendly way
by Kathy Sykes In previous Forest Hills Connection articles, I’ve urged you to leave the fall leaves for wildlife spending their winters here and soil care, and retire those leaf blowers for the protection of pollinators and the topsoil. If you’ve taken my advice, here are the next steps for nurturing a beautiful and eco-friendly spring […]
Opinion: The problem with leaf blowers
by Kathy Sykes I must admit I’m not a fan of leaf blowers. I understand why people use them – from removing leaves from lawns to clearing walkways, sidewalks and driveways. It seems they make our world tidier. But the truth is, they cause more harm than good to our environment – and to our […]
Your green thumb can also be a gift to your community, with training from UDC’s Master Gardener program
What is a Master Gardener? For years in DC, that’s been the title bestowed on anyone who has been trained in sustainable urban gardening practices at UDC, and goes on to volunteer in their communities on garden-based projects. The university’s Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education, under the umbrella of the College of Agriculture, […]
Backyard Nature: Make birds feel at home in your backyard or on your balcony
by Marjorie Rachlin Do you ever wonder what those birds in your backyard are doing? Do your children ask, “What’s that bird?” There’s an easy way to find out. Just install a few simple attractions like a bird bath, a hummingbird feeder or a wren house. I have all these “amenities” in my Forest Hills […]
If you have leafy new neighbors, it’s time to offer them something to drink
Did a new neighbor put down roots near you recently? Tall? Thin? Quiet, with kind of a wooden personality? You, my friend, have a new street tree. And it’s high time you offered it some hospitality. Joking aside, we’re getting into a critical period for young street trees. From May through at least September, these […]
Opinion: Take the lawn and garden ‘Hippocratic Oath’ and give leaf blowers the boot
by Kathy Sykes Some good news – the DC ban on gas-powered leaf blowers goes into effect on January 1st, 2022. Until September 30th, 2022, DC is offering rebates for electric leaf blowers purchased: $75 for commercial-sized blowers and $50 for residential ones. However, my hope is that after reading this article you will choose […]
In the Garden: Nature gives us a free yard care gift every fall
by Kathy Sykes Fall provides a great opportunity to suppress weeds and provide essential nutrients for next year’s yard and garden. But there is no need to spend money on mulch and fertilizer. Mother Nature is about to provide both. Fallen leaves are a free resource with many benefits. They create an organic layer, providing […]