Dig (or donate) now for daffodils later: Help Van Ness Main Street plant spring bulbs through Nov. 8

On a couple of weekends last fall, Van Ness Main Street and neighbors came out for a Connecticut Avenue beautification project. And then we waited. One month, two months, four. At last, the fruits – or flowers – of their labors emerged in the spring.

Just a few of the blooms that resulted from the November 2019 bulb planting project.

Now, Van Ness Main Street and Master Gardener Kathy Sykes are setting us up for a spectacular show in spring 2021. The plan: Plant at least 1,000 spring bulbs in tree boxes between Van Ness Street and Nebraska Avenue.

To do this, they need donations of time and money. Volunteers are being scheduled in small, physically-distanced groups to dig, plant and water over the next four weekends. And Van Ness Main Street doesn’t have the funds to purchase the bulbs this year, so it’s seeking tree box and “petal power” sponsors.

You’ll find everything you need to know about signing up and showing up here and below.

Spring Forward! Contribute and volunteer to help VNMS beautify Connecticut Avenue!

Join Van Ness Main Street and local volunteer and Master Gardener Kathy Sykes for a community beautification, socially distanced volunteer opportunity – our Spring Forward bulb planting along the commercial corridor of Connecticut Ave from Van Ness Street to Nebraska Avenue.

Due to the overwhelming popularity – and beautiful results from last year’s spring bulb planting, we’ve decided to not only do it again this year – but to double our efforts. We will plant at least 1,000 tulip, snowdrop, crocus, and daffodil bulbs in 61 tree boxes!

However, unlike last year, our budget does not provide funds for this year’s event so we’re turning to our supportive community in hopes of receiving enough donations to make this project possible. Here are ways you can contribute:

• • • Flower Box Sponsor. Suggested donation $100. Sponsor one of our 61 tree boxes. We’ll place a sign of thanks in your plot this spring! Come out to plant your plot or leave it to our volunteers.
    • Flower Bulb Sponsor. Suggested donation $50. Each $50 donation allows us to purchase 7-8 bags of bulbs.
    • Petal Power Sponsor. Suggested donation $25. Small donations add up to making this project possible!
    • Socially Distanced On-site Volunteers.
      • Starts this weekend and every Saturday and Sunday until Nov 8th.
      • We’ll have 3 time slots limited to 10 people at a time. Sign up for one or all 3!
        • 11am-12pm: digging holes
        • 12pm – 1pm: planting bulbs
        • 1pm – 2pm: planting and watering

To sign up, send an email with your availability to [email protected]. We’ll be in touch to confirm your time choice and give you instructions. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Make your secure donation here: BEAUTIFICATION DONATION

This Saturday (October 17) we’ll meet at 11am at the corner of Van Ness St. and Connecticut Ave in front of Bank of America. We’ll dig and plant on the east side of Conn Ave on Saturdays and the west side on Sundays. If you need to reach us on planting day, please send a text to 202-421-7825. In the event of rain, volunteer shifts will take place on the next planting day. Please reach out with any questions: [email protected].

This 4-weekend long project is great for all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Planting supplies will be provided but please bring your own gardening gloves, bottles of water and favorite gardening tools if you have them.

*This event takes place outside. Masks must be worn at all times and non-household sharing participants must remain 6′ apart. We’ve created a VNMS plot-planting map to ensure participants remain a safe distance apart.