Pru Foster shares the fabulous results from her winter sowing experiment with native seeds: This past winter, I once again tried winter sowing. I’ve been winter sowing for a few years now – in open pots, in milk jugs, and straight onto the soil. My results have been underwhelming. I got low germination rates, and […] Continue reading "Pru’s Winter Sowing Experiment "
Our chapter president, Pru Foster, recently published a article on photosynthesis in her blog. It is a fascinating dive into some of the marvels of photosynthesis that underpin life as we know it. The article covers the bizarre, including engulfed beings and spinning turbines, as well as the mind boggling scales at which various processes […] Continue reading "Making Sugar While the Sun Shines – Photosynthesis and Energy"
We are delighted to announce the release of a new, hands-on guide developed by chapter members: Growing Pollinator Corridors in Your Neighborhood. This guide offers actionable steps to increase native plantings in various community settings, including our streets, neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship. Our sincere thanks to the members of the Working Group for […] Continue reading "New! Guidebook to Help Increase Native Plantings in Your Communities"
The long awaited “Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region” will be available for purchase at our March 1st speaker series “Working with Landscapers” at Brookside. The guides are being sold by the Maryland Native Plant Society with all funds going back to the the UMd Extension Office which produced this excellent resource. Guides will cost […] Continue reading "Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region available at our March meeting"
… at our chapter events. We have fantastic free* programming with expert guest speakers throughout the winter. We share details of events with members through the members-only listserv. Not quite ready to become a member, but want to stay up to date with Wild Ones Nation’s Capital Region events? Sign up at https://subscribe.wildones.org/nations-capital-region/ and we’ll keep […] Continue reading "Be Our Guest!"
Mark your calendars! National Seed Swap Day is this Saturday, January 31, 2026. Celebrate with us at our next winter speaker series on Sunday, February 1 and plan to arrive a little early. We’re continuing the ad hoc NATIVE seed swap before the official session begins. You don’t need to bring any seeds in order […] Continue reading "Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with Us!"
Nation’s Capital Region member Diana Colangelo has developed a wonderful video on how to convert a gray space into a thriving mini-habitat. Diana will share how she’s been able to attract over 50 species of insects, mammals, amphibians, and birds to her 50-square-foot patio. She’ll also dive into the how-tos of patio gardening, from plant and […] Continue reading "Welcoming Wildlife to your Patio Garden"
On October 19th we had another fun members only plant swap at Wheaton Regional Park. Hundreds of native plants found new homes! We had a special visit from Wild Ones Development Director Josh Nelson and his wife Jen. Thanks to all the experienced members who brought plants/seeds to swap, the new members who left with […] Continue reading "Plants, Food and Friends @ Second plant swap of 2024!"
Our October Open Garden was at Pam’s small urban garden where she covered the entire front in mulch. This garden visit was just shy of the one-year anniversary of the planting. From lawn to a native garden! Way to go Pam! Continue reading "Pam’s Progress – lawn to garden in one year!"
On August 31 Becky opened her garden in Garrett Park for us to see. In only about a year she turned a traditional garden she inherited into a wildlife sanctuary. Her energy was envied, her enthusiasm contagious and her gardening adventures enjoyed by all. Thank you, Becky! Continue reading "August Garden Tour in Garrett Park"