Welcome Susan! Another cat lover - we'll be expecting pictures :) Having only lived in the "Shenandoah Valley" since 2000, I'm not familiar with Bridgewater - where is it?
Shall We Introduce Ourselves?
Hi everyone, I'm happy to find you all. I am a stay at home mom of two little ones (3 and 5). I was on gardenweb the last two years but I have been out of action for a while. When I realized everyone went over here, I followed suit. I've been using Dave's garden as reference for years!
I love growing plants from seed and have been using an indoor light setup for 4 years now in my garage. I add on every year and by far my favorite thing has been a hot bed for germination that I added last year. It has helped me to root 90% of all my cuttings. I also wintersowed last year and ended up with way too many seedlings, but it is a great method and was very successful for me.
I am in hyperspeed right now playing catch up with trading seeds and getting my compost ready for the spring. Really looking forward to seeing some green peek out soon!
Hello EandE, I am also a stay at home mom (from VA). One three year old boy (so far) and he's quite the helper in the garden, his favorite job is watering the compost pile. This is my first year winter sowing and I'm quite excited! I also used grow light set up last year, but in the attic, with great results. I must research those hot beds and see if I need to splurge on one. It's nice to meet another mom at home! Good luck in the garden this year!
Hi all :)
I live in north central WV about 90 miles south of Pittsburgh--kind of an odd geographical area that doesn't really fall into any "region." I'm also a transplanted Yankee, originally from Cape Ann MA. I'm married with a ten month old son and two pairs of cats. Both DH and I are teachers. We own a 1925 Craftsman style house on half an acre with a lot of once-nice-and-now-neglected landcsaping, which I am attempting to revive. (So far, "reviving" has involved ripping out a lot of stumps and shoveling a lot of compost.) My two primary gardening challenges are 1. the sticky clay soil around here, and 2. the very hungry wildlife (including, but not limited to, rabbits, woodchucks, cats, and a small herd of deer). I was VERY happy to find DG and learn that other people also lie awake at night and fantasize about their gardens. (My husband thinks I'm a little obsessive. :) ).
pam
Hi EandE and pam too! Welcome to Dave's and to the MidAtlantic Forum.
Oh, those pesky deer....grrrrrrr ;)
Dea
EandE? hmmm...I seem to recall meeting a girl once that had a tag name similar to that...in fact I think I might even have some of her plants growing in my garden. ;-)
In spring 2005 there was a Northern Virginia plant swap organized over on GardenWeb. Hopefully we can get something like that going here.
- Brent (aka RandDandJsdad)
There are plant swaps and roundups! I missed last year's round up by a week! We can get a plant swap organized easy.
As for all the stay at home moms, we need to live closer so we can have playdates where the kids play together and we rotate through each other's gardens! None of my friends want to do that! They all just want to scrapbook! ugh! My friends who do garden all have kids who are much older. I'm bummed!
-Garity
Hello, all. My name is Darra and I live in Culpeper County, VA. I'm a California transplant as of 2003. DH and I decided we wanted to be closer to daughters and grandkids, so I retired (and he didn't--yay!!) and we moved. I'm not much of a gardener but am trying--having gone from very rocky soil in the foothills of So. California to this red stuff here in VA is really testing my patience. I took an organic gardening class down at UVA our first year here as I'd prefer to stay away from chemicals, etc. So, I'll keep lurking about here and see what kind of knowledge I can pick up from everyone.
Thanks for being here.
Darra,
Welcome to the East Coast! Brace yourself for all the weather variations!
May I suggest you check out Carrollgardens.com and subscribe to their FREE weekly on-line newsletter to help you along with gardening in this area? The owner and local "guru" of this place is Alan Summers. He is a great believer of all things organic and recomends all kinds of products you may have never heard of. He has a huge catalogue business and will ship any products he carries to you. He also has a weekly 2 hour radio call-in show (Called "The Garden Club" )of people's questions. I don't think you can pick it up in VA, but it is on WCBM 680AM Saturday mornings from 7-9AM--year round.
Perhaps you can get it on-line??? I don't know anything about listening to things on-line....
You will learn volumes from this man! I am sure many people in the Baltimore area are familiar with him.
Good luck in your gardening, Gita
Gita....I know Allan and he is very knowledgeable but don't think his store (mail order) has a very good rep.
on garden watchdog it's 66/100 not very good at all. I bet the actual nursery is better. I've found that if the company does both mail order and storefront one side suffers (not always though, just what I have noticed)
Darra, in our area you can pick up Andre Viettes radio program, it is great for new green thumbs and I listen to it every Saturday morning 8-11 am and pick up something new to me most shows. Its on AM radio 1230 if you get that over there. I know I pick up 1230AM in the car when I'm in Culpeper but it's not too clear. In Harrisonburg it's on 550AM if you pick up any of their stations. Charlottesville it's on 1400AM. Hope that helps!
His website can answer any question you have about Virginia gardening http://www.viette.com/index.php
-Garity
Nancy and Garity,
NO!!!!! The actuaal Nursery looks like a pile of trash! Nothing is in orderly areas or lines. many things look like they have been sitting in the same spot for years. I don't know how he can always say, yes, we have this and that! How would anyone ever find anything there is beyond me. You literally have to go out in the field looking for things.
There are several aging Greenhouses there, and--unless he has done a recent upgrading, they just look like old, well-used greenhouses. Nothing modern at all!
The store is OK. It has a country look about it. Nothing anywhere looks like anyone does any kind of maintenence there. BUT!!! He is knowlegable and his radio show is very helpful! I also understand from having talked to someone who used to work there that he is a very exacting and demanding boss and wants things "just so".
His products, however, are of good quality going bu all the callers in on the radio. Most callers seems happy!
I have never mail-ordered anything from him and have been to his Nursery only 3 times over several years. So, I may not be correct on my observations. Also, his prices are a bit steep! Someone has to pay for 2 hours of radio time every week!
On the positive side, I have greatly expanded my gardening knowlege listening to him. By now, I already know (most of the time) what his answer will be to any particular problem. And--BOY!!!! Does he know his plants and trees and shrubs and their horticultural requirements--EVERYTHING!!!!
Gita
Gitagal, your observations are still current. After being told many times that I was so lucky to live near Westminster (Carroll Gardens' town) I stopped in one time on my way through. At first I thought it was odd that the main entrance seemed to be through his abandoned-looking part of the nursery. Then I realized that this WAS the nursery. The back side of the place you see on MD Rte. 97 with the piles of abandoned trays, upended plants and weeds is very similar to what one sees walking in the front side. His knowledge is well known, but his lack of time is obvious too. I assumed after one visit that most of his plants must be elsewhere or ordered in because one simply cannot run a nursery with scattered disorganized plants like are there.
Pete,
How true! How true!!! I also cannot imagine that he can supply all the plants and products he has in his mail-order catalogue, which is VERY extensive, from his existing, physical inventory! It all looks like doo-doo there! The thought that he may be filling his orders from somewhere else has NEVER occured to me! Hmmmm....It would make sense! I am just too trusting and naiive to have thought of this!
Only the "locals" would know what the place really looks like! Everyone else would think he has some high-tech Nursery operation and a staff going on--doing all the orders and the shipping. There is NO WAY on this Earth that he is doing his mail order business from the location his Nursery!!! NO WAY!!!! It's more like--"You dig and you haul" there!
Geez, Pete! You have opened my eyes! Been "squinting" too much in that "radio sunshine" for too many years!!! You are SOOO right!!!!
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Pete! Off this topic!
Today I received my application to be a volunteer at the Conservatory/Botanical Gardens. I will mail it off tomorrow (sat.). I am excited just thinking about getting my foot in the door of something so wonderful! Don't know just how much time I will be able to donate, but one day a week should be doable.
Please share any personal opinions with me on this place and volunteering there. How did YOU get started? Why? How are the people and what do they (really) ask of you as a volunteer?
What do you do for a living? Are you an avid Gardener? Since I may just meet you some day at this volunteer job--just trying to get to know you. Believe it or not, you may have given my life a new direction in my pending retirement. Thank you!
Send me a D-mail, as this may be too personal or not too much interest to all the others.
Gita
Hi Gita. We will probably meet, although I only give a few hours/month there. So far as any personal information, I am a very private person who likes to be in the background and doesn't talk much about me. So far as an avid gardener, that depends what you mean. I used to plant a big garden, but not so much anymore. Many of my friends are farmers and grow commercial quantities of fruit and vegetables. For this reason, I probably have more ground in flowers than in food. Right now a lot of my few spare dollars goes to building a small arboretum (just a few acres) here.
Speaking from somebody who has visited a few botanical gardens, you will not mistake The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (official name) for the Phipps in Pitsburgh, or the one in Brooklyn, but having something like this in Baltimore is a treasure. It has to be the least visited public one I have ever seen however. Maybe the 2 dollar admission is causing people to turn around? Doubt it. Imagine sunny cold days like we have been having. Inside the Mediterranean room it is warm and sunny with about 2200sqft of plants, benches and a fountain. Or a room with palms, gingers, etc opening to a roomfull of blooming orchids. All empty. A few visitors come in, walk around like they were being chased by a dog, and leave. How they can resist the temptation to sit is beyond me. There are more people waiting for a bus at midnight along North Avenue than are in the conservatory at noon on Saturday. I don't understand it, but most people aren't plant people I guess.
The place was run down and almost was bulldozed in the 90's. Some people got together and extorted enough money from Charm City, State of MD, some private money and some federal bucks and completely gutted it. It re-opened brand new in August of '04. The "Birdcage" is the 4th oldest in the country, a soaring Victorian glass and steel conservatory. It is also known as the Palm house. Has some granite lanterns given to the city from Xian, China many years ago. The rest of the set, benches and table, are in the adjoining Orchid room. This has always been the Orchid room since the place was built in the late 1880's.
The greenhouses that are the Mediterranean room, the Rainforest room and the desert have a new superstructure on the original walls. The old greenhouses had been in such bad shape that they had been abandoned and shuttered for years before being hauled away.
The people there are very informal. If you just show up and talk to Kate (she's off on Saturdays) she'll find you a job. The back room is more like the back porch at your plant-crazed grandmother's house than you can imagine. Mention to her that you know more than the average bear about plants and you will quickly get promoted to watering in the propagation house (mornings). If you just want to visit and read a book at the front desk, that will help.
They really don't make you do anything hard there. There is enough to be done that if one job doesn't suit, do something else. Some people don't want to deal with the public. Fine. Some cannot do physical labor. There was a kid who used to make labels with a computer. One Japanese woman comes in one day a week or something and only fiddles with the hundreds of orchids. I generally sweep, prune, trim and crawl around the gingers tugging the dead leaves out. Use a whisk broom to neaten the walks. Walk around, kibbitz with the visitors. Just being there means something and helps. The place is part of the city parks system, a sort of little brother to the Cylburn.
Hard to believe that Baltimore once had 3 other conservatories like The Birdcage. One was in Patterson Park and razed in '48, leaving only one on Druid Hill of the original 4. One was in Carroll Park I think, and the other was in SW Balt somewhere.
Penn_Pete, thank you for the great information about the Conservatory! It prompted me to find a map of the location. We travel to Baltimore every January for the trade show and are always looking for a 'getaway' after walking for hours and hours on carpeted concrete floors - this just might be the 'ticket' - if we can deal with the traffic :) You mentioned you're a "private person", but as a fellow transplanted Mainer, curious to know what part of the state you hailed from? Bangor here :)
Pete,
Your passion and love of this place comes through bright and clear!
I so look forward to seeing the "Bird Cage" etc. when I get there. I am copy/pasting your above "essay" on the Conservatory and adding it to the material I got from Vivian.
As for why it is so seldom visited, it is probably that that are is not cosidered "safe" by most people. Crime is pretty high in Baltimore and people tend to stay away from certain parts of the City. There are even people that refuse to go to the Inner Harbor because it is in the City! It is probably one the safest places to be as it is well patrolled, mostly a business district, and has so much to see that there are always hundreds and thousands of people around.
I have lived ONLY in Baltimore since I came to the US back in 1951.
I have never stopped loving this City! It has a lot of "Charm"!
Now--off to work I must go! Gita
I think it is because once you get there it may be safe...but it is getting there ~~~~~ you have to go through the worst of neighborhoods and may get hit by a drive by shooting.
Oh my Mom that is a tad extreme don't you think?? LMAO do not want to scare everybody off from the sites in the city
Although I do usually keep out here most of the time !!! LOL
Well~~~maybe just a tad.
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!
Hi my name is Nikki, and I met Shirley on the rose forum. She told me about this one. Very cool since I've only been gardening for a couple of years. I do love roses!! I love lots of plants, and have big ideas for landscaping. Although not enough money, and not much knowledge on the subject. So, I do pay attention to everyone's yards and ask what's what. I know what I like but just not sure just how to arrange all I want. I live in Ellicott City,MD. I've only been in MD for about 61/2 years. We moved from Houston, TX. I grew up in Beaumont, TX. Very hot and Extremely humid. People here complain about humidity, but seriously it's nothing in comparison. My husband is a "yankee" his dad is from MD, and mom from NJ. He says I'm a "hic" if I call him a "yankee". It is funny how different the cultures are. I guess I am a little country since I grew up in a small town, and still believe in chivalry, which he oblivious to. But we work, anyway hi to all.
Welcome Nikki to the Mid-Atlantic Forum! So glad you wandered over here!! Yes, it's so true, we DO complain about the heat & humidity during the Summer, but I guess it's all relative depending on which part of the country you've lived in. Compared to the heat & humidity in Houston, I know we should be greatful....however, please do remind me of that fact during the months of July, August & part of September! :~)
Carroll Gardens in Westminster, MD has always been known for it's catalogue sales & to steer clear of the nursery. I've heard repeatedly that the nursery is in total disarray & you can't find anything. However, I have ordered from their catalogue & have been very pleased. I've even received some hard-to-find plants, that obviously Carroll Gardens must have other wholesale sources that supply them with healthy good looking plants.
Season's Past Farm & Gardens in Littlestown< Pa. has great plants and unusual ones. Also Blooming Hill Nursery off Middletown Road and Happy Hollow Nursery On Happy Hollow Road in Lutherville, Md. These are all small "Ma and Pa" nurseries with the owners being very knowledgeable and with great things. Sue and Happy Hollow is worth the trip ... She IS a trip. You will not regret going to any of these places. I also think Valley View Farms has great stuff...huge selection...pricey.
Do any of these gardens you just mentioned have websites? These nurseries would be fun to visit in the Springtime!
Welcome nikki - ah, you live near Shirley - lucky you !!
Spent the weekend working at the office and working on the new homestead - the thought of moving our gardens this fall gives me a headache ;)
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/577670/
Dea
I think Season's Past has a web site...Not sure about the others..I doubt it though.
I've been to Carroll Garden's. I think they're website is great so I went. Everything said is true. The nursery is in shambles, they do look like they have great trees and shrubs out on the grounds, how they know what's where I have no idea. Everything inside looked terrible? Their roses were beat up and covered with blackspots. I love going to any nurseries. I'll definately have to check those out. I lived in Lutherville and never knew about Happy Hollow. I went to Adventure nursery once, in Cooksville. It was nice, lots of plants, kept up. It's ran by a wife and husband team. Wow, that's a lot of work. I was on my way to Sunny's but never made it.
About 13 or so years ago, I used to work for a grower called "Clifford Egerton Greenhouses". They were then pretty wholesale. Last year, I thought I would go by and see if 1. anyone still worksd there that I knew (NO!) and 2. see if it would be Ok that I shopped there, being just a retail buyer (Yes!). Well--seems nowadays ANYBODY'S money is welcome.
They grow all their own annuals from seed. Also some perennials. They also have a BIG greenhouse full of the flowering plants--like Gerberas, New Guineas, Geraniums, Hibiscus, Poinsettias and Mums (in season) and all kinds of pretty things.
They also have 3 greenhouses full of various sizes of Houseplants, succulents, gift plants, hanging baskets, etc. Some I have never seen anywhere else before or since. LIke, "Tapestry Vine (a Cissus), Chlerodendrons, Chenile plants, Blood Leaf, all kinds of Pepperomias, etc.
There are 14 greenhouses in all. VERY quality stuff and about half of what you would pay in other Garden Centers.
To get there, take exit 32B (Carney) off of #695--which is also Harford Rd. North. Cross over Joppa Rd. and go for about a mile or less.
Take a right on Northwind Rd (there's a traffic light) and then another quick right on a small road called Perine Lane. You would NEVER know what is at the dead end of this little Rd.!!! As you go down a hill, passing between 2 houses (where the owners live) there it is! All 14 Greenhouses in view! This area is loosely called "Cub Hill"--if that helps.
It is a help yourself kind of shopping. They do have those big, waxed boxes you can get in the big work area bldg. That is also where you come back to to pay for your plants. Then you just go in and out of greenhouses and pick what you want. You also have to carry it all back to the "big work area building" by yourself. There are NO carts around, and no one to help you. A bit tiring, but worth the plants you get.
One word of caution. DO NOT take any flats or market packs if they have any of the different colored flags stuck into them! Those have been selected by vendors or retailers to be delivered. A big NO-NO!
Maybe stop in the big building and ask for a crash-course of what is where--or just meander to your hearts content to see first, and then start choosing what you want. No one will bother you!
I will be going there again this spring to get my plants!
Nancy! WHERE in Lutherville is Middletown Rd. and Happy Hollow Rd.??? I would like to go visit. Valey View Farms and Watsons is out of my budget. Too far also! I live in Perry Hall. We have a few old Nurseries around here too. I like to snoop around for different plants.
If anyone would like to meet up with me, we could go to Egertons together. I know my way around there.....
Have fun shopping! Gita
Happy Hollow is off of Padonia Road just east of Falls Road and Middeltown Road is the next exit past 83 past Mt. Carmel..go right and your first left on Frederick Road. They both have little signs from a private home.
Ok here is Tim's site of garden art from Happy Hollow nursery I cannot find another site for the nursery itself but all contact info is here and his garden art is amazing!!
http://www.naturesreign.com/tsreuwer.html
Thanks for posting Anne...he really is very talented. A trip to Happy Hollow is an experience in itself.
WOW! Talk about a very talented artist! His hypertufa leaf creations look SO REAL! He not only was able to capture all the vein details, but I love his subtle shading on each piece. They truly are a work of art!! Of course, I would love to have all of them, but my bank account won't let me! I can see several of his leaves as bird baths or fitted together as a dripping fountain! You've sold me!! What's the rest of the nursery like? I can see a road trip to this exciting nursery in the near future....anyone else interested???
You can count me in.
Their nursery is out of their home. They specialize in hostas and used to specialize in daylillies but the deer got to be a problem. They have a good selection of perennials and some trees and shrubs but the real reason for going is the experience of meeting SUE....I can't explain it but you will understand when you go. Tim has his studio right there and you can see the way he makes these things. They also have good prices and she probably will not let you get away without giving you something. They are closed on Mondays.
I'm ready for a road trip, but can only go on the weekens because I work full-time. Would enough of their plants be up by mid to late March? It sounds like a great outing and a fun place to meet!
I think mid to late March would be too early...but you could call them.
Levilyla and Magoobu,
I'd like to go, I just need about 3 weeks notice of the date so I can ask off at work.
I think a trip to this Nursery would be a great outing! Then, we could all go somewhere and have a bite to eat.
Would you two kind of organize it? We could all meet some central location and then go see this beautiful place. Besides! We would get to meet each other!!!!
I'll keep tabs on this Forum for any developments, Gita
Yeah! Will do.
well alright if mom is in so am I !!! Meeting Sue is not only fun and interesting but she is just simply put! A true down to earth wonderful- say it like it is-- funny--- knowledable good person.
Yes an experience to meet her and I will bring my camera for some good shots of everybody and the nursery!!!