1607 Gardener

06/11/2026

This morning as part of the volunteer Master Gardener Tree Steward CW arboretum team we spent a few hours removing vines such as English Ivy, Chinese Yam and other plants choking out trees near the CW Capital building. It was quite warm with the heat index hitting 105 today. It was only hitting 90 degrees by 11 am when we were measuring a Paper Mulberry to see if it is once again a National Champion. Great group to spend the morning with.

06/06/2026

It has been awhile since posting here. Happy Summer gardens and forests. The goal for the Summer of 2026 is to take things at a slower pace and truly enjoy the natural world and those around us. I have spent the past month plus having a new deck and shed built and whatever else could be done around the house. Much of my gardening and tree projects were put on hold. I have made two trips to Georgia (2200 miles) in honor of my Great nephew who is currently 5 weeks old but not due until mid June. Sometimes you just need to sit in the quite and hold a newborn. Sometimes you need to walk through the forest and not post about it. Promise yourself to get out in nature as often as possible and to enjoy the small, simple things in life. A few scenes from today’s colonial garden and Little Bit last week. Keep those gardens watered. Until next time…

05/16/2026

Shrubs/Plants along Greenspring

05/11/2026

05/09/2026

Just finished a 10 week course giving me the designation of a Tree Steward with Virginia Master Naturalist. Fantastic group of enthusiastic tree huggers. Today our field exercise took us to two locations around town. First a bamboo forest and a second location looking at some the best looking trees in the county. Great experience. I have a project to complete but for now, have been in training since Sept. Time for a bit of quiet and enjoying life under the trees.

05/09/2026

Sweet Bay Magnolia in bloom along the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

04/29/2026

🔨👷‍♀️We are UnderConstruction 🪚👷🏻‍♀️- Work began yesterday and continued today to tear out the old shed and old deck. By next week construction of the new will be complete. This dogwood pictured below is now the centerpiece of the backyard. At least it will be once I landscape this corner. While I conducted a Tree call this morning, I am not currently in the gardens. I am working on things at home with the contractors on site taking a deep breath from these past several months while I can and catching up around the micro-homestead. Many seeds are being sown. The two construction projects are the first pieces of the puzzle for a few big changes going on here. So excited!!!🍾🥂

04/26/2026

Nature Log: Spent this Saturday working in the home garden. This afternoon, a bird count and photos of what was along the trail. Great finds today.

04/22/2026

In the Powell kitchen garden.

04/22/2026

Today I was volunteering in the historic area for Historic garden week. Spent most of the day in gardens at the East end off Waller street. Great experience.