Green Spring Gardens: A Living Museum with Special Rule
by Laura Strecker
Adult Education Assistant
Green Spring Gardens is beloved by people of all ages and walks of life. Parents bring their children to explore the Children’s Garden and watch the wildlife at the ponds; older adults come to stroll on the accessible path around the lawn or to enjoy a serene moment on a favorite bench; gardeners and plant lovers visit the demonstration gardens in search of ideas and best practices to implement in their home spaces; dog owners bring their pups for daily walks; artists come for inspiration; photographers come in search of the latest blooms or to use the gardens as a backdrop for their photography sessions; young adults seek out a quiet spot to study or enjoy a coffee break with a friend; families and small groups of friends gather for a picnic or for a walk on the trails; and many rent the gazebos for small events.
With so many wonderful things to do in the gardens, it often surprises people to learn that there are also a few things that they should not do. Even though Green Spring Gardens is a part of the County’s park system, as a public garden it has rules that may differ from the rules at other Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) parks. This article explains the special rules that apply to a public garden and the reasons behind them.
No Balls, Frisbees, or Other Sporting Equipment Are Allowed
The central lawn may seem like the perfect place to kick a ball around or play an impromptu game of Frisbee or badminton. However, there is a special reason why activities like these are not allowed: Green Spring Gardens is home to many unique and protected plants. Some plants are even part of a nationally accredited plant collection. The American Public Gardens Association Plant Collections Network coordinates a continent-wide approach to plant preservation and promotes excellence in plant collections management—so the fact that Green Spring Gardens has an accredited plant collection essentially makes it a living museum. Imagine seeing someone throw or kick a ball inside a museum full of famous masterpieces! Well, Green Spring’s masterpieces are the plants and trees. Since flying or rolling objects can easily go astray and harm the plants (or even other visitors using the accessible path), they are not allowed. If you still really want to practice a recreational sport outdoors, check out other FCPA parks that have athletic fields.
No Kites, Balloons, or Other Flying Objects Are Allowed
On a windy day, the central lawn may also seem like the perfect place to fly a kite. And balloons are a very popular prop for outdoor events or photography sessions. However, as we’ve mentioned, Green Spring Gardens has many unique and protected trees that could easily be harmed by a kite or balloon getting tangled in the branches. It can be very difficult (even dangerous) for staff to get the kite or balloon out of the tree, and the tree’s branches often get snapped and broken in the process. Keep in mind that balloons and kites are also not allowed at most other FCPA parks for similar reasons. Perhaps you were really looking forward to having balloons at your event or in your photos—but we would like to think that the gardens themselves are the best “prop” or background for any event or photography session. (Please note that commercial photography requires an FCPA permit and a scheduled appointment; group events at the gazebos require prior rental.)
No Bicycles or Scooters Are Allowed on Walkways
The nice, flat walkway around the central lawn may seem like the perfect place for the kids to ride their scooters or practice their bike riding. However, the walkway is meant for pedestrian use only. It also makes the central part of the gardens accessible to all. It is common to see older adults walking on the path, as well as visitors in wheelchairs. Keeping bikes and scooters off the path ensures that everyone on the walkway feels safe and helps prevent potential collisions. If the kids really want to ride their bike or scooter, check out other FCPA parks that have bike trails.
No Gathering of Flowers, Seeds, or Fruits Is Allowed
Green Spring has an Edible Garden and several spots dedicated to seasonal blooms. So it may be tempting to pick some fruits or vegetables, or gather some flowers for a vase at home. However, again, because the plants and trees are the masterpieces of the living museum that is Green Spring Gardens, we ask visitors to leave all flowers, seeds, fruits, and vegetables where they found them. It is our desire for everyone to have a chance to enjoy looking at everything that grows in the gardens.
Leash Dogs, Stay Out of Garden Beds, and Clean Up Dog Waste
The central lawn and grassy area behind the Historic House may seem like a great place to let your pup run free for a bit, especially when there aren’t many other people walking the gardens. However, in order to abide by Fairfax County leash laws and to protect the plants and garden beds, it is important for dogs to be on a leash at all times. These reminders may seem obvious and are pretty standard for public parks, but it is still necessary for dogs and their humans to be aware of them when visiting the gardens. If your dog really needs a chance to run free, visit one of the wonderful FCPA dog parks.
Do Not Feed or Touch the Wildlife
Green Spring Gardens is not only home to a variety of plants, but also to a variety of animals. Especially at the ponds, it may seem like a fun activity for kids to go fishing, feed the geese, or try to catch a turtle. But just like the plants, the wildlife here needs to be protected. Fishing and swimming/wading are not allowed at the Green Spring ponds. Also, feeding wildlife does not only make them dependent on humans, but can actually be very dangerous for them. (See this article about the Fairfax County Geese-Management Program.) Even if you think you’ve found an injured or orphaned animal, do not touch it. Instead, inform Green Spring Gardens staff or call Fairfax County Animal Protection Police. (See this article on what to do about Injured and Orphaned Wildlife.) And children should never be allowed to throw things at local wildlife. If children really want a chance to see animals up close, why not visit one of FCPA’s Nature Centers or Frying Pan Farm Park?
Everyone Can Play a Part in Protecting Green Spring Gardens
Green Spring Gardens is a unique place and one simple, yet important, way of protecting it is to abide by these special rules. So, if a staff member ever approaches to remind you of a rule, it is never with the intent of diminishing your enjoyment, but rather to protect this beautiful, public living museum. And what if you see someone else not following the rules? Perhaps they simply were not aware, and you can kindly and tactfully remind them. We want everyone to have an opportunity to enjoy this beautiful public park—now and in the years to come. We look forward to seeing you in the gardens!
All photos by Laura E. Strecker
