Monarchs, Makers, and Holiday Sparkle at Green Spring Gardens
By Kai Amani - Youth and Family Education Coordinator
Monarch Exhibit
Monarch Exhibit. Photo by Mikaela Nabity-HillVisitors were captivated in late summer by our monarch caterpillar exhibit in the Horticulture Center. We raised caterpillars found in the gardens and shared by FROGS board member Linda Nordstrom, offering guests a chance to witness their full life cycle. The tank was refreshed with milkweed grown at Green Spring, and newly awakened monarchs were released once their wings were ready to take flight.
Garden Expansion & Little Gardeners
The Dig It Garden grew in exciting new ways this fall. Once used mainly for student field trips and summer camp programs, it is now being expanded into a cutting garden for future education programs. A portion was also dedicated to the new Little Gardeners program, designed for toddlers and preschoolers to explore the ever-changing landscape of the gardens through seasonal hands-on activities.
Cozy Creations and Winter Wellness
A first at Green Spring was the Cozy Creations and Winter Wellness class, which sold out quickly. Participants of all skill levels learned to knit scarves while embracing calming wellness practices. The class inspired creativity and community, with attendees later sharing photos of their finished projects and requesting that the program become a series. Its success demonstrates the powerful link between nature and wellness at every age and stage of life.
Holiday Tree
Atrium Tree. Photo by Fred BlottTo close the season, the education team decorated a holiday tree in the atrium, sprinkled with sustainability and wrapped in creativity. This year’s theme, Winter Wonderland, featured magnolia leaves, pinecones, crocheted stars, doilies, toilet paper roll stars, and dried alliums, creating a festive and eye‑catching display. The tree remained on view through early January, offering visitors a joyful reflection of winter beauty at Green Spring Gardens.
Interested in Volunteering?
We are always looking for volunteers to help with Youth and Family programs. Our volunteers are a big part of making quality programs a success at Green Spring Gardens.
If you are interested, please contact me at
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or by calling the Horticulture Center at 703-642-5173.
