Manager's Message
by Judy Zatsick, Site Manager, Green Spring Gardens
Judy Zatsick
I hope you enjoyed watching spring unfold in the gardens as much as I did. Despite two cold snaps, the warm-toned queens of winter--the witch hazels--transitioned into glorious swaths of pink and pale yellow blooms with magnolias, prunus, cornus, and redbuds heralding a magnificent spring. Beneath them, carpets of pansies, tulips, and daffodils burst into bloom bringing smiles to the faces of our guests.
The show continued with scores of native azaleas smoldering in shades of amber, yellow, and orange, accented by lovely lilacs that perfumed the air and drifts of our native woodland phlox with their sweet fragrance wafting up to please you.
Gardens are truly a place of joy and healing. This spring, so many of our guests mentioned to me how much they appreciate Green Spring and all the work that the staff and volunteers do to create this marvelous oasis. They told me how much they visit the gardens and enjoyed the respite they provided during covid. Many come daily to exercise, stroll, capture images of their favorite blooms, to be inspired. Our horticulture team worked tirelessly to put together an incredible spring show!
Spring was such a time of growth, and I am thrilled that I have finally been able to move the site forward in many ways. We have hired a full-time horticulturist, Parker Jennings, who brings years of gardening experience to our dynamic horticulture team. Expect great things in the gardens!
And on the programming side, we welcome Teegan Burkholder, who just joined us as senior interpreter. It has taken us a few years to fill this important role. Teegan is a seasoned educator with a passion for learning and is critical to fulfilling our mission of education as well as expanding our outreach through programming. Busloads of children arrive daily for horticulture-focused instruction, and teas are in full swing at the historic house. In April, the “Royal Coronation” lecture and tea event was offered twice to crowds eager to hear about the details of King Charles taking the crown.
Community Horticulture is also buzzing with activity. We will open two new garden plots this year at Hogge Park and Laurel Hill to serve our local community and expand horticulture to those who may not have the space or place to garden. The garden plots are extremely popular, with 800 residents waiting for a place. It’s great to offer them the chance to enjoy growing their own food.
The Farmers Markets are opening over the next few weeks. Caroline Hockenberry, the Farmers Market coordinator, has introduced a variety of new initiatives to the markets, including hot foods, pop-up vendors, and music. Working with partners, Caroline has also introduced compost collection at all the markets and procured compostable bags to help reduce the use of plastic bags.
Our VCE Green Spring Master Gardeners have been hard at work in the Edible and Discovery Gardens, and a new team has introduced a discovery cart to further outreach on gardening. They are such great partners in our gardens.
The Garden Gate Plant Shop opened in April, and sales have been robust. Alda Krinsman, Plant Shop manager, has curated a marvelous selection of plants that are particularly suited to the mid-Atlantic region. Be sure to visit often, as she has many choice plants in inventory that she will bring out through the season. Our shop inside is filled with treasures for all ages. Stop in to find that special gift or just to browse. I guarantee you’ll find something delightful to take home. Puzzles, pots, jewelry, soaps and lotions, cards, hats, socks, books, calendars and more, all based on garden/plant themes.
