Manager's Message
by Judy Zatsick, Site Manager, Green Spring Gardens
Judy Zatsick
Several FROGS board members and staff at Green Spring recently spent the day at Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland. FROGS and staff work closely throughout the year, and it was nice to relax and enjoy this remarkable location together. Glenstone is a serene property of over 300 acres, with 40 acres dedicated to native plant meadows, many designed by Larry Weaner. The owners are committed to sustainability and have planted thousands of trees and native plants to restore habitat. Underground cisterns and ponds store over 1 million gallons of water, helping manage the flow of stormwater and reduce the reliance on municipal water.
We were inspired by the meadows and art installations, visited galleries, and had a lovely lunch. It was nice to take a moment to pause and reflect as we wind down another wonderful year at Green Spring.
Fall Festival was not what we expected, with dire forecasts of tropical storm Ophelia. However, she lost steam as she moved inland, and guests came out to celebrate. And what a lovely celebration it was, with staff and volunteers exhibiting resilience and flexibility despite the rainy weather. We brought activities inside, including our marvelous bake sale, a visitor survey, children’s activities, and a food vendor. It worked! We all had a great time, many smiles around. Although our visitation was much reduced, our biggest fundraiser, the hugely popular silent auction, saw close to last year’s numbers in sales. I want to thank all the volunteers and staff who joined to create another fabulous festival for our community. We received so much positive feedback from guests and vendors.
Green Spring staff and FROGS board members at Glenstone MuseumGarden plans for next year are underway. The horticulture team has been working on designs for creating a naturalistic garden in the Vista Garden, inspired by the work of Larry Weaner, Noel Kingsbury, and Phyto Studio. You will notice changes around the Historic House and a transition in the Waterwise Garden. And be sure to check out the Glasshouse. Parker Jennings, our newest horticulturist, has created a tropical oasis there, artfully combining foliage and blooms, adding a water feature, and seeking out new plants for the collection.
The Garden Gate Plant Shop will close on October 31 for the season. However, if you stop by, Alda Krinsman will be glad to help you with many great choices of perennials and woodies she has selected. Camellias and witch hazels are starting to bloom; and grasses, carex, and heuchera offer color and texture for your garden.
The gift shop surpassed last September’s sales with almost $6,000 of merchandise sold. Lisa has curated a delightful range of containers, jewelry, cards, books, puzzles, toys, and more. Shop early for gifts and the holidays. Remember you can always purchase a gift card for that special person and let them enjoy shopping.
We offer wonderful programs for adults including teas, tai chi, yoga, floral workshops, Master Gardener-led garden talks, and lectures. And there is still room on our holiday bus trip to Williamsburg. Join in the fun and leave the driving to us! Register early to make sure you get a place in our popular programs.
Come visit and enjoy the gardens at Green Spring; they are lovely in the fall. Take a walk around the circle, visit the quiet area of the ponds, and delight in the floral display as all the grasses, mums, asters, and goldenrods steal the show from summer.
