A Library... A Garden... A Dog...
By Gioia Caiola Forman, Green Spring Master Gardener and FROGS Board Member
A couple of furry friends greet each other at Spring Garden DayMost lovers of books and gardens are familiar with the words of the Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero: “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” Although Cicero certainly understood the joy of gardens, I suspect if he had experienced Green Spring Gardens, he might have amended his famous quote to read, “If you have a garden, a library, and a dog, you have everything you need.”
Anyone who visits Green Spring Gardens knows that dogs are part of the landscape. Every day four-legged friends stroll the paths beside their favorite humans, noses busily exploring every interesting scent while tails wag with delight. Green Spring is one of the few public gardens where well-behaved dogs are welcome every day—not just during special “dog days.” To keep the gardens enjoyable for everyone, Fairfax County leash laws apply (leashes may be no longer than six feet), and owners are asked to clean up after their pets. Fresh water bowls are thoughtfully placed outside the Horticulture Center each morning, making Green Spring a truly welcoming destination for canine visitors.
Meet Fia, a 5-year-old toy poodle and a FROGS member! She is a certified medical alert dog and frequently leads docent tours of the gardens.
Sharing time outdoors with our dogs enriches both their lives and ours. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through blooming gardens, a quiet moment beneath the trees, or simply enjoying nature together, our canine companions remind us to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. If your best friend enjoys visiting Green Spring, why not make he or she an official FROGS member? We’d love to welcome another wagging tail to our growing canine family. At Green Spring Gardens, we simply believe that delight is even greater when shared with a faithful friend at the end of the leash.
Meet some of our furry friends!
Meet Jack, a nine-year-old rescued from a kill shelter in South Carolina at 8 weeks. He is a mix, including chow, pit bull, and Rottweiler, with the sweetest disposition. He is a loving granddog.
Meet Josie (on the left), a 15-year-old Westie adopted from a woman with terminal cancer. Josie is fun and feisty, and often rides in a stroller on long walks because she has deformed front paws. She loves wearing pearls and has a girlie wardrobe.
Meet Max (on the right), who is about 6 years old and mostly Shih Tzu. He was found living on the streets of Baltimore at about age 2. He loves meeting everyone on walks except if you are a bigger dog than him.
