Just as the 2020 gardening season burst forth COVID-19 changed everything. FROGS launched 'little slice of Eden' to help keep gardeners connected. Weekly e-mails featured collages of FROGS members' home garden photos.
Revisit the past spring and summer with 'a summer of Eden', our season finale video that showcases one photo from each of the 120+ contributors.
Scroll down to see all 20 'slice of Eden' collages.
THANK YOU!
- to the 120+ contributing photographer/gardeners
- for the many expressions of thanks and encouragement
- and special thanks to Natalie Varker, the talented volunteer high-school student in Tuckahoe, NY, for producing the beautiful video!
(click image below to view video)
APRIL 22, 2020
APRIL 30, 2020
MAY 8, 2020
MAY 13, 2020
MAY 22, 2020
MAY 29, 2020
JUNE 4, 2020
JUNE 9, 2020
JUNE 17, 2020
JUNE 24, 2020
JULY 3, 2020
JULY 9. 2020
JULY 20, 2020
JULY 28, 2020
AUGUST 4, 2020
AUGUST 11, 2020
AUGUST 19, 2020
AUGUST 26, 2020
SEPTEMBER 4, 2020
SEPTEMBER 13, 2020
In the 50 years since Michael and Belinda Straight gifted Green Spring to the Fairfax County Park Authority, this gift has become, as Mr. Straight envisioned, "a thriving center for all who love gardening and revere our past." Though Green Spring's anniversary celebration has been postponed, it is obvious that the gardens have become indispensable to our community. Our June 2020's "car count" topped June 2019's by 1,000 cars!
What's happened at Green Spring since March?
- Fairfax County continues protecting employee health and jobs. Green Spring and Fairfax County Park Authority staff are working toward reopening buildings with utmost concern for the safety of staff, volunteers, and guests (FCPA updates). In September, the Green Spring buildings will reopen for scheduled programs only.
- Front desk staff Lisa Jackson, Sandra Knapp, Pauline Perry, and Karen Aftergut cheerfully take phone orders for Plant Shop finds so lovingly tended by gardener Alda Krinsman. Curbside pickup is so popular we plan to continue it post -COVID! The Plant Shop also has reopened to walk-in customers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thanks to you a recent Plant Shop facelift beautifully brought together FROGS funding, staff creativity, and Maintenance Chief Frank Jankauskas's handiwork. Be sure to notice Frank's beautiful new gate!
- Gardens grow, oblivious to operational pause! Adult Education Program Assistant Laura Strecker shared this insider view of how a skeleton Green Spring staff pitched in as spring burst forth.
A final thank you: Your generous support for the 2019 Annual Appeal's "Smart Water" irrigation system is literally a plant lifesaver this summer. There is no way the limited number of staff and volunteers could keep our gardens alive without it.
We are all navigating new waters. We miss you and hope weekly "Little Slice of Eden" emails of FROGS members' home garden photos help you stay connected.
No one can predict when or how a new normal settles in, but we will keep you posted as re-opening continues. Because of your loyal friendship and support, Green Spring Gardens remains here for you in these stressful times.
It is with great sadness that we report that Dorothy Norpel died on July 17. She was a founding member of the Friends of Green Spring board and our first director emeritus, who actively promoted FROGS and Green Spring for many years. She would have been 99 next month.
For over thirty years, Dorothy lobbied to garner support and funds to restore Green Spring’s Historic House and open it to the public. Among a host of “firsts” she introduced to the park, Dorothy established the art exhibits program, and she was instrumental in launching the ever-popular public afternoon tea programs at the house.
Dorothy was a forceful advocate for Green Spring, and we are much in her debt. We will miss her.
Read more about Dorthy Norpel and her legacy as a former Fairfax County Park Authority Board member in 'Our Stories and Perspectives', the Fairfax County Park Authority blog.
 Dorothy Norpel at Green Spring and FROGS mascot 'Howard.' (Photo Credit: Kathy Trichel)
The Friends of Green Spring, FROGS, was honored by the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) as an Outstanding Support Organization at NACPRO's annual awards banquet held June 9, 2019, in Castle Rock, CO. FROGS Treasurer Tatiana Lisle accepted the award on behalf of FROGS.
The NACPRO award is presented to "an organization that has responded in an exceptional manner by making a major contribution to benefit park and recreation programs or facilities," and FROGS is a 501(c)(3) membership organization that celebrated 25 years of service to the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) in 2018. With more than 1,500 members, FROGS offers financial, operational, programmatic, facility and volunteer support. Its major projects include the Garden Gate Plant Shop, Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series, art shows, glasshouse renovations, gazebo renovations, Historic House renovations, the Wheels Appeals (providing staff utility vehicles), and ongoing funding for summer interns and seasonal staff. Since 1993, FROGS has donated more than $2 million to support the park.
 FROGS Treasurer Tatiana Lisle (center) and FCPA Deputy Director Aimee Vosper (right) accept NACPRO award from Bill Maasen, NACPRO, in Castle Rock, CO June 9, 2019
"I am beyond thrilled for FROGS to receive such an honor and distinguished award. It reflects their passion, support and commitment to Green Spring Gardens and the Fairfax County Park Authority," said Green Spring Site Manager Nicole Mitchell Conners.
NACPRO is a non-profit professional organization that advances official policies that promote county and regional park and recreation issues while providing members with opportunities to network, exchange ideas and best practices, and enhance professional development.
Green Spring Gardens volunteers graciously accepted a clean sweep of awards at last month's Fairfax County Park Authority Elly Doyle Park Service Awards ceremony held at the Waterford at Fair Oaks. Videos profiling the winners are now available for viewing by clicking the honoree names below.
On behalf of the Friends of Green Spring, FROGS President Sarah Munroe and Board Members accepted the Harold L. Strickland Partnership & Collaboration Award for 25 years of fruitful teamwork with the garden. FROGS Treasurer Tatiana Lisle received the Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award for her extensive Green Spring volunteer work including beekeeping at the gardens and FROGS Board Member Bill Tuceling received Special Recognition for his five years as a Green Spring volunteer serving as volunteer on duty, special event volunteer, and FROGS Art in the Garden program coordinator. Green Spring volunteer Pat Shoop was also recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer for her twelve years of service as Historic House tea host and historic programs volunteer.
Front row, L to R: FROGS Board Members Gioia Caiola Forman, Sunny Greene, Kathy Trichel, Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, FROGS President Sarah Munroe, Ribbit, FROGS Treasurer Tatiana Lisle (Sally Ormsby Honoree), Board Members Mindy Nash and Bill Tuceling (Special Recognition Honoree).
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