Autumn at Brookside Gardens

[Howard Hartman]

Every season is a great time to visit Brookside Gardens, but Fall offers so much appeal, from the final flowers of the season, to the rich foliage colors and mild temperatures, that it has to be one of the best times to appreciate all we have to offer. This Fall is no different. If you haven’t visited the Chrysanthemum display yet this year, you’re not too late to experience Kathy Stevens’ creative conservatory display, brought to life by the expertise of Shari Adams and our outstanding greenhouse production crew. It takes months of meticulous training to produce the forms you see throughout our conservatory, but the display lasts for just a few short weeks, so don’t miss it! The show closes on November 21 (the South house closes on November 15) to make way for Garden of Lights and the  Winter Display and Train Exhibit, both of which run from late November through January 9, 2011. Check our website for more information, including admission prices and hours. Fall also is an incredibly busy time for gardeners. Now is the time to plant bulbs for that brilliant spring display; for some tips about planting bulbs, watch this quick video clip of Phil Normandy, our Plant Collections Manager, on County Report this Week. Fall is probably the best time of year to divide perennials and plant trees and shrubs. According to Phil, planting now provides your plants the “best opportunity for root growth before the stress of summer.” Most hardy plants may look dormant on the surface after their leaves drop, but until soil temperatures dip below 50F, they’ll actively grow roots. Planting now gives new additions to your garden several months to establish themselves before having to bear the brunt of summer heat and drought. Best of all, most garden centers offer deep discounts this time of year! Speaking of discounts, we have a great promotion going on right now. Bring a Friend for a Buck to Color Your World with Flowers, a floral “show” with Nancy Gingrich Shenk. Learn to use color harmonies to set the mood, enliven a party, and create an atmosphere. Best of all, share your passion for the floral arts by bringing a friend with you. Register now online through ParkPASS, add this program to your Shopping Basket and choose to “Bring a Friend” when you checkout. You may also call our registrar (301.962.1451) Monday through Friday from 9:00am-12noon. Hope to see you there! Upcoming Children's Programs We run a number of fantastic children's programs throughout the year. This year, consider enrolling your 7-12 year old in one of our Natural Garden Craft Days Workshops. Celebrate the fall season with the garden's harvest of flowers, leaves and herbs in one of these late afternoon programs - a perfect after school activity. Choose one of three dates - November 16, 17 or 18 - then register now online through  ParkPASS or call our registrar (301.962.1451) Monday through Friday from 9:00am-12noon. Until next time, happy gardening! The staff of Brookside Gardens     In case you missed it...Carla Hall's Chef's Demonstration was a huge hit last Friday. See what Melissa Robinson of Wheaton Patch had to say. And, don't miss our next free program coming up on November 5th. Join the  Cook Sisters, Adrienne and Danielle, and Karen Nelson Kent of Floral Diversity for  Not-so-Traditional Holiday Entertaining from 10:00-11:30am in the Visitors Center Auditorium.      Purchase your autographed copy of Billy Showell's latest book, A-Z of Flower Portraits, in our gift shop.   With the holidays fast approaching, consider a gift that lasts a lifetime through our Rose Garden Commemorative Brick Program. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave. | Wheaton MD 20902 mark.richardson@montgomeryparks.org | 301.962.1400