(4-Adult) Hosted by ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate, come celebrate “Poetry in the Parks” and Pride Month at Green Spring Gardens. This Pride Month Poetry Reading features poetry from some of the region’s most prominent LGBTQ+ poets including Gowri Koneswaran and Danielle Badra.

(4-Adult) Our aquatic ecosystems are bursting with activity in the summertime. Come learn all about the amazing animals that live there such as turtles, tadpoles, fish and dragonflies. You are sure to see some spectacular creatures as we study their habitats and activities. Binoculars and magnifying glasses will be provided. Wear old shoes that can get wet and muddy. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(4-Adult) Learn about our native bees and why they are so important before going on a walk through the gardens to see them in action. See how many different bee species you can find at Green Spring Gardens. Make your very own bee hotel to take home to your garden that will attract native solitary bees, which are small and gentle bees that rarely sting. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(4-Adult) Join us for a walk around the park to explore all the different kinds of trees we have at Green Spring. Discover the many roles trees play in the ecosystem as you learn how to tell trees apart. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(Adults) Experience Green Spring Gardens with all of your senses. Join Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of local nonprofit Capital Nature for a slow, meditative walk around the gardens. Contemplative, but more active than meditation, this forest bathing walk will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and enhance mood and creativity. Decompress and feel a deeper connection with the natural world. Bring something to sit on the ground, which may be damp, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather.

(5-Adult) Learn about the history and process of flower and leaf pressing, then create your own beautiful botanical creation to take home. Tour the gardens and collect materials to press for future classes to use. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(3-5 yrs.) Your preschooler will enjoy nature-themed activities and crafts while you meet other playgroup parents one Monday a month. Through games, songs, activities and a garden walk, we will explore seasonal topics. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who does not need to register for the program.

(Adults) Give bullying plants an inch and they’ll take over your yard. Fairfax County has an ordinance against bamboo. Come listen to Extension Master Gardeners give you alternatives to grow instead. You’ll be amazed at the choices you have.

(Adults) A shady spot in your landscape provides opportunities to incorporate special plants in your garden. The secret is in using three key colors to lighten the shade. Extension Master Gardeners teach you how to create that cool, soothing mid-summer retreat by discovering vibrant and elegant plants.

(Adults) Groundcovers can be a great accent in the garden with many flowering and evergreen options for sun or shade. Join Green Spring Gardens staff for a short lecture on how to use groundcovers to solve design challenges, followed by a walk around the grounds to view some of our gardeners’ favorites. Dress for the weather.

(16-Adult) Dr. Rebecca Kormos, wildlife biologist, filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer, will discuss her new book, Intertwined: Women, Nature and Climate Justice. Learn how women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, hold critical knowledge about nature, yet are excluded from forums making decisions about the future of the planet. Rebecca will be joined by women conservationists to discuss topics raised in her book, especially how women’s leadership in nature protection can be better supported. Book signing to follow talk.

(Adults) Enjoy a walk to look at the variety of colors and forms of beloved flowering native plants. Native herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs, and vines that grow well in local gardens are also ecologically valuable. Visit the Virginia Native Plant Garden, the Wildlife Garden, and the Rain Garden/ Bioretention Area in the Entrance Garden with Brenda Skarphol, curatorial horticulturist at Green Spring Gardens. Be an eco-friendly gardener and work with nature. Dress for the weather.

(4-Adult) Hosted by ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate, come celebrate “Poetry in the Parks,” the Fairfax Poet Laureate’s community engagement project. The fifth event in this series will be a poetry reading held during National Poetry Month and will feature the poetry of prominent writers in the DC/Maryland/Virginia region. Come out and enjoy some poetry at Green Spring Gardens.

(Adults) Enjoy a guided tour of Green Spring's beautiful demonstration gardens with an Extension Master Gardener docent. Hear about our 18th century origins and our mission today. Find inspiration in our horticulturists’ plant choices and garden bed designs and take their ideas home to try in your own landscape. Garden tours run rain or shine.