Garden Committee

Small garden plots are available to residents on River Towers’ grounds at the rear of the property. The plots may be used to grow fruit, plants, flowers, and vegetables, but trees may not be planted. (See the garden rules for more information.) Garden tools are available in the garden shed. Hoses are provided as well.

To request a garden plot, residents should submit a completed application, which is available at the condo office or on the “residents only” page of the website. A $30 annual fee is payable by check or money order for a garden plot. The Chair of the Garden Committee will review applications and assign plots to residents on an “as available” basis. If you have questions, please contact Dianne Snyder, the Chair of the Garden Committee.

2017 Garden Timeline

March 25 - final day for submitting an application

Wednesday, March 29, 7:30 pm - meeting of all gardeners in the club room

Friday, March 31 - deadline for paying garden plot fee ($30)

Saturday, April 1 - plot selection for new gardeners, starting at 10 am in the garden. If you can't make it, contact the office to arrange an alternative date.

Saturday, April 8, 9-11 am - spring cleaning of common areas

Message from the Garden Committee Chair

Weeds, weeds, weeds!  If you feel like you’re losing the battle, please avail yourself of the weed whacker—available at the River Towers office (in the 31 bldg) for anyone who wants to borrow it. It’s a lightweight, battery-powered model. Make sure it’s fully charged when you check it out. The common areas and rough plots are being cut, as time permits, by River Towers groundskeepers using a heavy-duty model. They have already cleared the weeds from  along the streambed, as well as from the unclaimed plots by the garden shed. If you feel inclined to pitch in (those with your own whackers), it would be much appreciated.

If you’re a gardener with a dog, please note that garden rules prohibit you from bringing your pet into the garden or tying it to the garden gate, not matter how well behaved it is. Children are welcome, of course, but must stay on the path and keep hands off plantings unless invited to do otherwise.

There are still some lockers with only one occupant, so let me know if you want one. There are also a number of plots available if anyone wants to expand their area. 

My garden neighbors have given up their plot (W-25) and moved away. Sorry to see them go. Anything still growing there is up for grabs. That includes lettuce, cilantro, rosemary, and tomatoes.

See you in the garden!  

Dianne Snyder

Garden News

Please email your submissions (text and photos) to Dianne.

Places to Purchase Plants

Local Plant Sales

Seed Catalogs

Bulb Catalogs

 

Free Mulch

  • Fairfax County operates a brush grinding operation which produces double-shredded wood mulch for residents. You can pick it up at multiple locations.
  • If you have a friend who lives in Alexandria, you can ask them to go with you to pick up free mulch at 4215 Eisenhower Avenue.

        * Note that you'll need to bring your own shovel and bucket.

Resources