Cynthia Wood wrote a nice article about the Quarry Gardens that covers four pages of the March issue of Virginia Gardener [http://www.statebystategardening.com/va/]. Such media exposure over the past few years has helped bring visitors and groups to find enjoyment, learning, and inspiration at the Quarry Gardens—so we are grateful to both writer and magazine. Virginia Gardener‘s website doesn’t include articles, so here are a few quotes and photos from it.

“…a new kind of botanical garden that would showcase the unique ecosystems and plants that have evolved around the old soapstone quarries on the property.”

This view from the trail across the old access road into the South Quarry pool includesa group of locally native Arrow-wood viburnums that are among the nearly 100 species that have been added to the 450 legacy plant species found here.]

“…a botanical garden that could serve as a resource for individuals interested in learning about native plants and how to use them in their home gardens.”

These masses of goldenrods, planted near the Visitor Center and quarry viewing platform, are among 14 species of goldenrod here to tempt gardeners.

“The visitor center is a repurposed Quonset hut with an added entrance that gives the building a sense of purpose and ties it to the environment.”

Cynthia took this photo last fall, soon after the Center for Urban Habitats team finished planting in the Visitor Center’s demonstration garden. This season, we expect visitors will be greeted by a much more vivid expression of flora.

“Many of the plants in the Quarry Gardens attract pollinators, such as this Eastern tiger swallowtail.”

This native Moss phlox will be creeping over the rock walls and luring swallowtails again in just a matter of weeks.

“Massive Giant’s Stairs lead down to a lush gallery of spring ephemerals and ferns in a Piedmont basic oak-hickory forest.”

And here we are—Armand, Bernice (with trail guide badges), and Skyla—all wearing goofy smiles, standing by the stairs.

If you are interested in seeing the whole article, we posted this blog entry a few days early to give you a chance to get the Virginia Gardener March issue, which will remain on sale until about the third week of March.