By: Savannah Steblein, Education Coordinator

In the past couple of years you may have seen (particularly on TikTok) people shaking parmesan shakers over empty patches of land they skate by,  tossing dirt-balls out of cars, or just tossing a handful of seeds in an empty tree well. All of these are forms of guerilla gardening, a trend that started in the 70’s involving individuals working alone or together to “regreen” unused or abandoned spaces in urban areas. A special note: this means that private property is off limits -- DTG does not want to accidentally get our loved ones in trouble :)

Recently I have been doing *excessive* research on one of these guerilla gardening methods: Seed Bombs. If you haven’t heard of this quirky, yet effective way of planting seeds, then allow me to introduce you. Seed bombs are tiny balls, about the size of almond m&m’s, made of soil/compost, clay, and seeds. The clay and dirt protect seeds from erosion and hungry animals until the weather is just right. When the spring rains come, the seeds will use their soil homes to grow roots and sprout. When they break open the balls, the roots grow towards the soil floor, their new home.

There are many, many recipes for seed bombs. When making them, I referenced three different websites (links attached below). But much like my cooking, I minimally followed the recipe, using the resources I already had rather than buying anything new. Warm December weather allowed me to dig for clay in my backyard, but unscented kitty litter is a cheap alternative. I also used soil from a pre-opened bag and added native seeds that I ethically gathered this fall, but use what works for you.

In regards to seed choice:
Being the conservationist that I am, I want to add a little information on seed choice. Make sure to do your research on native and invasive species in your area. An invasive species will do more harm than good and native plants are the best option! There are so many beautiful plants and flowers native to us here in the Rappahannock Region. I highly recommend checking out the free Plant Virginia Natives plant guide pdf linked here: www.plantvirginianatives.org/native-plants-for-central-rapp 

Learn more about seed bombs here:
www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/making-seed-balls.htm
www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-sow-seed-balls.htm
texasbutterflyranch.com/2017/12/07/winter-solstice-signals-time-to-make-wildflower-seed-balls-heres-how/

By Savannah Steblein, Education Coordinator
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It is definitely fall here in Fredericksburg— the chilly, blustery winds, shorter days, and fallen leaves are making sure we know that. And while it sure can be cold outside, the sun still reminds us of warmer times when she shines down on us. On one of those beautiful, sunny days come explore our garden and wander the paths or get lost among the trees. The trees have nearly lost all their leaves, so now is the time to search for birds’ nests, admire the ghostly branches of Seymour the Sycamore, and crunch on all those fallen leaves. Children and adults alike can play “The Ground is Lava” and try to hop from leaf to leaf without touching the ground— I know I still do ;)

We spent Thanksgiving indulging in delicious food and hearty conversation, but also reflecting upon the fact that we do live on stolen land. A little note about this: thanks to https://native-land.ca/ we were able to learn that Downtown Greens is on both the Manahoac and the Patawomeck peoples’ land. Taking the time to learn (and unlearn colonized or biased information) about the Indigenous people who lived here long before us is one way to acknowledge the losses (diseases, enslavement, loss of culture, geographic displacement, and unmentionably horrific crimes at the hands of settlers) the First Nations went through for colonizers to succeed. If you are looking to do something more, there are many First Nation-run mutual aid funds out there. ​

​​​Downtown Greens has brought the community together for more than 25 years. A second campus for the organization would mean conservation of the last agricultural space in the city of Fredericksburg, additional outdoor education and recreation opportunities, and a protected wetlands space that is nurtured and open to the public.

If you're anything like us, that means you have been enjoying this newly warm weather with some much-needed outdoor time. Over the last couple of weeks, tulips of all different colors have been blooming around the city. 

The spring flower derived its name from the 'delband,' which is the Persian word for turban. It was given this name because it reflects the shape of the flower. There are over 150 different species of tulips found in the world today! One thing that a lot of people don't know, is that tulips can be utilized in the kitchen! The edible flower can make a great alternative to onions when preparing any dish. Be sure to use the petals only, as the bulbs themselves have the potential of being poisonous. 

We are hoping that all of you will get the chance to see these beautiful flowers while they are still in bloom. Luckily, if you miss them, there are an endless amount of other flowers to be appreciated!

To begin with, we are so glad that we have finally welcomed the spring season. After a cold but quick winter, we are happy to get the ball rolling and see what harvest this warmer weather will be bringing us in the coming months. 

March seems to have flown by, with April seemingly coming out of nowhere. That being said, we are more than prepared and excited to take this rainy month on! We a handful of exciting events and workshops happening at the gardens this month. Our popular monthly mushroom workshops are seeing a twist this month, as we join Ryan Mooney in learning how to grow and care for bioluminescent mycelium, which gives off a beautiful earthy green glow. Alongside this, we are looking forward to celebrating earth day, hosting a tree workshop with Anne Little, as well as with some other events. 

We are looking forward to seeing some of you in the gardens throughout April! If you have not seen the latest newsletter or would like to sign up for one of our upcoming events, you can do so here!

March is finally here, and we have an exciting month ahead of us. To begin with, the Downtown Runaround has officially begun! We are so happy with the turn out and are looking forward to seeing pictures of all the runners, walkers, and skaters too! Alongside this, we have another Reishi Mushroom Workshop coming up on the 13th, so be sure to sign up while you still can. If you are looking to help in the gardens, we are happy to let you know that our Thursday garden hours (3-6) are back in action! 

If you haven't already taken a look at this month's newsletter, you can take a look here!

“Endorphins, y’all! We need them!” Downtown Greens board member, Kimberly Cartier is producing her very first 5k to benefit the beloved Fredericksburg greenspace. An avid runner and race participant, she knows this activity will be a much-needed panacea for the quarantine blues! Walk, run, skip, hop, or bike a path of your choice or take the suggested route. The recommended race route will wind you through downtown and past as many sponsoring businesses as possible!


The virtual race can be completed at any time between March 1-14. You can practice social distance and still support from anywhere! Sign up for the virtual race (here: http://bit.ly/dtg5k). Once you've completed the 5K you can either register your time or simply that you finished it then plan to pick up your swag bag from Downtown Greens!

Three cheers for the amazing businesses that are sponsoring this! The inaugural annual 5K is being sponsored by Juan More Taco, Italian Station, PONSHOP, Yellow Bike Massage, River Rock Outfitters, Re_Incorporated, Spencer Devon Brewing, B101.5, Print Jazz, OddBox Studios, Fredericksburg Food Co-op, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Ace Concierge, LLC, Mo's City Soup, and River Rock Outfitters! We're also happy to have Rene and Jarett Rodriguez along as sponsors for the 5K! One of the best parts about Fredericksburg is the community.

I believe we mentioned the SWAG? Swag is arguably the best part of a 5k! What you can expect to find in your (reusable cloth!) swag bag is a race t-shirt, a pollinator bandana, and a temporary tattoo provided by Downtown Greens. Sponsors are also adding fun things such as CBD muscle salve, beeswax lip balm, stickers, FXBG buttons and coupons to their local businesses! All the treats are sourced as sustainably as possible.
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If this wasn’t already enticing enough, here is how those funds are being allocated. The Downtown Greens building is impossible to miss with it’s enormous pink coneflowers illuminating the facade. What you might miss, however, is the small basement with a tiny kitchen in the back that needs a pretty big facelift. The dream has been to turn that area into a fully-equipped teaching kitchen and multi-purpose space! 

Before the pandemic hit Downtown Greens had several garden-based youth programs which used the small kitchen to prepare meals from food they grew. The renovation involves creating a larger, more functional and welcoming space for kids and teens of the programs. When we're able to safely gather again (in addition to the youth programs) adult workshops will be hosted along with other fun, inclusive events for all. Think of Downtown Greens as the best place to host an outdoor function in the ‘Burg!

Also, with food insecurity on the rise, Downtown Greens is using resources to help increase food availability in the community. They are hard at work preparing for the upcoming spring and summer growing season. May through October they’ll host a weekly FREE Farmers’ Market Stand where produce harvested from their Youth Farm Program Garden and food donated from other pantries will be distributed to anyone who shows up. This greenspace also makes the world’s best neighbor! Staff took requests from the surrounding community on what vegetables and herbs they’d like to see in the “Take What You Need” Community Solidarity Plot. This Pick-Your-Own veggie garden is located by the bus stop at Downtown Greens. During the harvest season, produce overflow is kept in a cooler nearby. A more permanent solution is being considered so no donation or race registration fee will go to waste! 

If you want to know more go to http://www.downtowngreens.org/. You can volunteer, donate, and find out more about what’s happening in your neighborhood. Or, we’ll catch you on the route for the Downtown Runaround. Be safe and we'll see you out there!

By: Brandi Parrish, Digital Marketing Director for Metro Nova Creative

We cannot stop talking about one of our upcoming events. The first annual Downtown Runaround! Join us for our first ever virtual 5k! Anytime March 1 through March 14 run, walk, bike, skip, crawl, ... a 5k at the gym, home gym or around your own neighborhood. Or, if you're local, stay tuned for a suggested route here in downtown Fredericksburg. Just be sure whatever way you participate it's done in a safe and socially distant manner!

Registration is $25 before February 22, and $30 through March 14. All registered participants will receive a swag bag with a race t-shirt and other garden goodies! 

​Your registration and sponsorships for our virtual 5k provides essential funding to help us grow food for and with our most vulnerable neighbors.