Survey work is underway in the Woods Have you noticed orange survey markers in the Olmsted Woods? Lovers of the Woods have been concerned that they indicate a plan to build on this dedicated five-acre urban forest. Quite the contrary! All Hallows Guild’s 1998-2008 project of Woods preservation and erosion control was successful in addressing water …
September 12, 2019 Dedicated Olmsted Woods volunteer Virginia Egan is a part of our Olmsted Woods crew. This group of volunteers meets regularly on Wednesday mornings to maintain the five acre urban forest that exists within the Cathedral’s grounds. An enormous on-going project is the removal of invasive ivy in the Woods. Virginia typically sends …
Summer Dispatches from the Olmsted Woods Volunteers Read More »
July 11, 2019 For years, spring-flowering bulbs were planted in several of the beds in the Bishop’s Garden; however, digging up the spent bulbs after bloom was destructive to the formal perennial plantings. Recently only the Sundial Bed became a showcase for spring bulbs and was afterward filled with other plants. For a long while, …
April 15, 2019 Friendship, Volunteers, and Tradition An enduring chain of friendship has helped to form the history of Flower Mart. Many Flower Mart volunteers are a part of a legacy that goes back years (or even decades), and spans generations. One of Flower Mart’s exceptional volunteers was All Hallows Guild Board Member Betty Gordon …
April 11, 2019 Recent warm weather has caused the Olmsted Woods to “spring” to life! Not only are leaves popping out on the trees and the spring blooms appearing, but our devoted group of Olmsted Woods volunteers has resumed their work removing invasive plants. Take a Walk in the Woods or join our Volunteers any …
February 6, 2019 During the February 3, 1939, meeting of the All Hallows Guild Executive Committee, a Board member proposed the idea of having a Flower Mart on the Pilgrim Steps. It is believed that the idea for Flower Mart came from an All Hallows Guild member who spent time in Rome – often visiting …
October 1, 2018 The All Hallows Guild Garden Committee is busy during this autumn season identifying areas on the Cathedral’s grounds that require attention, selecting plants for the gardens, and working with the Horticulture staff to plan new projects. Here are a few of the things the Garden Committee is working on: – The Committee …
June 21, 2018 This year, Congress has designated National Pollinator Week as June 18 – 24, 2018. According to the Pollinator Partnership, about 75% of all flowering plants rely on animal pollinators. Over 200,000 species of animals act as pollinators. Of those, about 1,000 are hummingbirds, bats, and small mammals. The rest are insects such …
June 5, 2018 In the Bishop’s Garden, west of the rose garden and northeast of Shadow House is the Hortulus – or “diminutive garden”. Bordered by boxwood, this little garden features geometric beds planted with monastic kitchen and infirmary and herbs used in the 9th century. Documents from the time of Charlemagne were used as …
February 18, 2018 Designed by All Hallows Guild member Florence Bratenahl, The Pool of St. Catherine is located in the Bishop’s Garden and is placed at the west end of the Upper Perennial Border. A Bas Relief of St. Catherine and other figures is located in the wall above St. Catherine’s Pool. It is constructed of …
All Hallows Guild was founded in 1916 to provide for the care and beautification of the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. The Guild works closely with the horticultural staff to preserve this historic landscape and raises funds for renovation and renewal of the gardens.
You’ll see what’s new in the gardens and learn about our upcoming events by subscribing to our monthly email newsletter.