MEADOWLARK BOTANICAL GARDENS AMONG TOPS IN STATE: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna makes the grade in a new listing of “stunning gardens” across Virginia.
The new ranking was compiled on behalf of the dating-reviews Website MyDatingAdviser.com.
“Drawing from a wealth of historical significance, botanical diversity and aesthetic beauty, these gardens offer visitors a glimpse into Virginia’s rich horticultural heritage,” analysts said, saying ratings were based in part from travel guides, online reviews and official garden Websites.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) site, is described thusly in the survey: “This serene and picturesque garden features walking trails, lakes and themed gardens. Known for its stunning cherry-blossom display in spring, it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.”
Topping the Virginia ranking was Monticello Gardens in Charlottesville, designed by Thomas Jefferson. Second was Maymont Gardens in Richmond; third was Norfolk Botanical Garden.
“Exploring Virginia’s stunning gardens is an enriching journey. These gardens are timeless testaments to Virginia’s botanical heritage,” said Amy Harris of MyDatingAdvisor.com.
Five gardens nationally received a perfect 100 score in the ranking. For the full list, see the Website at https://mydatingadviser.com/americas-most-beautiful-gardens/.
ARBOR DAY FESTIVITIES SET FOR VIENNA: The Vienna town government will hold its annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 26 at 5 p.m. at East Creek Trail, located at the intersection of East Street, N.E., and Ayr Hill Avenue, N.E.
There will be a tree-planting, and the event will serve as a kickoff to town efforts at planting and preserving trees.
‘WALK ON THE HILL’ COMING TO WINDOVER HEIGHTS: Residents of Vienna’s Windover Heights neighborhood will be rolling out the red carpet for the community and marking the 50th anniversary of the first “Walk on the Hill” event on Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Participants will enjoy self-guided tours through dozens of participating yards and gardens, while also enjoying entertainment, exhibits and refreshments, town officials said.
For information, see the Website at www.viennava.gov/walkonthehill.
As part of the event, District III of the National Capital Area Garden Clubs will present “Wildlife in Windover Heights” from 1 to 6 p.m. at Green Hedges School.
The show is free and open to the public; for information, call Kate Abrahams at (703) 304-1709.
KIWANIS CLUB HITS ‘SAFE SITTER’ MILESTONE: The Kiwanis Club of Tysons recently held its 100th “Safe Sitter” class at the Fairfax County Government Center.
“We have been a Safe Sitter Inc. teaching site since 2006 and have over 1,000 graduates of the program,” the organization noted.
The initiative teaches those in sixth through eighth grades what they need to know to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Students learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking, and helpful information such as what to do if there’s severe weather.
“The lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises,” Kiwanis officials said.
To register for an upcoming class, see the Website at https://k15461.site.kiwanis.org/safe-sitter/.
