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Garden like the pros at Merrifield

Free gardening, landscaping and cooking seminars this fall

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ADVERTORIAL CONTENT

Merrifield Garden Center offers its fall seminars in three locations: Merrifield Community Hall (next to our Merrifield store), 8104 Lee Highway, Merrifield, Va., 703-560-6222; Fair Oaks Meeting Room (second floor of store), 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax, Va.; and in our Garden Room in Gainesville, 6895 Wellington Rd., Gainesville Rd., Gainesville, Va., 703-368-1919. For more information visit merrifieldgardencenter.com.

If you’re planning to attend our “Introduction to Cooking with Fresh Herbs” or “Children’s Gardening” seminars, we’d appreciate it if you registered online so we can order the proper amount of supplies. In this schedule, there’s a link to register next to the descriptions of these seminars. Thank you. Seminar schedule follows.

September 17

Merrifield – Trees and Shrubs for Small Gardens, 10 am

Robert Woodman, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

It doesn’t matter if you have a cozy, townhouse backyard or a high-rise apartment balcony. You can still have a beautiful garden. Robert will show you some gorgeous varieties of trees and shrubs that are perfect for small gardens.

Fair Oaks – Four Season Gardening, 10 am

Lynn Cohen, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

Make the most of each season. Learn how to design your garden to look beautiful throughout the year.

Gainesville – Build the Lawn of Your Dreams, 10 am

David Yost, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

Have you always wanted a thick, dark green, lush lawn? If so, there’s good news. Fall is the best time of year to get your lawn in shape. David will provide you with all the know-how you’ll need.

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September 24

Merrifield – Adding Spring Color with Fall Bulbs, 10 am

Larry Shapira, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center, and Professor Emeritus (Ret.), NVCC

Bulbs are easy, beautiful and fit into any landscape. Fall is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs and Merrifield offers a wide selection of new varieties and time-honored favorites.

Fair Oaks – Creating Focal Points, 10 am

Joshua Dean, Landscape Designer, Merrifield Garden Center

Plants and hardscapes are essential to the structure of any garden. But focal points give your garden personal character and flair. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Joshua’s ideas of how to focus interest in your garden.

Gainesville – Introduction to Cooking with Fresh Herbs, 10 am

Lilienne Conklin, Chef, Merrifield Garden Center

Chef Lilienne will show you how to use fresh herbs to bring out the best in your recipes. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make. Registration is appreciated, but not required at www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/seminars.

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October 1

Merrifield – Introduction to Cooking with Fresh Herbs, 10 am

Lilienne Conklin, Chef, Merrifield Garden Center

Chef Lilienne will show you how to use fresh herbs to bring out the best in your recipes. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make. Registration is appreciated, but not required at www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/seminars.

Fair Oaks

Fair Oaks – 73rd Annual Potomac Rose Society Rose Show

Saturday, October 1, 1 pm – 6 pm

Sunday, October 2, 12 noon 4 pm

Gainesville – Houseplants & Bringing Tropicals Back Indoors, 10 am

Regina Lanctot, Tropical Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to overwinter your favorite tropical plants indoors. Regina will also introduce you to some beautiful houseplants to brighten your home and keep your fingers in the dirt.

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October 8

Merrifield – Fall Magic with Trees and Shrubs, 10 am

Michael Fahey, ISA Certified Arborist, Merrifield Garden Center

Watching leaves change to shades of red, orange and yellow is always exciting! Now there’s no need to hop in your car to see fall foliage. Attend this seminar to learn how to create a gorgeous panorama in your own backyard.

Fair Oaks – Incredible Fall Container Gardens, 10 am

Paul Westervelt, Annual & Perennial Production Manager, Saunders Brothers Nurseries

Container gardens are not just for summer! Learn how to create a dazzling display with fall-peaking perennials and cold-tolerant annuals. Your family and friends will be impressed with the results.

Gainesville – Deer Prevention, 10 am

Renatta Holt, Landscape Designer, and James White, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

Renatta and James will help you develop an effective strategy to protect your valuable landscape from deer. They’ll discuss various control strategies and deer resistant plants that you can use alone or in combination.

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October 15

Merrifield – Walks, Walls and Patios, 10 am

Renatta Holt, Landscape Designer, Merrifield Garden Center

A well-designed landscape integrates the hardscape elements of walkways, walls and patios with your home and garden for a beautiful and functional result. This class will inspire and educate you with wonderful ideas you can incorporate into your own landscape.

Fair Oaks – Find Your Garden Style, 10 am

Mary Kirk Menefee, Landscape Designer, Merrifield Garden Center

Attend this seminar for an overview of various garden styles – Formal, English Cottage, Modern, Japanese, Southern, Naturalistic, etc. – along with top plants and construction tips to achieve the look.

Gainesville – Spooky Gardens, 10 am

Karen Rexrode, Plant Specialist, and Regina Lanctot, Tropical Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

If you love Halloween, this seminar is for you. Have a great time learning how to decorate your garden with black foliage, unique plants and unusual containers and terrariums. Be ready for accolades from family and friends.

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October 22

Merrifield – Green Walls, 10 am

Wayne Boyland, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

Evergreens play an important role in the landscape. While offering year-round beauty, they provide privacy, block views and define specific areas. Wayne will introduce you to some of our most beautiful needled and broadleafed evergreens, and discuss their attributes, so you can find the perfect evergreens for your needs.

Fair Oaks – Children’s Gardening (Ages 6-12), 10 am

Laura Hawthorne, Merrifield Garden Center

This session is ideal for parents, grandparents and favorite aunts who want to introduce children to gardening. Each student will bring home a pumpkin that they’ve planted with flowers. (An adult must be present). Registration is appreciated, but not required at www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/seminars.

Gainesville – Extend Your Outdoor Fun with Fire Pits and Fireplaces, 10 am

Mary Kirk Menefee, Landscape Designer, Merrifield Garden Center

Savor the crisp, autumn nights with family and friends over a cozy campfire. Learn how easy it is to stretch your outdoor living and entertaining into another season with fire pits, fire bowls and fireplaces.

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October 29

Merrifield – Creative Landscaping, 10 am

Joshua Dean, Landscape Designer, Merrifield Garden Center

Forget cookie cutter landscaping. Dream big! If you can imagine it, we can build it. Joshua will inspire you with some of his innovative projects that brought his clients’ ideas to life.

Fair Oaks – Pruning Made Easy, 10 am

Larry Shapira, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center, & Professor Emeritus (Ret.), NVCC

Professor Larry will discuss the basics of pruning, including proper timing and techniques. Bring your pruners and gloves. Seminar will include a hands-on segment outside, weather permitting.

Gainesville – Harvesting Black Gold in Your Garden, 10 am

David Yost, Plant Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

Looking for ways to make your garden more eco-friendly? David will show you how to recycle yard and kitchen waste into a valuable soil conditioner.

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November 19

Fair Oaks – Christmas Floral Designs, 10 am

Merrifield Garden Center Floral Design Team

Decorate your home with the greens, flowers and berries of the holiday season. Learn how to make lasting floral designs with artificial greens and picks.

Gainesville – How To Create A Festive Container Garden, 10 am

Renatta Holt, Landscape Designer, Merrifield Garden Center

Got an empty pot on your front porch or patio? Renatta can help you turn that eyesore into a beautiful display for the holidays with evergreen branches, berries, pine cones and other adornments.

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November 25-26-27

All Three Stores – Holiday Open House

Kick off the holiday season with a visit to Merrifield Garden Center. The fabulous displays and festive atmosphere are sure to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.

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December 3

Fair Oaks – Incorporating Fresh Flowers with Holiday Greens, 10 am

Peg Bier, Plant and Design Specialist, Merrifield Garden Center

Bring the beauty and fragrance of the holiday season into your home with fresh cut pine, holly, cedar, boxwood, magnolia and other plants. You’re sure to be inspired.

Gainesville – How to Create Your Own Holiday Theme Tree, 10 am

Merrifield Garden Center Design Team

Each year our designers set up a large number of Christmas trees, each with their own theme. These beautiful trees have been attracting large crowds and warming hearts for generations. Now you have a chance to learn how our designers create these displays of art.

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Real Estate

Pride, patriotism, and prosperity

Real estate plays role in honoring servicemembers’ legacy

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(Photo by 1photo/Bigstock)

As the calendar turns to late May and early June, several powerful movements and celebrations converge in a profound and colorful tapestry of remembrance, Pride, and progress. 

Memorial Day in the United States honors the sacrifices of military personnel who gave their lives in service. Simultaneously, WorldPride and Black Pride commemorate both the historical struggles and enduring strength of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. 

Though these observances may seem distinct, they share powerful commonalities — solemnity, resilience, and the pursuit of equity. When viewed through the lens of real estate and community development, their intersection reveals the critical importance of space, ownership, and inclusion.

Memorial Day is more than a barbecue, a long weekend, or the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn remembrance of those who laid down their lives for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Many of these fallen heroes came from marginalized backgrounds, including a rainbow of LGBTQ+ Americans who served valiantly, often without recognition or equal rights at home.

LGBTQ+ service members have fought in silence for decades, only gaining the right to serve openly in recent years and then having that opportunity for some individuals snatched back simply because of who they are. Memorial Day is a chance not only to honor their service but also as a reminder of the injustices they endured.

Real estate plays a role in their legacy. For decades, returning veterans used the GI Bill to buy homes and build generational wealth; however, discriminatory practices like redlining and restrictive covenants denied Black veterans the same opportunities, contributing to the racial wealth gap that persists today. Similarly, LGBTQ+ veterans and their partners often faced housing discrimination with little legal recourse. These systemic barriers underscore how access to safe and equitable housing is part of the fight for justice.

Black Pride events emerged in response to racism within the broader LGBTQ+ movement, asserting that Black queer lives matter and deserve visibility. Held in cities across the globe, Black Pride is not just a festival — it is a political and cultural declaration. It amplifies voices at the intersection of race and sexuality, advocating for people who are disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity and gentrification. 

Many urban neighborhoods that were once cultural havens for queer communities are being transformed by rising rents and redevelopment. While revitalization can bring economic opportunity, it must be done equitably, with safeguards in place to ensure that long-standing residents are not displaced. Real estate, in this context, becomes a tool for resistance and renewal.

WorldPride, a global event celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, is hosted by a different city every few years. It draws millions of participants, shines an international spotlight on LGBTQ+ issues, and highlights disparities in rights and protections worldwide. In countries where queer identities are criminalized, safe housing can be a matter of life and death. 

Even in more progressive regions, LGBTQ+ individuals often face subtle yet persistent discrimination from landlords, real estate agents, and lending institutions. In the real estate industry, advocacy groups are working to increase representation, offer training, define ethical responsibilities, and advocate for inclusive policies to ensure housing is truly accessible to all.

The convergence of WorldPride with Memorial Day and Black Pride invites deeper reflection: What kind of world are we building in memory of those who came before? How can we ensure that freedom, the very principle so many fought and died for, includes the right to live openly and securely, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality?

The real estate industry has a unique role in shaping the future. From urban planning to homeownership policy, to income-based downpayment grants, it directly influences who has access to stability and opportunity. 

Developers, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to address housing disparities. This includes funding affordable housing, protecting tenants from discrimination, and investing in communities that have been historically excluded. It also means respecting cultural legacies and ensuring that neighborhoods reflect the diversity of the people who live in them.

Memorial Day reminds us of the cost of freedom. International Pride events remind us that the fight for freedom is ongoing. As we honor the fallen, let us also honor the living – those who continue to fight for their right to exist, to love, and to call a place home. Whether waving a flag at a Pride parade, laying a wreath at a soldier’s grave, or signing a first-time homebuyer agreement, these moments are connected by the enduring belief that everyone deserves dignity, safety, and a place to belong.

Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in DC, MD & VA with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at (202) 246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs

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Real Estate

Tips for buying a house in Rehoboth Beach

And why it’s a great fit for the LGBTQ community

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Rehoboth Beach, Del. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a charming beach house where flip-flops are considered formalwear and sunsets are your daily entertainment, Rehoboth Beach, Del., might just be your dream come true. It’s not just a beautiful coastal town—it’s also a long celebrated safe haven and vibrant hub for the LGBTQ community. Let’s dive into why Rehoboth Beach is a fabulous choice and how to make a savvy beach house purchase.

Why Rehoboth Is a Vibe (especially for the LGBTQ community)

1. A Welcoming, Inclusive Community

Rehoboth Beach has been lovingly nicknamed the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” and it’s not just because of its proximity to D.C. For decades, Rehoboth has built a reputation as a warm, inclusive, and LGBTQ-friendly destination. From gay-owned businesses to LGBTQ events and nightlife, this is a town where you can truly be yourself.

2. Packed Social Calendar

Poodle Beach, the LGBTQ beach hangout just south of the boardwalk, is always buzzing in the summer. Events like Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend, Women’s FEST, and CAMP Rehoboth’s myriad of social and wellness events bring people together all year round. That’s right—you’ll never be bored here unless you want to be.

3. Small Town Charm Meets Big City Culture

You get art galleries, drag brunches, live theater, eclectic cuisine, and adorable boutiques—basically everything your soul craves—without the chaos and crowds of major cities. It’s quaint but never boring. Think: Key West vibes with a Delaware zip code.

Tips for Buying Your Dream Beach House 

1. Know Your Budget and Think Long Term. Beachfront and near-beach properties come at a premium. Expect to pay a bit more for proximity to the sand and ocean views. 

2. Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely. Do you want to be walking distance from the action on the boardwalk? Or do you prefer something more secluded in areas like North Shores or Henlopen Acres?

3. Rental Potential. If you’re not living there full time, your beach house could work overtime as a vacation rental. Rehoboth Beach has a healthy short-term rental market, especially in peak summer. Often times LGBTQ travelers actively seek inclusive, affirming places to stay.

4. Weather the Weather. Like all coastal areas, Rehoboth comes with a side of salt air and occasional storms. Invest in a good home inspection, especially for older homes, and be prepared for the maintenance that comes with beachfront living (yes, that includes sand everywhere).

5. Work With a Local Real Estate Agent. Look for an agent who knows Rehoboth inside and out and understands the unique needs of LGBTQ buyers. This isn’t just a house — it’s your happy place. You want someone who sees that and says, “Let’s find your sanctuary.”

Buying a beach house in Rehoboth Beach isn’t just about real estate — it’s about finding a space that reflects your lifestyle, values, and need for both community and calm. Whether it becomes your full-time home, your weekend escape, or your Airbnb side hustle, Rehoboth welcomes you with open arms (and maybe a mimosa).

Want personalized tips on navigating the Rehoboth Beach real estate market? Let’s chat! I’ll bring the listings if you bring the sunscreen. 


Justin Noble is a Realtor with The Burns & Noble Group with Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware. Reach him at [email protected] or 202-234-3344.

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Real Estate

Impact of federal gov’t RIF on D.C.’s rental market

A seismic economic change for local property owners

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President Trump’s plan to cut the federal workforce presents challenges to local landlords. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

In a move that could redefine the federal government workforce and reshape the economic fabric of Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has announced his intentions to significantly reduce federal government spending as well as the number of people the federal government employs.

Calling the federal bureaucracy “bloated” and “out of control,” Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to cut thousands of federal jobs. While these cuts align with his long-standing push to “drain the swamp,” they come with potential and real collateral damage, especially for landlords in the D.C. area who have relied on government employees as some of their most reliable and long-term tenants.

The potential reduction of thousands of jobs in a city built around government work is not just a political shift—it’s a seismic economic change for the city government as well as for local property owners who have invested in the predictability of a near-constant demand for workers in the federal government agencies, government contractors and the economic ecosystem they sustain. 

For landlords, government workers have represented ideal tenants: strong income, long-term leases, and responsible rental histories. Now, that foundation is being shaken in a battle by the Administration against a workforce which is the backbone of the Washington area’s overall economy, and especially its rental market.

With uncertainty looming, landlords are left in a difficult position. If widespread layoffs come to fruition, rental vacancies could spike, rental prices would drop, and previously secure investment properties might become financial liabilities. The sudden shift forces landlords to consider their next moves: how to support tenants facing job losses, how to adapt to a changing market, and how to ensure their own financial stability amid the uncertainty.

For D.C. landlords, this isn’t just about policy shifts or budget cuts, it’s about economic livelihood. The challenge ahead isn’t about just reacting to change, but proactively preparing for it, ensuring they can weather the storm of political maneuvering.

Potential Consequences for D.C. Landlords

  1. 1. Increased Risk of Non-Payment of Rent
    • Job losses may lead to late or missed rent payments
    • As affected tenants struggle financially, they may ask to break their lease to live elsewhere or even move out of the region
    • Eviction lawsuits may rise, leading to a long and expensive process for landlords, all while not being able to rent their property to paying tenants.
  1. 2. Higher Vacancy Rates
  1. If many government employees leave the D.C. region in search of work elsewhere, the rental demand could decline significantly
  2. Rental properties may sit empty longer, requiring landlords to lower rents to attract new tenants and creating even more financial loss

3. More Competition from Other Landlords

  1. As many more units are vacant on the market, all competing for the same pool of potential tenants, older and smaller rentals, and those located further out from the core of the city will all struggle to find quality renters.
  2. Landlords will need to offer other ways to attract and retain tenants, such as incentives, which could quickly overwhelm the finances of smaller landlords who cannot keep up.

Proactive Strategies for Landlords

To mitigate risks and ensure future rental success, landlords should consider these defensive measures:

1. Strengthen Tenant Relationships and Communication

  • Encourage tenants to communicate if they anticipate financial hardship due to job loss.
  • Work out temporary payment plans or partial payments to prevent full non-payment or eviction.
  • Provide guidance on rental assistance programs available in D.C.

2. Offer Flexible Lease Terms

  • Consider shorter-term leases than a full 12-month term to accommodate the needs of tenants who may be uncertain about their long-term employment status.
  • Offer lease renewals at the same rent amount to keep stable tenants and avoid turnover

3. Diversify Tenant Base

  • If a large portion of tenants are government workers, a landlord may want to market to a broader audience or professionals in private industries.
  • Advertise on platforms that cater to diverse tenant pools, including students and international workers.

4. Adjust Screening Criteria Thoughtfully

  • While it’s important to ensure financial stability, consider creditworthiness, assets, and rental history rather than just employment status.
  • Consider alternative income sources, like family members assisting, part-time work or freelance gigs.

5. Protect Cash Flow with Rent Guarantee Options

  • Explore rental insurance policies or rent guarantee services to cover losses in case of non-payment.
  • Consider co-signers or guarantors on leases for new tenants in vulnerable industries, just in case.

6. Adjust Rental Pricing to Stay Competitive

  • Monitor the D.C. rental market and adjust pricing accordingly to attract new tenants.
  • Consider offering move-in incentives as a way to stand out.  Be creative!  Sometimes things you can offer are different and may catch someone’s eye

Long-Term Planning for Rental Success

  • Build reserves to cover expenses during potential vacancies or rent shortfalls.
  • Invest in property upgrades to make rentals more attractive to a broader audience, such as young professionals or remote workers.
  • Consider diversifying property holdings to include areas that are less reliant on government employment.

By taking proactive steps, landlords can safeguard their investments while supporting tenants through economic uncertainty, ultimately leading to a more stable and resilient rental business.


Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager at Columbia Property Management. For more information, visit ColumbiaPM.com.

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