The next general meeting of Rock Spring Garden Club is Thursday, February 16, 2017 beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Little Falls Presbyterian Church, 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22207  Our meetings are free and open to the public but please do RSVP by using the “Contact” button above or email us at [email protected]  (Lunch is available for a small donation, too.)  Our  Horticulture and Show Design displays, Ways and Means, and business meeting begin at 10:00 am. Our speaker follows.

A Sustainable English Garden:

John Sonnier, Head Gardener at the British Embassy

John Sonnier is the Head Gardener/Horticulturist at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC.  He will discuss his gardening practices and share beautiful images of the gardens he manages. John is a certified member and past Board member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. He has worked to preserve historic landscape for the past 23 years.  First as the Lead Gardener at Harvard University’s Dumbarton Oaks for four years.  He then spent 13 years at Hillwood Museum and Gardens as Project Manager for the Restoration of the gardens and outdoor sculpture collection.   He became Head Gardener/Horticulturist for the British Ambassador’s Residence 7 1/2 years ago. Here he uses traditional gardening practices, focusing on organic and sustainable methods of care. Additionally John has created one of this country’s most significant historic orchid collections.  John has taught Landscape Design at the George Washington University.  He taught sculpture at the Corcoran College of Art and Design for 12 years.