East of the River

Hillcrest’s 13th Annual Garden Tour to Focus on Curb Appeal

by: Kathy Chamberlin

Tree lined streets, oversized lots, solid detached homes, ample street parking, walking distance to Metro, three miles from the Capitol, on a higher hill than Capitol Hill—yes, that’s Hillcrest. On Saturday, June 17, residents will showcase a five-block section of this picturesque neighborhood in southeast Washington. The tour was originally created to showcase the beautiful homes and gardens of Hillcrest when Hillcrest was largely forgotten by the rest of the city. With recent tours attracting 80-100 people, many first-time visitors are surprised to discover such a gem on the east side of the Anacostia River. Hillcrest, once “the best kept secret in Washington” is no secret anymore, with property values increasing on par with the rest of the city as the trend to move back to Washington continues.

Due to the expansive nature and hilly terrain of Hillcrest, it was decided 5 years ago that each garden tour would focus on just one walkable segment of the neighborhood. The focus area for this year’s tour is the area between Alabama Ave and U Street, between Branch Ave and 36th Street SE, a relatively flat section of Hillcrest.

This year’s theme is “Curb Appeal,” with emphasis on the wonderful front yards, retaining walls, and entryways of the homes along the tour route. A guided tour format will be used, where the tour group walks from house to house, spending 5-10 minutes at each garden, with a narrator highlighting interesting garden techniques, architectural and neighborhood points of interest. Homeowners along the way will discuss their gardening challenges and strategies, and share their ideas. What plants work best for a sloping front yard? For a retaining wall? For an area that abuts an alley?

Carin & Rob Bigrigg moved into their home on 34th Street four years ago, along with their chocolate lab Mocha. The weedy front yard with a few bland shrubs detracted from the character of the house, and the back yard was even worse. Both being gardeners, they could see the potential for both yards. Since Mocha needed some outdoor space, they made the backyard the priority, first killing the weeds and grass, and starting new grass from seed. They replaced the old picket fence with an attractive wooden one, staining it a warm hue that complements the surroundings. Carin loves to grow vegetables and herbs, so they built several raised beds enclosed with wooden boards which they treated with non-toxic preservative.

In the summer of 2005, after much discussion and research, Carin and Rob came up with a plan for the front yard which would convert much of the area to perennial beds, add brick walkways and a few small trees, and leave only one area as grass. They began by killing the weeds, and digging up almost everything green. No plants survived the annihilation, not even the neighborhood’s characteristic azaleas (although 2 new azaleas were added to the backyard). A few startled neighbors inquired about the “scorched earth” but were assured that good things were coming.

Carin and Rob started planting the hottest weekend last July--laying sod and putting in the extra brickwork--and finished around October. Several of the new trees have strong sentimental meaning. In memory of her grandmother who died in 1999, Carin planted a redbud, her grandmother’s favorite tree. She planted two dogwoods in memory of her sister who died last year in a car accident and had been looking for pink dogwoods in California. The trees blossomed beautifully during their first spring in Carin’s yard, as did their numerous perennials. By the time of the garden tour, the spring blooms will have faded, but the summertime perennials will be wearing their full colors. Carin and Rob’s addition of curb appeal will inspire even the novice gardener.

Another highlight of the tour will be a partial makeover of the front yard of a neighbor on 36th St. Frager’s Hardware has agreed to demonstrate landscaping techniques and plant selection tips that can transform a plain entranceway into a more interesting, colorful, and attractive one.

The tour begins at 11 AM in the parking lot of East Washington Heights Baptist Church, 2220 Branch Ave SE (Branch & Alabama) and will last 1 ½ to 2 hours. Water will be provided during the walk. Following the tour, come to a backyard reception and enjoy a complementary light lunch and door prizes.

Tickets are $15 the day of the tour, or $10 if purchased by June 14th. To reserve your ticket for $10, email GardenTour@HillcrestDC.com by June 14th and give your name and the number of tickets you wish to reserve. For more information, contact Mary Hammond at 202-582-3059, Kathy Chamberlain at 202-581-8272, or Greg Harris at 202-575-1763.


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Hillcrest’s 13th Annual Garden Tour to Focus on Curb Appeal

by: Kathy Chamberlin
Tree lined streets, oversized lots, solid detached homes, ample street parking, walking distance to Metro, three miles from the Capitol, on a higher hill than Capitol Hill—yes, that’s Hillcrest. On Saturday, June 17, residents will showcase a five-block section of this picturesque neighborhood in southeast Washington. The tour was originally created to showcase the beautiful homes and gardens of Hillcrest when Hillcrest was largely forgotten by the rest of the city. With recent tours attracting 80-100 people, many first-time visitors are surprised to discover such a gem on the east side of the Anacostia River. Hillcrest, once “the best kept secret in Washington” is no secret anymore, with property values increasing on par with the rest of the city as the trend to move back to Washington continues. Due to the expansive nature and hilly terrain of Hillcrest, it was decided 5 years ago that each garden tour would focus on just one walkable segment of the neighborhood. The focus area for this year’s tour is the area between Alabama Ave and U Street, between Branch Ave and 36th Street SE, a relatively flat section of Hillcrest. This year’s theme is “Curb Appeal,” with emphasis on the wonderful front yards, retaining walls, and entryways of the homes along the tour route. A guided tour format will be used, where the tour group walks from house to house, spending 5-10 minutes at each garden, with a narrator highlighting interesting garden techniques, architectural and neighborhood points of interest. Homeowners along the way will discuss their gardening challenges and strategies, and share their ideas. What plants work best for a sloping front yard? For a retaining wall? For an area that abuts an alley? Carin & Rob Bigrigg moved into their home on 34th Street four years ago, along with their chocolate lab Mocha. The weedy front yard with a few bland shrubs detracted from the character of the house, and the back yard was even worse. Both being gardeners, they could see the potential for both yards. Since Mocha needed some outdoor space, they made the backyard the priority, first killing the weeds and grass, and starting new grass from seed. They replaced the old picket fence with an attractive wooden one, staining it a warm hue that complements the surroundings. Carin loves to grow vegetables and herbs, so they built several raised beds enclosed with wooden boards which they treated with non-toxic preservative. In the summer of 2005, after much discussion and research, Carin and Rob came up with a plan for the front yard which would convert much of the area to perennial beds, add brick walkways and a few small trees, and leave only one area as grass. They began by killing the weeds, and digging up almost everything green. No plants survived the annihilation, not even the neighborhood’s characteristic azaleas (although 2 new azaleas were added to the backyard). A few startled neighbors inquired about the “scorched earth” but were assured that good things were coming. Carin and Rob started planting the hottest weekend last July--laying sod and putting in the extra brickwork--and finished around October. Several of the new trees have strong sentimental meaning. In memory of her grandmother who died in 1999, Carin planted a redbud, her grandmother’s favorite tree. She planted two dogwoods in memory of her sister who died last year in a car accident and had been looking for pink dogwoods in California. The trees blossomed beautifully during their first spring in Carin’s yard, as did their numerous perennials. By the time of the garden tour, the spring blooms will have faded, but the summertime perennials will be wearing their full colors. Carin and Rob’s addition of curb appeal will inspire even the novice gardener. Another highlight of the tour will be a partial makeover of the front yard of a neighbor on 36th St. Frager’s Hardware has agreed to demonstrate landscaping techniques and plant selection tips that can transform a plain entranceway into a more interesting, colorful, and attractive one. The tour begins at 11 AM in the parking lot of East Washington Heights Baptist Church, 2220 Branch Ave SE (Branch & Alabama) and will last 1 ½ to 2 hours. Water will be provided during the walk. Following the tour, come to a backyard reception and enjoy a complementary light lunch and door prizes. Tickets are $15 the day of the tour, or $10 if purchased by June 14th. To reserve your ticket for $10, email GardenTour@HillcrestDC.com by June 14th and give your name and the number of tickets you wish to reserve. For more information, contact Mary Hammond at 202-582-3059, Kathy Chamberlain at 202-581-8272, or Greg Harris at 202-575-1763.