Features: The Gardening Coach • Susan Harris

Mike Welsh, City Gardener

Photos: Julie Wiatt

Takoma Park city gardener Mike Welsh cares for over 100 gardens, including the upper portal at Piney Branch and Takoma Avenues.

The heart of a gardener was always beating in Mike Welsh, Takoma's City Gardener. Growing up in the Garden State, in a gardening family and a gardening community, how could it not? But despite the aptitude tests that pointed to horticulture and farming, practical concerns led Mike into data processing, first in the Navy and then with MCI. But the soul of a gardener is patient, and Mike finally returned to his first love, studying horticulture at the University of Maryland, pursuing his Master Gardener certification, and then interning at the National Arboretum.

All of which positioned him to jump at the job of City Gardener, and after nine years in that job, Mike will tell you he's a lucky man. He and his staff of two spend their days caring for over 100 different gardens around the city and under Mike's care, they've not only flourished, but in a style that's distinct among city gardens. Rather than the soldierly rows of annuals still seen in some jurisdictions, Takoma's gardens are naturalistic in style and brimming with a variety of plants -- trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, bulbs, annuals and lawn. Mike's advice for homeowners who want healthy, wildlife-attracting gardens is similarly to use a diversity of plant types, including native plants and well adapted nonnatives.

The other part of Mike's job that he loves is helping residents get their hands dirty. Boy Scouts in Troop 33 have contributed hours of valuable labor to area gardens, calling it "a zen experience" or simply "neat." Members of Girl Scout Troop 2986, led by Winnie Neunzig, have planted bulbs and removed weeds. And a bonus for students who volunteer with Mike is receiving community service credits at their schools. Last season adults and kids donated their labor and extra plants to create a street garden along Westmoreland Avenue, with Mike's guidance and encouragement. And after a big gardening day last summer at Takoma Park Elementary School, I received two emails, one from parent organizer Sally Kern praising Mike's generosity, and the other from Mike declaring that it was "just one of those wonderful days in the garden with very good citizens and plant folks." Mike also enjoys identifying plant problems and offering solutions in residents' private gardens, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

	Some of Mike's favorites. Left, Mike points out helleborus. Above, the witch hazel, Arnold's promise. Right, exotic-looking Oregon grape holly.

I recently asked Mike what information he'd like me to pass on to city residents and, never shy, he offered two points: First, don't discard your unwanted plants without offering him a chance to adopt them for city gardens. In his years on the job residents have donated at least 600 azaleas, as well as countless other shrubs and perennials. Second, Mike told me to urge residents to garden with their kids; it forges a connection with nature that can last a lifetime.

Asked about the future of Takoma Park's gardens, Mike says that residents appreciate gardens and would enjoy seeing them "raised to the next level." So what would that be? Ideas include the addition of people-friendly elements like seating, art work, fountains, stone walls, colorful banners, or a bit of whimsy. Sounds like the kind of public spaces that bring vitality to city life, and I say let's go for it. Meanwhile, to help improve your nearest public garden or your own little piece of heaven, contact Mike at 301-891-7622 or mikew@takomagov.org.

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The Takoma Horticulture Club has recently launched its new gardening information website and welcomes input from all readers of the Voice. Send your garden photographs or your favorite gardening books, mail order sources, or environmental links to me at and I'll add them to the site.

Master Gardener Susan Harris writes about gardening for UDC's Cooperative Extension Service and teaches gardening privately; see - thegardeningcoach.com. She also blogs at gardenrant.com and takomagardener.typepad.com.

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