A reader from RainTree, near Goodwin High School wants to know if anyone recommends any local tree service/pruning companies.  Can you help?

[We] have a 20 foot Crepe Mrytle that needs pruning.  Do you have any suggestions for someone who will do it for a reasonable price?  Thank you

It’s no secret that I love trees.  I work at a botanical garden after all.  And I also confess, I love things that are free. So this is why, each year, I  mention (and attend if at all possible) the Henricopolis SWCD tree-seedling giveaway this year it is on Friday March 19.

The Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will hold its annual spring tree-seedling giveaway for Henrico County residents on Friday, March 19 at the Hermitage High School parking lot, 8301 Hungary Spring Road. Trees will be distributed free of charge from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Henricopolis SWCD will offer several seedling specialty packs, including wildlife, pine, ornamental, shrub and wetland/stream bank. Information about individual species and planting guidelines are available online at www.co.henrico.va.us/swcd.

The seedling giveaway is part of the conservation district’s ongoing efforts to protect the James River watershed by reducing runoff and sediment flows into local streams. Call 501-5175 for more information.

Actually, I don’t think they’ve updated their website recently, because I coulnd’t find the species guide and planting info, but I will say that several years ago when I went I got several beautiful species including pink and white dogwoods.  I’ll see you there!

Richmond residents, fear not! I just found an event for you on April 3rd, also with a free tree givaway. Stay Cool with Trees, is a free Arbor Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carillon in Richmond’s Byrd Park.  During the festivities, Richmond will receive Tree City USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 19^th straight year.

Rain or shine, you will find both fun and information about the many ways trees make our lives better. You also will learn about the work of related community organizations and businesses.

Children can climb a tree, bounce in an inflatable castle, enjoy art activities supervised by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, and meet the Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot “Nutzy.” And they can expect a visit by a city firefighting unit between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Adults will also have several fun events in which to participate:

* Six workshops on planting, identifying trees, pruning mature trees, why native plants are needed, assessing the extent of decay inside a trunk, and tips for using a professional arborist’s tools.

* Talking with experts about tree selection, tree care, protection during construction, horticulture and gardening.

* Shopping for everything from plants and artwork to composting bins and rain barrels.

* Getting a free bare-root tree, (while supplies last!).

The acoustic band Van Driver will perform while fans meet and greet representatives of WRIR 97.3 and of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, who will also have a drawing for a special prize. Nancy Ross Hugo, the essayist-landscaper and co-author of Remarkable Trees of Virginia, will be the keynote speaker. Richard Nunnally, Richmond Times-Dispatch garden columnist and WCVE gardening show host, will greet his fans and answer horticulture questions at the Times-Dispatch booth. Karl Pokorny, former Richmond city arborist, will offer information and answer questions about protecting trees during construction.

Other certified arborists and a wildlife biologist will present six workshops, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Then all but the native plant workshop will repeat from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

* A Professional Arborist’s Equipment – Mark Bennett, arborist, Davey Tree

* Assessing Strength Loss and Potential Hazards in Trees Using a Resistograph – Bill Poad, arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts

* Mature Tree Pruning – Billy Davis, arborist, Arborscapes

* How to Plant a Tree – Norman Brown, arborist, Richmond Urban Forestry

* Tree Identification – Michael Mather, arborist, Richmond Urban Forestry

* Reconnecting the Web: Why We Won’t Save Wildlife Without Native Plant Landscapes – Lou Verner, wildlife mapping coordinator, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Event attendees will be able to purchase The Earth Machine compost bin at a discount through the Clean City Commission (cash or personal checks only).

I just learned on Twitter that 3Sports, my favorite local bike shop (and triathlon store), is moving from Forest Ave (near Tuckahoe Elementary School) to the River Road Shopping Center. This is great news, because they’ll be more conveniently located –but best of all they will be expanding their site to over 5,000 square feet.  Plus they’ll be positioned in a much better site for packet pickups, group rides & group runs.

One of the things I like best about 3Sports is that owners Ben & Jennifer Johnson and their mechanic Andrew Wolak always make you feel at home there.  More than once I’ve had Ben or Andrew show me what they were doing to my bike, and explain it so that if I wanted to fix it myself the next time (and if I was a quick study) I would have the knowledge.  It was Jennifer, in fact, who first taught me how to change a tube in my road bike when I got a flat, and it was Ben who finally made me feel confident that I could in fact fix things on my bike that were broken.  Plus, since “hanging out” has always been part of their company culture, with 2 dogs and living-room like setting in the bike shop, I’m hoping they’ll carry that concept over to the new store with more room.  I’ll keep you posted on the open date as I learn more.

So, congrats Ben and Jennifer. We love to see locally owned businesses doing so well. And you guys deserve it.

FYI, they also have a great website, and you can find them on Facebook as well.

Fans of Libbie Market (formerly Joe’s Market) may be interested in this update that owner, Dave Taylor, sent to the Facebook Fans of the small Near West End neighborhood market:

Hello Libbie Market facebook fans. Here is a quick update on what’s happening at Libbie Market. We are beginning the process of re-merchandising our store and you will see a transformation over the next two weeks (please pardon our mess!). Our meat department is fully converted to “Certified Angus” and “Prime” beef. Beginning Monday March 1st we will have weekly meat specials. This week’s lead item is New York Strip Steaks for $6.99/Lb. As well, (drum roll)…donuts are back at Libbie Market. Krispy Kreme donuts are now available 7 days a week. Did I forget to tell you, we are also open Sundays, so be sure to come in and check-out our fabulous Sunday Brunch. More to come later, thanks for all of your support.

David.

Here’s that photo I promised you of the almost completed restaurant — The Grill at Patterson & Libbie.

The Grill at Libbie & Patterson

My friend Andrew Miller sent this report from his back alley — photos and all (thanks Andrew)!  So if your alley is in just as bad shape, it looks like there may be hope!

[The city is resurfacing]….the service alley parallel to Grove and Hanover, between Westmoreland and Bunting. I don’t know if other alleys will be completed today after ours is completed. They’ve been at it for about two hours and it looks as good as new! It was previously so rutted and full of potholes that it was a rough ride even in my 4WD.

The alley parallel to Grove & Hanover at Westmoreland Ave is being resurfaced

So, it looks like everyone is ready for the Grill at Patterson & Libbie to open! And, things are looking good at the restaurant site.  The patio looks complete (stay tuned for photos). They are hiring staff on Craigslist, and have a big hiring now sign (even if it’s not actually hanging up, where folks can see it.) Their Facebook page says they are targeting March 3 or 8 for an opening date.

On Facebook you can also find a menu, and promise of more photos “later today”…written on Tuesday.  Oh, and if you are searching for them on Facebook, spell Libbie — Libby — apparently there was a typo in the name when they started the Facebook page.

The University of Richmond, has announced its new director, Deborah Sommers. She will replace former executive director Kathy Panoff.  UR’s The Collegian reports:

She will take on her new position July 1. Sommers will be responsible for a number of performances and events at the Modlin Center including: the 45-event Great Performances Series, three main stage productions by the university’s theatre and dance department and the University Players and Dancers, 30 musical performances in the Department of Music’s Free Concert Series as well as community events and performances throughout the year. Sommers also will direct and teach Richmond’s arts management program.

Or, read  the full story.