Posts Categorized: Blog

Daffodils

While not native, a beloved spring perennial is the daffodil. These often bright yellow flowers are a bellwether that spring is coming—a sign of hope after a long winter. They are also an important part of placemaking and the stories we tell and remember about spring.

Like the daffodils in our yards, those popping up in roadside ditches, or lining the now-invisible foundations of long-gone houses in the woods, daffodils evoke memories of hope and special places.

Public Comment Deadline: March 1, 2026
General info: https://rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh
Submit detailed comments: https://richmond.konveio.com/code-refresh-draft-two

Why Capital Trees Is Engaging on the Zoning Code Refresh

Capital Trees exists to lead initiatives that use public landscapes and tree canopy to awaken, restore, and transform our city and the people who live in it. Because zoning shapes where trees can be planted, how long they can survive, and who benefits from shade and greenspace,

Written by: Mary Petres, Horticulture Manager for Capital Trees

Last week landscape professionals, home gardeners, and a host of others interested in learning more about the connection between gardens, resilient landscapes, and resilient people came together at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for their annual Winter Symposium and CVNLA (Central VA Nursery and Landscape Association) Short Course. Led by a host of thoughtful and knowledgeable speakers, participants explored how gardens of all sizes and shapes can heal individuals,

Written by: Jesse Palma, Community Engagement Manager for Capital Trees

The Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association 2026 Winter Symposium focused on “Growing Wellness: Plants, People, and a Thriving Planet”, connecting public health to horticulture and landscaping, in a way that was uniquely specific to the Capital Trees mission. We heard many different perspectives on the ways landscapes can heal people and support communities, beyond just healthier environments and physical exercise. The presenters explored those psychological,

Written by: Anne Poarch, Director of Advancement for Capital Trees

In early February, I had the opportunity to attend the CVNLA Winter Symposium at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Growing Wellness: Plants, People, and a Thriving Planet. The day was rich not only in information, but in feeling — a reminder that our work in public greenspace is as much about the human spirit as it is about horticulture.

What struck me most was the emotion bubbling to the surface. 

November — Urban Greenspace Maintenance

“Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.” — William Cullen Bryant

November brought to the gardens a host of volunteers, some cooler temperatures, and a beautiful fall foliage display.  

Below are pictures taken at our newest installation at the Hotchkiss Green.  The plants are not quite a year in the ground and already the impact is apparent.

Throughout the month, volunteers worked tirelessly to tidy up the Low Line Gardens.

October — Urban Greenspace Maintenance

“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” — Vincent van Gogh 

Nothing illustrates this thought more than a stroll on the Virginia Capital Trail through the Low Line Gardens. Though we are well into fall, the garden continues to provide visual treats. The butter yellow of the Solidago blooms plays beautifully against the lavender of the asters.

September — The Fundamentals of Urban Greenspaces Cultivating Biodiversity and Building Resilience

Public greenspaces not only help improve human health and connection—they also restore environmental health and biodiversity.

Capital Trees began its work in 2010 with a focus on trees, the shortage of urban canopy, and the consequences of that shortage: more stormwater runoff, fewer habitat corridors, and increased heat stress. Our first project on 14th Street didn’t just replace vacant tree wells;

August — The Fundamentals of Urban Greenspaces We Need Public Greenspaces Now More Than Ever

Public greenspace access is essential to building strong communities and strong democracies. One of the most concerning public health crises we are facing is the epidemic of loneliness, with people feeling more disconnected, isolated, and unhappy.  The health risks are not only mental, but physical.  Loneliness can lead to “a 29% increased risk of heart disease; a 32% increased risk of stroke;