Carderock Springs

The Stone tract of which Carderock Springs is part was originally comprised of two primary tracts. One, on which the house known as “Stoneyhurst” rests, was originally deeded to Samuel Brewer Magruder in the middle 1700s. “Glenmore,” the home now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar Stone, is situated on the portion of the tract (a 20-acre tract off Persimmon Tree Road) which was originally owned by Lilly Caltman Stone’s ancestors. The two parcels were consolidated when Lilly Stone married Frank Pelham Stone in the late 1800s. Stoneyhurst, one of the oldest homes in the area, was built in 1767 by Samuel B. Magruder and was known as “Samuel’s Delight” in those early days. The home is located on the left side of Seven Locks Road just north of River Road. Glenmore pos-dates Stoneyhurst by almost a century, but is still nearly 100 years old. It was constructed in 1864.

Samuel Magruder was the great-grandson of Alexander Magruder, who emigrated to Virginia from Scotland in 1651. This migration was not totally by choice, however. Alexander, an officer in the Army of King Charles II was sent to the colonies as a prisoner of war by the Cromwell government.

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It is presumed that Samuel was the first to farm the ground which more or less continuously produced wheat, corn, and hay until 1918. While farming was one of the most significant uses of this land, it is certainly not the most interesting. The tract has a uniquely interesting and varied occupational history. In a sense, the ground literally lent itself to the prosperous history of the whole Potomac Valley. In 1832, Captain John Moore, grandfather of Lilly Stone, who owned the “Glenmore” portion of the track, opened stone quarries to provide rock needed for the construction of the C & 0 Canal. Stone from these quarries was used extensively in building the canal, its bridges, and its locks. Captain John not only quarried the stone, but he also contracted to build some of the locks and later ran a canal boat up the C & 0.

Early in the 1800s, prior to the opening of the quarries, a Magruder named Patrick established a paper mill on “Samuel’s Delight.” While this paper mill burned to the ground in 1854, the foundation of the mill can still be seen on the tract of land near the entrance of Carderock Springs across River Road.

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On the property is another spring with a still more interesting history, being known as Stillhouse Spring. This spring was exploited by one of the more secular owners who energized the spring by a fairly well-known process. It must be remembered that a trip to the District Line was a major outing in those days. Back as far as Colonial days, the springs on the property brought satisfaction to the thirsty traveler. The water was bottled at the springs and used by the famous Johns Cabin of Colonial days, from which the hostelry the stream of Cabin John was named.

It was the only hotel between Frederick and Washington in the River Road, which General Braddock and George Washington laid out when they marched to meet the French and Indians.

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Well over a century later, in 1905, the water from Glenmore Springs was again put on sale to the public. A. Rhett Stuart. M.D., in a testimonial describing the spring water used these words: “I recommend the Sulphur Water most highly for Rheumatic and Blood Diseases. Also as an active stimulant to the Liver and eliminant through the Kidney. The table water is very light and much of it can be drunk without causing any feeling of discomfort. It is pure and free from all poisonous organic matter or terms of any kind. It is valuable on account of its Laxative Salts.” In addition to the various endeavors involving spring water, quarried rock, and farming, the ground is distinguished as being one of the highest points in the surrounding area. Before many cedar trees grew tall around Glenmore, the vista from the front porch was quite spectacular. On a clear day, one could readily see the construction going on at American University. A story has been passed down that the guns from the Battle of Bull Run could be heard at Glenmore.

Glenmore Spring Road
Named after the old Lilly Stone homestead “Glenmore”, located at the end of Comanche Court. An old history of “Glenmore” said that horses stabled in downtown Washington were driven out Conduit Road, now named MacArthur Blvd, in late spring to feed on the abundant grasslands during the summer months.

 

Stone Trail Drive
Named after the dirt oxcart trail that connected the Stoneyhurst quarries to Conduit Road and was used to transport stone to the canal to build the “Seven Locks”, beginning in the early 19th century. Parts of the oxcart trail can still be seen halfway up the slope above the Carderock Club tennis courts and behind the houses on Still Spring Court.

 

Park Overlook Court
Chosen by the developer because of its proximity to Cabin John Park.

 

Cabin John Park
Named after relatives of the developer.

 

Barkwater Court
Unusual name not previously used in Montgomery County. The same is true of all the street names above. The county does not allow the use of duplicate names in new subdivisions.

 

Fenwav. Tomlinson
Previously named by adjoining owners or subdividers. No information on the derivation of these names.

 

Stonevhurst Quarries
Named after the founder, “Captain” John Stone, who had married a Magruder. These quarries were opened on both sides of River Road in the early 19th century.

Development of the Community

In preparing to develop the area, Bennett first laid out a set of objectives and then prepared a program whereby these could be achieved. He carried out a market study of housing in the County and of the families that occupy those homes. It included numbers of children, numbers of automobiles owned, and years of college of the residents.

For “North Carderock” he acquired the Stone property first and later bought the Hamilton tract. To round out this portion of the community, he acquired some small “outparcels.” The property for Carderock South was obtained from a group of professionals who owned the land. He arranged for a detailed topographic study with elevations taken at two-foot intervals. He had a party in the field marking on these contours the major hardwood trees of diameters twelve inches and larger. He laid out the streets to fit the terrain in order to minimize cut-and-fill operations. The County had certain requirements limiting grades to 10% and defining certain curve radii. These had to be taken into consideration in sitting on the streets.

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The County’s zoning requirements of the time (1960) did not provide flexibility as to set-back. Lots of the time fell into a checkerboard pattern regardless of the terrain. There was little or no effort to start with the landscape as it was. Also at that time, the County required that each house have 75 feet of frontage on a road. Bennett was successful in introducing the cul-de-sac concept for non-dedicated street house locations. This led to the use of private courts as we see in parts of Carderock. This permitted him to get away from the checkerboard patterns and then extant. He was able to convince the County that an average lot size of twenty thousand square feet for the community would be satisfactory. This was achieved by having some lots less than the 20,000 square feet and some more, keeping in mind that the ten acres occupied by the Swim Club were to be included in calculating the average. He cited the houses related to the distribution of trees. He insisted on making the house structures of the land rather than on it.

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He wanted to integrate the structure with the land and the trees rather than contouring the land to fit the house. This meant he had to have designs that would fit uphill, downhill, side-slope, and level areas. At the same time, he had to insure that the elevation of the ground level of a house was above the sewer drains in the street. He marked the existing springs to insure drainage and to capture their beauty where appropriate.

He tested the architectural firm’s ingenuity in designing houses to meet his requirements. Houses should be contemporary, have large grassed areas, and so designed that there would be an integration of the indoors with the outdoors

Models

Carderock Springs is the result of intensive efforts by many professionals to provide a unique living experience in a heavily wooded, close-in setting, convenient to jobs, recreation, and shopping. Special emphasis has been placed on sitting individual homes on the land and preserving the natural terrain and foliage.

Curvilinear streets, non-circulating cul-de-sacs, underground utility lines, and the absence of TV antennas and on-street parking combine to make Carderock one of the nation’s best-looking communities. The homes have been designed by Keyes, Lethbridge, and Condom, AlA, and reflect the pooling of research findings, experience, and talent that has won Carderock Springs nearly every major award for design excellence.

Each house has four or five twin-sized bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Other features include air conditioning, open-riser stairs, balconies, and exposed aggregate.

The Glenmore

The Glenmore

The largest of all in floor area. It has four bedrooms and three baths. A room-length balcony creates a dramatic outlook for the 23 x 15-foot living room. Depending upon the lot, a fifth bedroom or a built-in garage can be provided. A patio adjoins the dining room. This home has 3,050 square feet under the roof.

The Clubview

The Clubview

A split-level design with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a recreation room, and a distinctive center hall entry foyer. Sliding doors lead from the kitchen and dining room onto a large patio. The lower level provides abundant storage, laundry, and workshop area. There are 2,710 square feet of space on all levels. The garage is optional.

The Hillcrest

The Hillcrest

A bi-level design with a mid-level entry and two balconies gracing the exterior. One is outside the living room to the front. The second, outside the dining room and kitchen with a view of the woods in the rear, provides a pleasant outdoor eating area. There are four twin-sized bedrooms and three tiled bathrooms. The mid-level entry is private from the two levels. The living room and recreation room each have fireplaces. There is a total of 2,370 square feet. A garage and fifth bedroom are optional.

The Overlook

The Overlook

This design has four bedrooms, three baths, large laundry and storage area, a balcony off the living room and a garden patio reached through sliding doors from the dining room and kitchen. There are fireplaces in the living room and recreation room. A covered entry porch spanning the full width of the house leads to a 16-foot entry foyer. Living space totals 2,640 sq. Garage included.

The Pineview

The Pineview

An imposing two-story house that is 72 feet long. The lower level provides a study and an acoustically separated recreation room in addition to a separate dining room. The upper level has four bed- rooms, a large balcony off the master bedroom, and a study alcove. It contains 2,850 square feet of spacer including a basement. Garage included.

The Valleyview

The Valleyview

In this model, you will find open floor plans with expansive windows that allow for ample natural light and scenic views of the surrounding woods. Key architectural elements include flat or low-pitched roofs, natural stone and wood exteriors, and integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces like patios or decks. Interiors are typically minimalist, with exposed beams, wood paneling, and functional, built-in furniture. The upper level has two beds/ two baths along with the living room, dining area, and kitchen. On the entry level you can find the recreational room and an additional two beds/ two baths. 

The Woodside

The Woodside

With expansive glass windows that bring the outdoors in, woodside homes offer stunning views of the wooded environment. Key design elements include flat or gently sloping roofs, exposed wood beams, and natural materials like stone and wood used throughout the interiors and exteriors. Along with the three beds/ three baths, the entry level also has the living room, dining room, kitchen and garage. On the lower level you will find the recreational room and an additional two beds/ two baths. Patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces are commonly integrated to encourage seamless indoor-outdoor living.

The Parkridge

The Parkridge

These homes often feature clean, minimalist lines, open floor plans, and large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer abundant natural light and views of the surrounding woodlands. This unique design allows for all rooms to openly fit on one level. The Parkridge models typically have gently sloping or flat roofs, natural stone or wood facades, and interior elements like exposed beams and wood paneling.

The Atrium

The Atrium

True to its name, this model typically features a central atrium or courtyard, acting as the heart of the home, which floods the interior with natural light and offers serene views of the surrounding nature. Large windows and sliding glass doors create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while flat or gently sloped roofs, clean lines, and natural materials like wood and stone define the home’s modern aesthetic. Only seven Atrium model homes were built in Carderock Springs.

Covenants

The Carderock Springs Citizens’ Association has put the covenants online!

The 405 houses in the Carderock Springs development are covered by covenants registered in the files of Montgomery County: The covenants were issued over a period of time as the Bennett Construction Company built in specific areas. The 360 houses in North Carderock are covered by a series of covenants with dates ranging from 1962 to 1966. A single set of covenants applies to the 45 houses in South Carderock. The terms of all covenants are generally the same. Provisions regarding fences changed in the years 1964 and 1965. There are other smaller differences and householders should consult the specific set of covenants that apply to their property. However, the following should help develop a sense of awareness of the rules that govern ownership in Carderock Springs.

Building Site shall mean any lot, or portion thereof, or any two or more contiguous lots, or a parcel of land of record and in single ownership and upon which a dwelling may be erected in conformance with the requirements of these covenants. Corporations shall mean Bennett Construction Company, Inc. and Flint Hill Construction Company. Professional Office shall mean rooms used for office purposes but not by more, than two members of any recognized profession, including doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and architects, but not including medical or dental clinics. Joint Driveway shall mean the common use portion of driveways serving certain lots, but not any connecting driveway serving a single residence.

The real property which is. and shall be, held and shall be conveyed, transferred, and sold subject to the conditions, restrictions, easements, liens, and charges outlined in the various clauses and subdivisions of this Declaration is located in the County of Montgomery, State of Maryland, and is more particularly described as follows, to wit: [Here the specific lot and block covered by the specific issue of the covenants are listed.

Before considering the guidelines for protecting the status quo in Carderock Springs, let’s examine just what there is about it that we want to protect. Carderock Springs is a medium-sized community (405 houses) of medium-sized contemporary houses sited in rolling topography containing many indigenous trees. More than the houses themselves, it is the way the different models were designed to accommodate the various site conditions and the way the roads adapt to the site that makes Carderock Springs a unique community (the architect won several awards). It was this respect for the site requiring minimal grading that allowed most of the original topography, and so many of the native trees to be preserved.

 

For the most part, the houses are a pleasing combination of brick, wood siding, and glass areas covered by gently sloping shingled roofs with generous overhangs. It is this generous roof overhang (2 feet) with its sloping soffit (underside) and the angled fascia (edge) that gives a strong roof expression and (in my opinion) is probably the most distinctive architectural characteristic of Carderock Springs houses. The generous amount of glass in contemporary houses allowing sweeping views makes it paramount that those vistas be maintained and protected.

 

The covenants of our community are intended to ensure the best use and most appropriate development of each homesite, to prevent haphazard and inharmonious improvements, and to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of our neighborhood. To this end, Article VI excluding fencing from front yards protects the openness and sweeping flow of greenery from one site to another. But what does the Architectural Review Committee look for in reviewing drawings for an addition? The committee believes that the key word is “harmonious” which is mentioned several times in the covenants. So far as practicable, materials and colors in an addition should match existing ones. Furthermore, roof slopes and significant details such as the roof eave (overhang with sloping soffit) should be repeated in an addition. Also, an addition should require minimum disturbance of the site, and not entail significant earth relocation with large retaining walls and/or the removal of large numbers of .trees. Moreover, its placement should show consideration for the visual rights of its neighbors (this applies to all buildings including storage sheds). The committee does not feel that irregular, complex, or curvilinear-shaped additions are compatible with existing architecture nor are such elements as cupolas, window shutters, fancy wrought iron work, aluminum awnings, or box cornices.

 

In the last several years, significantly large additions have been added to about a half-dozen houses in a trend known as “mansion-sizing”. The community can only accommodate a certain number of these “mansions” before their character begins to deteriorate as we start to lose sight of the site. The committee is going to take a harder look at future large additions, and it is hoped that owners will show more restraint so that the pleasant green openness we enjoy now can be retained.

In the event of the establishment of a Community Association and Club, hereinbefore referred to in [a previous article], the owner of each building site to which these Covenants apply shall be eligible for one membership in such Community Association and Club and to participate in the operation of the same under such by-laws as may be adopted by such Community Association and Club from time to time and upon payment of such initiation fee or other fees as it may establish.

The covenants are to run with the land and shall be binding upon the Corporations and all persons claiming under it until [ here a specific date is listed in each specific set of covenants] in any event, and continually thereafter unless and until by vote of a majority of the then owners of the building sites covered by these Covenants it is agreed to change said Covenants in whole or in part.

The Covenants herein contained shall run with and bind the land and shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Corporations and their successors in interest and title, or the owner of any land herein described, its or their legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns, or by any service, maintenance, or lot owners’ Association or Corporation. Failure to enforce any condition, restriction, covenant, or agreement herein contained, by any parties having such right of enforcement, shall in no event be deemed a waiver of the right of enforcement thereafter, as to the same breach or as to one occurring prior or subsequent thereto, nor shall any such failure be the basis for the claim for damages against aforesaid Corporations or successors in interest.

Since the enforcement of the restrictions and covenants herein provided is deemed essential for the complete consummation of the general plan of improvement hereby contemplated, and for the protection of the Corporations and all future owners of land described herein, it is hereby declared that any violation of the restrictions and/or breach of the covenants and agreements herein created cannot be adequately compensated for by recovery of damages and that the Corporations and their successors in interest and title and/or any future lot shall have been selected, no such approval shall be required. In the event the Corporations, or their successors in interest and title, or such architectural committee fails to approve or disapprove such design and location within thirty (30) days after said plans or specifications have been submitted to it or, in any event, if no suit to enjoin the erection of such building or the making of such alterations has been commenced before the completion thereof, such approval will not be required and the Covenant will be deemed to have been fully complied with. No sound hardwood trees shall be removed from any lot without written approval by the Corporations or their successors or assigns.

No nuisance, advertising sign, billboard, or other devices shall be permitted, erected, or placed, or suffered to remain upon said premises; nor shall the premises be used in any way for any purpose which may endanger the health, or unreasonably disturb the quiet of any owner of the adjoining or adjacent land. PROVIDED that (1) one sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and not illuminated may be attached to a dwelling to advertise only professional services and (2) one temporary real estate sign not exceeding six (6) square feet in any area may be erected upon property placed upon the market for sale or rent.

In the event a post lamp is installed on any lot, the owner shall maintain and light it from dusk to dawn and bear all costs incident thereto.

[There is a lengthy provision appearing in appropriate covenants that govern the responsibility for governance, maintenance, and sharing of costs related to joint driveways. Affected residents should consult the specific set of covenants for details.]

 

No property other than that described above shall be deemed subject to this Declaration, unless and until specifically made subject thereto. The Declarants may, from time to time, subject additional real property to the conditions, restrictions, covenants, reservations, easements, liens and charges herein set forth by reference hereto.

The real property described [above] is subjected to the covenants, reservations, liens, and charges hereby declared to ensure the best use and the most appropriate development and improvement of each building site thereof; to protect the owners of building sites against such improper use of surrounding building sites as will depreciate the value of their property; to preserve, so far as practicable, the natural beauty of said property, to guard against the erection thereon of poorly designed or proportioned structures, and structures built of improper or unsuitable materials; to obtain harmonious color schemes; to ensure the highest and best development of said property; to encourage and secure the erection pf attractive homes thereon, with appropriate locations thereof on building sites; to prevent haphazard and in- harmonious improvement; and in general to provide adequately for a high type and quality of improvement in said property, and thereby to enhance the values of investments made by purchasers of building sites therein.

All Building Sites shall be known and described as residential building sites and shall be used exclusively for private dwelling-house purposes, except (1) such site as the Corporation may, at any time and at its sole discretion, select for use as a Community Association and Club to be erected, developed, maintained and operated by the members thereof, and (2) except that a professional office, as herein defined, may be maintained in a dwelling, provided that the maintenance and use are limited to the person residing in the dwelling and one other professional associate.

No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.

 

No animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept on any lot, except that dogs, cats, or other household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose. No burning of trash and no accumulation or storage of litter, new or used building materials, or trash of any other kind shall be permitted on any lot. No junk vehicle and no house trailer shall be kept on any lot. Trash and garbage containers shall not be permitted to remain in public view except on days of trash collection.

 

Outdoor clothes dryers or clothes lines shall be placed within a screened enclosure of an approved design of attractive rustic wood, not over eight feet square and not over six feet in height.

 

To facilitate the free movement of passing vehicles, no automobiles belonging to residents shall be parked on the paved portion of joint driveways or public streets, except during temporary emergencies. No outside television aerial or antenna for reception or transmission shall be visible from the street or adjoining houses.

For seven (7) years from the date of this instrument no building, outbuilding, garage, fence, wall, or improvement of any character shall be erected on any premises on the said tract, and none begun, nor any change made in the exterior design of such buildings or improvements after original construction has begun, unless and until the architect designing the same; the cost, type and size thereof; the exterior materials to be used in the construction; the color scheme; the plans, specifications, and details thereof, and a plot plan, showing the proposed location of the dwelling, outbuilding, garage and driveways upon the lot; existing and proposed grade revisions, shall all have been approved in writing by the Corporations or their successors in interest and title, and copies of said plans, specifications, and details shall have been lodged permanently with the Corporation or their successors in interest and title. At any time after the expiration of said seven (7) year period or earlier, if the Corporations shall so elect, such approval shall be had from an architectural committee composed of three (3) members of the Community Association to be selected under the by-laws of said Association, and if no such architectural committee.

Gardening

One must make decisions with any garden – what to plant, where, and when. If possible, plant deciduous trees to shade the house in the summer and to allow the sun to warm it in the winter. Use evergreen trees and shrubs on the perimeter of the property for privacy and as a backdrop for flowering shrubs and plants. Avoid blocking windows so that light and air may enter. The police recommend avoiding high dense shrubs near the house because criminals seek such hiding places in order to accost homeowners.

When planting trees and shrubs, call “Miss Utility” at 1-800-257- 7777 first to be sure you won’t hit electric, telephone, gas, or cable lines. Hitting a line could be dangerous, even fatal. Most of us have underground utility lines. However, a few Carderock homes are on roads with overhead wires so when planting, look up. The tree you plant may reach those wires in a few years and the utility people are at liberty to cut off the top. It is important to learn not only how high a tree or shrub will be at maturity but also how wide. It’s hard to believe that the small tree you planted will grow up and out, but it will all too quickly, if in the wrong place. If your home is surrounded by mature trees and there is shade everywhere, that can be an advantage. To lessen the shade, remove lower branches from most trees. However, magnolias and other trees whose beauty and form are enhanced by limbs touching the ground should be left alone. Some trees are considered “weed trees” and should be removed. Silver maples and wild cherries are examples. Other trees may be removed to give specimen trees more room to grow. All dead and diseased branches should be cut off.

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There are degrees of shade. Densely shaded areas receive no sun and few plants will grow. In medium shade areas, there would be only a few hours of sun. Light shade areas receive morning sun only or perhaps only filtered light all day. However, there are bulbs, flowers, shrubs, and ground covers that will tolerate shade and some will bloom even in dense shade.

Narcissus and tulips are the better-known bulbs but there are many other kinds of spring bulbs. These may be planted under deciduous trees because they will bloom after the trees leaf out.

Azaleas and rhododendrons are wonderful plants. They like shade and acid soil and do better when planted away from the house. In full sun, azaleas tend to develop spider mites, a real problem. Rhododendrons appreciate an even heavier shade than azaleas. There are other evergreen shrubs that thrive in the shade that may be planted by the house – mahonia, leucothoe, Pieris, aucuba, and nandinas to name a few. These lend themselves to pruning when necessary.

The Tress of Carderock Springs

“The development with all the trees” is the way many people characterize Carderock Springs. We are indeed fortunate that the planners and developers cared enough to save a large number of the existing trees. Our covenants even require approval by the Architectural Review Committee before one can remove a “sound hardwood tree”. The excellent cooperation by the citizens of Carderock Springs in 1989 to fight the tree-killing gypsy moth demonstrated that nearly all of the residents care about their trees.

 

Besides their natural beauty, trees offer many benefits to the homeowner. They act as a buffer against traffic noise. They soften the straight lines of our houses. They provide food and shelter for birds and small animals such as squirrels. They also help us to save energy; deciduous shade homes in the summer and evergreens block winds in the winter. The ideal situation is to have deciduous on the southern side of one’s house. Their leaves block the hot summer sun, and after dropping in the fall, allow the winter sun to shine through to warm the house. The American Forestry Association estimates that trees increase property value by more than $10,500 for each quarter-acre lot. One might want to keep that figure in mind the next time one is raking leaves.

 

The focus of the accompanying list is to make us more aware of the variety of trees that are growing around us and to select some of the more perfect singular specimens known as exemplars. We do not mean to imply that groups or clusters are not desirable nor attractive, for indeed there are more clusters of trees in Carderock Springs than there are singular ones. Some specimens were found only in groups. It is hoped that those homeowners fortunate enough to have one or more exemplars in their yard will make sure that they are protected and that the root areas are not damaged by mowers etc. We plan to label the listed trees next spring. We did not have time to cover Carderock Springs South.

 

We thank Bill Nopper, Nature Facility Supervisor, and naturalist Helene Halushynsky from the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission for helping us with their expertise.

Evergreen trees that prefer shade are yews and hemlocks. Yews come in various forms – spreading, upright and dwarf. Hemlocks can be pruned into hedges or left as specimen trees. Hollies – and there are many kinds – tolerate light shade. Almost all are unisexual and for the female tree to produce berries male trees must be near. Osmanthus resembles holly. It has small but fragrant flowers In October.

 

Other kinds of evergreens like sun – pines, spruces, cedars, junipers – and too have many varieties. Arborvitae is another sun-loving evergreen. They and junipers tend to develop bagworms which can be controlled by hand picking and destroying. Leland cypress has the advantage of being pest-free and although it matures at around 75 feet high, it remains narrow, less than 12 feet in spread. It, too, needs sun.

 

Among shade-loving deciduous shrubs are viburnums which bloom in the spring and hydrangeas which bloom in the summer. There are many varieties of both. Viburnum caricephalum has a spicy fragrance. Hydrangea macrophylla “Nikko Blue” is especially colorful. Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) has a large white flower head and its leaves turn dark red. Fothergilla is another shrub recommended for our area. Clethra ainifolia (sweet pepper bush) is a summer bloomer.

 

Comus Florida (dogwood) is native to our area. However, a virus called “anthracnose” is attacking them and so far is unable to be controlled. Comus kousa seems resistant. It has the same kind of flowers but they are on the top of the branches and it blooms after the native dogwoods. These are “understory trees” and should not be planted in full sun although the kousas bloom more heavily with about four to six hours of sun.

 

Shade-loving flowering perennials are numerous. Of course, most do even better with the sun. Hemerocallis (daylilies) are fine in light shade. The period of bloom can be extended for weeks by careful selection. Two that are repeat bloomers and bloom into fall are “Stella D’Oro” and “Bitsy”.

 

Hostas thrive though they must be protected against slugs that love them.

 

A late summer -early fall one is “Royal Standard” which has white fragrant blossoms and seems far more resistant to slugs. Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) is another and is easier to grow. Brunnera macrophylla whose flowers resemble forget-me-nots has large attractive leaves as well.

Anemones hupehensis (Japanese anemones) are fall bloomers. Sedum “Autumn Joy” which will stand some shade Is delightful and long-lasting in the fall. Another fall flower is aconitum (Monkshood). Lobelia cardinalis has brilliant red flowers but is relatively short-lived. Its blooms should not be picked but if the plant is happy it will self sow. It likes moisture and light shade. Another spectacular plant is the Iris kaempferi (Japanese Iris). It thrives in acid soil and loves wet feet. Monarda (beebalm) takes light shade, is an early summer bloomer and attracts hummingbirds as does Lobelia cardinalis. Aquilegia canadensis (Canadian columbine), Astilbe Primula (primrose), and Heuchera (coral bells) all do well in shade as do Cimicifuga (Snakeroot), Chelone (turtlehead), Dicentra spectabilis (large bleeding heart), Dicentra eximia which is smaller but blooms off and on all summer, and Tiarella cordifolia (foam flower). Arisaema triphyllum (jack in the pulpit) has an interesting bloom but its main attraction is a stalk of flaming red berries in the fail. It will grow in medium to dense shade. Begonia Grandis is a shade-loving begonia that is a perennial.

 

As for ground covers and edgings, there are many. Ajuga (bugleweed), Ceratostigma (leadwort) a fall bloomer, Convallaria (lily of the valley) Epimedium – a delight as an edging, Hedera helix (English ivy), Pachysandra where all else fails is well behaved, Liriope muscari (lily turf) and Asperula odorata (sweet woodruff) all do well. Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox) although rabbit’s favorite food, is lovely in the spring.

 

The ubiquitous Impatiens with its many colors is the best annuals for shade. It self-sows frequently, is colorful, and doesn’t require care. Begonia semperflorous (wax begonia) is not quite as colorful but also may be ignored. Coleus is a reliable, primarily a foliage plant, but its foliage comes in many color combinations. The above trees, shrubs, and flowers are only a partial sampling of plant materials useful in shade gardens and represent some of the ones I have in our garden and find desirable.

 

Mulching is the greatest favor one can give a garden. Mulch makes for more consistent temperatures. It preserves moisture and coolness in the summer and helps prevent weeds. Adding more mulch once there is a heavy freeze helps offset the alternating freezing and thawing that can occur in our winters. In early spring, the mulch can be worked into the soil loosening and enriching it. Once summer starts, a layer of mulch should be added and the procedure started anew. Christmas trees cut up and placed over perennials protect them over the winter as do fallen leaves. However, both evergreen branches and dead leaves should be removed gradually in March as insects and diseases may thrive beneath them.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!

Schools

The Carderock neighborhood feeds into three excellent schools. Both the Carderock Springs Elementary School and the Thomas. W. Pyle Middle School has been deemed Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program are either academically superior in their states or demonstrates dramatic gains in student achievement. The Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award was established by the U. S. Department of Education in 1982 to honor public and private K-12 schools around the nation that exhibit sustained high achievement and/or significant improvement in mathematics and reading related to State assessments. Less than 300 schools nationwide are recognized each year.

Carderock Springs Elementary and Thomas. W. Pyle Middle School ranks in the top 5% in the county and state for its excellent Maryland School Assessment (MSA) test scores.

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For more information on these fine schools please visit Montgomery County Public Schools website or the individual school you are interested in below:

Carderock Springs Elementary School
7401 Persimmon Tree Lane
Bethesda, MD 20817
301.469.1034

Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
6311 Wilson Lane
Bethesda, MD 20817
301.320.6540

Walt Whitman High School
7100 Whittier Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817
301.320.6600
More information
School Paper

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Other Useful School Information:

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) – www.Marylandpublicschools.org is your online source for information on Maryland’s PreK-12 public education, public libraries, and rehabilitation services. Thank you for your interest in Maryland public education.

Maryland Report Card – www.mdreportcard.org a collection of data compiled on an annual basis to provide information on school performance to all education stakeholders; provide information to support school improvement efforts; and to provide accountability at the state, school system, and school level or reporting educational progress.

Great Schools – www.greatschools.net
A parents guide to area schools. Webby Awards voted Great Schools the Best Family & Parenting Site 2007 People’s Voice Award.

*For more information on these public schools please visit MCPS or greatschools.org

*For more information regarding private school options please visit niche.com

Carderock Springs

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