Coming Soon! We will be adding more talks with Christopher Lewis to our Fall & Winter  Schedule
Christopher Lewis is a familiar face to Potomac shoppers, but may be new to our Beltsville shoppers!
Origins
Farm boy here! Christopher grew up on a farm in Howard County, and went off to Susquehanna University in PA to study geology. That led to work in the oil fields of Louisiana, then using his engineering talents closer to home, as a supervisor of construction at BWI Airport.
Eventually Christopher decided to get away from the bureaucratic pressures of that job and pursue his life-long love of growing plants, first by studying horticulture at the USDA Graduate School and then entering the Montgomery County Master Gardener program.
Working in Gardening
Christopher started working at Behnkes in 2005 and, with the help of Larry Hurley and support from Behnkes, studied for and passed the test to become a Certified Professional Horticulturist. Next, he achieved specialty certification in Integrated Pest Management. At Behnkes he has worked with trees and shrubs and was the manager of the garden shop in Potomac before moving on to manage the outdoor woody plant area there. Before coming to Behnkes, Christopher worked for another garden center as an "indoor plant technician" keeping plants alive and healthy in office buildings. Now in Beltsville, you can find Christopher around the Woody Plants area and our Garden Pharmacy where he will help you with any questions you might have regarding trees, shrubs and what you need to help you have success! Watch also for some upcoming Fall and Winter talks and demonstrations from Christopher on many different subjects including lawn care and bee keeping!
Off-Work
After hours, Christopher gets to tend to his own garden in Silver Spring, where he pursues his passions for edibles and native plants. He's also the proud owner of his own bee hives, having completed the Montgomery County Beekeeper training.
And when not gardening or working in a garden center, Christopher's a busy family man, joining his two sons in their Boy Scouts activities (Eagle Scouts - done!), and as an active church member.
Your Edible Garden: Improving your soil through cover crops w/ Carol Allen 
Date: September 6 & 7
Time: 10am & again at 1pm each day
Join Carol as she offers timely tips each month and explains how you could get the most from your edible garden. ALL questions are welcomed, and after class take part in a Free activity.
 | | Sinningia Pink Tiger x bullata Gesneriads |
NCAC Gesneriad Society Meeting - Open to the Public w/ Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Jeremy Keen -"Monopyle and All the Others in the Room"
Date: Saturday, August 9
Time: 10:30 am
Ever wonder what a 'monopyle' is? Probably not, but if you enjoy the beautiful flowers of Mexico and Central and South America, this is your chance to learn more!
Orchid Re-Potting Clinic with Carol Allen
Carol's advice is always FREE. Just bring in the plants you are concerned about.She will tell you  how to resolve problems, and, for a minimal fee, she will expertly re-pot them, showing you how. (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)
Look For Carol at Behnke's in Beltsville
August 9 & 10
September 13 & 14
October 12 & 13 during the National Capital Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale
November 8 & 9
December 6& 7  FREE Talk - Tall Fescue Lawn Care: START NOW & FIND OUT HOW
w/ Carol AllenDate: August 16 Time: 11 am & again at 2 pm The best lawn care starts now, NOT in the spring. Learn about controlling weeds, seeding and fertilizing properly. Discover Earth-friendly practices and products  FREE Talk - Making the Most of your Fresh Vegetables & Fruits: Canning & Freezing w/ Carol AllenDate: August 23 Time: 11am & again at 2pm Discover how to save your delicious summer flavors into the winter and save money by making the most out of your harvest. Imagine making chili in January using your fresh tomatoes from the summer before.
Weekends in October visit our children's Fall Fun Area
with activities for children 10 and under.
 Saturday, October 4th 7th Annual Chili Cook Off & Harvest Festival
9:30 to 4:30 pm
Chili Tasting begins at noon with all proceeds going to Beltsville Rotary Club.
Do you make the best chili ever? Why not, join in the fun and take part in our Chili Cook Off!  Email, sfleming@behnkes.net for details!
Old Line Fine Wine & Bistro will be back for beer tasting! Chili Tasting begins at noon with all proceeds going to Beltsville Rotary Club.
October 11 to the 13, 2014
The 67th National Capital Orchid Society Fall Show 
Last year due to the Federal Government's Shut Down the NCOS came to Behnke's to hold their Fall Show. It was such a success they wish to come back this year! If you love orchids this is an event you do not want to miss.
Saturday, November 8
Behnke's Fall Craft Show  This will be our 7th year for the Craft Show. Each year we get many new crafters along with some of our past favorites. There will be food and fun for the kids! It is also when we kick off our yearly Toys for Tots campaign.
If you are a crafter, artisan, or vendor of unique items and would like to participate, email Stephanie at sfleming@behnkes.net
Saturday, November 22
Behnke's Christmas Open House
Stop in and see our beautiful poinsettias while getting a head start on your holiday decorating. Bring the children for photo ops with Santa and enjoy some FREE hot cocoa and cookies. There will be FREE activities for the children!
Saturday, November 29
Small Business Saturday
The 2015 Event Calender is being worked on now! We are planning lots of great talks and demonstrations throughout 2015 with even more activities for children. After another great Garden Party this year we have already picked the date for next year. Mark your calendars for June 6, 2015! | 
