Not only does May bring us flowers, but it also brings a bounty of fun and family friendly events, activities and observances. 

International Compost Awareness Week
May 6 - 12

Join composting advocates from across the United States and Canada in celebrating this year's theme: "Compost! … Replenish the Earth for Generations." Learn more about composting and help spread the word!

Inaugural National Bike to School Day
Wednesday, May 9

Join in on the first ever National Bike to School Day. Plan an event or register for one in your neighborhood. Get details. 

Rock Creek Garlic Mustard Challenge
Saturday, May 12   |   8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Families with children, individuals, and organized groups: join the rangers of Rock Creek Park in removing invasive garlic mustard, a plant that grows quickly, choking out all native plants on the forest floor. Trash bags and gloves provided. Please wear long pants, sturdy shoes, dress for the forecast and bring water and snacks. Register in advance.

Location: West Beach and Parkside Drive, NW (Washington, D.C.)

Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday, May 12  |  10 a.m. - noon

Don’t let all of that rain that runs off your roof go down the (storm) drain! Learn how to make a rain barrel and take it home the same day! Cost: $55. Advanced registration required. 

Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria

Native Plant Cultivars in the Designed Landscape: Advantages, Disadvantages and Considerations
Thursday, May 17  |  7:30 p.m.

Carla Thomas of Nature By Design discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using native plant cultivars in the designed landscape, and share the aesthetic, ecological and practical factors she considers when making the choice to do so.  Learn about how to determine the provenance of the plant, whether it is substantially typical of the species as found locally, the likelihood of a cultivar escaping from cultivation, and the potential impact of an escape. Cost: Free!

Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria

Bike to Work Day
Friday, May 18

Join the thousands of area commuters who ride their bikes to work daily on National Bike to Work Day. The City of Alexandria is hosting three "pit stops" for commuter cyclists to start the day with free food, gear, and prizes from local businesses and sponsors:

• Old Town/City Hall, 301 King Street, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
• Carlyle Development/John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle St. 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
• Mark Center Transit Center/East side of the North Parking Garage, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The pit stops are free to attend but you must register to get a free T-shirt and water bottle.

Spring Garden Day
Saturday, May 19   |  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Browse more than 40 vendors of rare and unusual plants at the Green Spring Gardens Spring Garden Day. Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) receive 10 percent off plants in the Garden Gate Plant Shop. Get details. 

Green Springs Garden, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria

Did I miss any great green events? Please tell us about them in the comments.