V.w.verweij

A new Ballston barber business is opening next week.

Dubbed the “Bearded Goat Barber,” the shop is owned by serial entrepreneur Scott Parker, who says the business will welcome customers starting next Monday. The Bearded Goat is located at the Ballston Exchange development on Wilson Blvd.

Previously, Parker told ARLnow that he’d be opening shop with barbers Eric Renfro and Jon Dodson who were striking out on their own after working at the Clarendon’s Hendricks Barbershop, which opened in 2016.

“They’re awesome guys with a combined 20-plus years barbering,” Parker told ARLnow. “It was a no brainer.”

In addition to “awesome cuts,” Parker said patrons can expect “hot towel service and cold brew on tap.”

The barber’s location at the Ballston Exchange development was formerly occupied by the National Science Foundation. These days the development is adding eateries like Shake Shack and Philz Coffee, among others, which Parker said last year that he and his team were “really excited to be among.”

Parker launched several restaurants in Arlington — Ballston’s A-Town, Clarendon’s G.O.A.T. and Don Tito, and Rosslyn’s Barley Mac — before venturing into other businesses.

He’s also backing a new boxing studio in Rosslyn called Bash Boxing, which recently opened, and he has plans to expand the gym into Ballston as well. It will be located in the Ballston Quarter development, across from the Ballston Exchange.

It’s scheduled to open its doors in early 2019 and is now “coming soon,” according to its website.

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood.  If you love the animal fix and want to ensure PoPville’s long term viability please consider donating to our Patreon here.

“Hi there, here’s Watson (@watson_the_muppet on Instagram) enjoying Meridian Hill Park”

“Duke from Bloomingdale”

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood.  If you love the animal fix and want to ensure PoPville’s long term viability please consider donating to our Patreon here.

“Charlie enjoying his new cardboard couch, H Street Corridor”

“Zoey from Petworth!”

“Dear PoPville,

Whether driving, biking, walking, or riding public transit in D.C., most of our commutes are frustrating in some way. I usually bike from Manor Park to Crystal City, but sometimes I take a break. When I do, I catch the 63 bus from 5th and Oglethorpe NW. The sweetest dog is almost always in the front yard of a house near that corner, and she (not sure if it’s a boy or a girl, and the tag doesn’t have a name on it) greets me and lets me give her a few pats on the head and neck. No matter what else the rest of the commute or day may bring me, interacting with this beautiful pup is my favorite part of my morning routine. I usually bike down 3rd but I might start crossing over to 5th just so I can see her even when I don’t take the bus.

So, PoPville, what small part of your commuting routine do you treasure and look forward to most? “

2130 8th Street, NW

Thanks to all who passed on from a listserv message:

“I have a spice shop, Bazaar Spices, in Shaw in the Atlantic Plumbing Building (2130 8th Street NW, WDC), that’s closing soon. We are having a big spice sale to sell through our inventory and selling off some furniture and household items.”

Bazaar Spices is

“a unique Washington, DC-based spice shop offering a global variety of spices, herbs, botanicals, specialty flours, ancient grains, and heirloom beans. Bazaar Spices is a gourmet spice and herb retailer that offers numerous classes and demonstrations to create a learning experience around using spices, herbs, and botanicals to enhance flavor, health, and the soul.”

Updates when we learn the exact closing date.

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood.  If you love the animal fix and want to ensure PoPville’s long term viability please consider donating to our Patreon here.

“Addie of Logan Circle is a 9 week old border collie mix. A DC transplant by way of Charlottesville…was recently adopted from the CASPCA. She loves romping, sleeping, and a good stick.”

“I’m Banksy, 14th Street”

But oh man is this riveting. Even though we already got a preview of the testimony, I find this absolutely riveting. Just surreal. OK, I really can’t focus so here’s an important Barkley update: “He’s up to 60 pounds at 6 months!”

Refresher from 9 months:

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Kimchi, a Himalayan cat with a bit of sass.

Here’s what her owner, Greta, had to say about her:

Say hello to Kimchi! She is my 18 month old Himalayan residing in Arlington. I am her 10 year old owner who takes good care of her and makes sure she gets plenty of play and cuddle time.

She may look like a sweet, harmless puff of fur but underneath she can be cold and ruthless but everyone still loves her. Sassy should have been her middle name!

She is often mistaken for “Grumpy Cat” when we take her out in her stroller in Clarendon to enjoy brunch or go to the park on warmer days.

She is not your average cat, she does not enjoy any cat treats or people food like chicken or fish. Her one indulgence is a few licks on tapioca or rice pudding every now and then.

She enjoys watching TV and keeps up on all Arlington current events by watching her family read ARLnow.com.

From ANXO:

“On March 8th, 2019, ANXO and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PPMW) will co-host the second annual “Wild Night: The Story of Basandere” in honor of International Women’s Day at ANXO Cidery & Pinxtos Bar (300 Florida Ave. NW). The evening will feature products and beverages from women-owned businesses across the District and is part of “ANXO Women’s Month”–a month-long series of events celebrating artists, makers, businesspeople, and other female self-starters throughout March.

300 Florida Ave, NW

Women’s Month celebrations will take place at ANXO’s Truxton Circle location on Florida Avenue, where all the profits from happy hour all month long will be donated to PPMW to support sexual health and wellness. For the entire month, only beverages made or owned by women will be poured from the 36 draft lines, as well as wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic offerings.

“On International Women’s Day, it is essential that we highlight reproductive healthcare, which is constantly under attack under this administration,” said Dr. Laura Meyers, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC. “We are thankful for community partners like ANXO who support local reproductive rights.”

Members and leaders of PPMW’s Developing Leader Program, a 9-month program designed to train the next generation of leaders in the reproductive rights movement, will help execute the International Women’s Day event, which will highlight ways to get involved in the reproductive rights movement and information on staying on top of your reproductive health.

ANXO will also be partnering with smaller non-profits to host a diverse roster of events featuring a variety of women-owned businesses and women-made products both within, and beyond the food and beverage world. Everything from the art on the walls to plates that the food is served on, will be sourced from female run businesses or craftspeople.

The full schedule of events includes a Collaborative Dinner on Monday, March 4th, featuring two- time James Beard semi-finalist Ilma Lopez, as well as a female bartender cocktail competition judged by beverage writer Darlene Hayes, a female artisan market, a networking event, female comic and more. The women of ANXO’s staff have made two collaborative beverages that will be offered throughout the month–one with Eden Specialty Ciders in Vermont called “Nevertheless, We Persisted”, and a Brut IPA made with Silver Spring’s Denizens Brewing.

“The response to last year’s International Women’s day fundraiser for PPMW was so overwhelmingly positive from both attendees and producers alike that it got us thinking; why not do something bigger in 2019?” stated Rachel Fitz, co-founder of ANXO. “Given the current political climate, this feels like a particularly apt time to host an event series like this and celebrate the successes of these incredible women.”

All donations made during this event will benefit Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC. Donations can be made here or by texting “ANXO” to 41-444.”

SPGM captures some serious intensity in Blagden Alley:

“The dog poop situation is getting out of control.”

Update:

“Wonder if the person was found because the sign is gone.”

Another Food Hall Coming to Rosslyn — “Two local hospitality ventures have already announced plans for food halls in Rosslyn, and now a third food hall-type venue is being floated for the Arlington neighborhood. Even weirder? All three are on the same block of North Moore Street, the street where the Rosslyn Metro station is located.” [Washington Business Journal]

HQ2 Boosting Real Estate Market — “Real-estate professionals from across the local area already are seeing spring-level interest among prospective buyers, raising hopes for a solid start to the year. ‘The Amazon HQ2 announcement, plus favorable interest rates and a relatively mild winter, have all contributed to bringing the buyers out early this year,’ Northern Virginia Association of Realtors president Christine Richardson said.” [InsideNova]

Local Healthcare Firm Makes Acquisition — “Arlington-based Advantia Health LLC has acquired Illinois-based OB-GYN practice Heartland Women’s Healthcare in a deal that nearly doubled the local group’s size overnight.” [Washington Business Journal]

‘Coffee with a Cop’ Next Week — “The Arlington County Police Department, in partnership with the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is hosting its next Coffee with a Cop event on February 26, providing the public with an opportunity to meet and interact with the department’s Community Outreach Teams.” [Arlington County]

More Ballston Road Closures Planned — Additional road closures are planned along Wilson Blvd near the mall this weekend for continued work on the new Ballston pedestrian bridge. [Twitter]

‘Tree Action Group’ No Fan of Bike Trails — The Arlington Tree Action Group, a vocal local activist organization that often speaks out against plans to cut down trees, is apparently no big fan of bike trails. In response to a photo of a dog in front of the Eden Center after Wednesday’s snow, the group wrote on Twitter: “To [sic] bad the County doesn’t care how icy the sidewalks are as long as the bike trails and the other trendy County thoroughfares are clear.” The Eden Center, however, is in the City of Falls Church. [Twitter]

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

This crazy old photos shows Georgetown’s flooding and the Potomac in 1918. Here’s another good piece about it at The Georgetown Metropolitan.

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood.  If you love the animal fix and want to ensure PoPville’s long term viability please consider donating to our Patreon here.

“Beans in Chevy Chase DC”

“After the burst of big flakes, Aurora estimates around 3 inches of accumulation in Manor Park.”

“Pumpkin and her boots are taking Kingman Park by storm”

Many, many more:

“Gibson (Bloomingdale, DC)”

“This is Bartleby of Cathedral Heights.”

“Bacchus had his first snow day ever today! Officially been in his forever home for 1 week !!”

“freya in columbia heights (posing under protest)”

“June of Glover Park enjoying the snow!”

“Leonard in Mt. Pleasant”

“Sweet Baby Malcolm in Del Ray”

“Teddy in Columbia Heights!”

“Here’s Marble in Mt. Pleasant, enjoying the fresh pow.”

“Teddy, Hyattsville”

Anonymous

“Here’s Kirby trying to catch a snowflake on his tongue in Shaw.”

“in love with snow.”

“Rocket of Logan Circle (shorn of his long hair due to unfortunate matting issues – his parents feel bad) enjoys a game of chase at Shaw Dog Park.”

“Zoe in Truxton Circle”

“Fritz of 16th St would rather be inside.”

“Charlie is a rescue originally from Vermont, and he looooves playing in the snow (especially when he finds friends to run around with)!”

“Bear and Oliver staying warm in Woodley Park! Bear (on the left) is a foster through Pets Bring Joy and he’s available for adoption.”

“Newly adopted Pepe isn’t so sure about this white stuff in Takoma…”

“DG, Manor Park”

“Bermuda from NOMA doesnt understand the snow or windows”

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood.  If you love the animal fix and want to ensure PoPville’s long term viability please consider donating to our Patreon here.

“Here’s Jeff from Eckington (Huge boi) & Huey the Aussie gal!”

705 6th Street, NW

Ouch. Thanks to Alex for sending last night.

If anyone works nearby, please let us know if they’ve reopened!

Update from Daikaya:

“On Thursday, February 14th we were notified regarding various issues at Daikaya by the DOH. We took immediate action investigating and correcting all issues brought to our attention the same day we received the report from the DOH but were not able to schedule the re-inspection the same day. We were able to schedule the re-inspection with the DOH this morning, Daikaya passed the re-inspection, and we were able to reopen for lunch today. The safety of our guests is our absolute priority, and to ensure their safety and trust, we have proactively put procedures in place to prevent any further issues moving forward. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our guests, and look forward to providing the same enjoyable service and positive experiences our guests have grown to love at Daikaya.”

Review

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This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Kobe Washington, a young boxer-labrador mix living in Rosslyn.

Here’s what owner, Crystal, had to say on Kobe’s behalf:

Hello Arlington! My name is Kobe Washington. I am a 10 week old Boxador Mix who resides in Rosslyn as of a week ago. I have a little story of how I was brought from Corinth, Mississippi to Northern Virginia!

I was found in Corinth, Mississippi by very nice people from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue. They found me along with 3 other dogs and 35 puppies (a bit of a crowded situation). I was taken from Mississippi  and brought to McLean,Virginia to find my new family! My Dad (before he was my Dad) came into PetSmart in Tyson’s Corner on December 8th, and couldn’t take his eyes off me! He knew I would be a perfect Christmas present for my now Mommy. He adopted me the Saturday before Christmas! He put me in a Santa suit and surprised my new Mommy with me in hand! My new Mommy smothered me in hugs and kisses, and the rest was history!

If you see me around town on my walks (that I’m not liking so much at the moment), please feel free to stop and say hi! I love meeting new people and dogs, I like to play, cuddle, eat and sleep!  I rather stop and say hi to people than walk!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email arlingtonnews@gmail.com with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

Our photo of the day comes from Oregon's Cascade Mountains.

9th and Q Street, NW

Last week we wrote that Zeppelin “Sushi, Yakitori, and Karaoke”, from the owners of Chaplin’s would be opening this month in Shaw. Lots more info from a press release:

Photo Credit Robert Fairbairn for TheApertureGroup.co

“Mixologists and brothers Ari and Micah Wilder, along with their partners Adrian Williams and Minoru Ogawa, are pleased to announce the late February opening of their latest concept, Zeppelin, at 1544 9th Street, NW, 20001. Zeppelin will offer an omakase experience, along with Edomae (Edo-style) sushi, yakitori and other Japanese items hand-selected by Chef/Partner Minoru Ogawa from the Toyosu Market in Tokyo, Japan, and imported directly to the restaurant. Guests can anticipate over 30 different varieties of seasonal fish and shellfish, which will pair well with the restaurants collection of premium sake and craft cocktails.

Ari and Micah Wilder have an extensive background in innovative beverage creations with 40 years of combined experience in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. The dynamic duo has created over a dozen cocktail programs in the nation’s capital since launching their cocktail consulting company Wilder Bros LLC, which supplies cocktail programs with their proprietary mixers and lost ingredients. In July 2014, they opened their first venture together, Chaplin’s Restaurant & Bar, with the assistance of their partners Adrian Williams and Myo Hyun.

Photo Credit Robert Fairbairn for TheApertureGroup.co

Notable chef Minoru Ogawa is responsible for the menu at Zeppelin. A native of Tokyo, Japan, Ogawa is a second-generation sushi chef with four decades of experience. Minoru Ogawa ran the sushi programs at every Mandarin Oriental on the East Coast prior to opening his own restaurants. In 2013, Ogawa opened Sushi Capitol, an intimate 20-seat neighborhood concept. Three years later, in February 2016, he opened Sushi Ogawa, a 36-seat restaurant with eight-seat omakase counter, which was named “one of 12 most authentic sushi restaurants in America” by Men’s Journal. In 2018, he opened the modern eight-seat sushi bar at the luxury five-star Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

Photo Credit Robert Fairbairn for TheApertureGroup.co

Guests can anticipate over 30 different varieties of seasonal, wild caught fish and shellfish showcased each day, appearing in nigiri, sashimi, maki, yakitori and other Japanese menu items. Standouts include: Aji, horse mackerel; Sanma, Pacific mackerel; Kampachi, Japanese amberjack; Suzuki, sea bass; Tai/Kamachi/Hamadai, sea bream and red snapper; Kinmedai, golden eye snapper; Hokkyoku Iwana, arctic char; Tasmanian King Salmon; Wild Coho Salmon; Zuke Maguro, marinated tuna, as well as Anago, sea eel. Additional menu highlights off the opening menu include: Ikura Shoyu, soy-marinated salmon roe; Hamachi Tataki, seared yellowtail in ponzu sauce and Takoyaki, deep fried octopus, along with other items sourced seasonally by Minoru Ogawa and his team. A variety of chicken skewers such as Hiza Nankotsu, soft knee bone; Sunagimo, gizzard; Reba, liver with salt or sauce, and Kawa, chicken skin is also available on the Yakitori section of the menu along with non-traditional items such as Yaki Onigiri, grilled rice balls with soy sauce; Kalbi, short ribs; Hotate, scallop from Japan; Harami, skirt steak; Kobe Beef and Shishito Peppers cooked over Japanese charcoal. Guests will also find three Omakase, or Chef’s Tasting Menus, at Zeppelin. The first includes 15 pieces of nigiri, priced at $65 per person; the second includes a trio of appetizers, clam miso soup, 15 pieces of nigiri and dessert, priced at $85 per person and the third includes a trio of appetizers, clam miso soup and 15 pieces of nigiri, followed by seven pieces of sashimi and a hand roll, priced at $100 per person. Sake, wine and Champagne pairings along with cocktail & spirit components also accompany the omakase experience.

Photo Credit Robert Fairbairn for TheApertureGroup.co

For libations, one will find an eclectic, highly-approachable wine list showcasing esoteric wines that complement the delicate nature of sushi and stands up to the Japanese charcoal grilled yakitori. 40 wines will be available by the bottle and 15 wines by the glass. Prices range from $25 to $300 by the bottle and from $6 to $20 by the glass. A collection of 80 premium sakes, eight Japanese inspired craft beer and 16 signature cocktails including four on draft and six from a highball machine, which is centered around the back bar will also be available.

Photo Credit Robert Fairbairn

Reid & Taylor Studio was tapped to create the design scheme for Zeppelin. The 3,000-square-foot, 220-seat dining room was inspired by “The Golden Age of the Great Passenger Airships”. One will find remnants of the retro airships throughout the interior and exterior of the restaurant. The 20-seat cocktail bar, situated on the first floor, is elegant and seamless with fluid custom metal and cherry wood that is inspired by an airship cocktail party. Vintage Japanese silk cast in resin line the walls. The first floor also offers high booth tables where guests can enjoy traditional yakitori from the bustling open-kitchen.

Photo Credit Robert Fairbairn for TheApertureGroup.co

The Omakase bar, situated on the second floor, feels like a sanctuary separated from the lively yatkitori and cocktail bar found on the ground level. The adjacent main dining room transforms into a traditional karaoke room after 10:30 p.m. nightly and offers nods to rock and roll. An 800-square-foot outdoor patio will also be available during the spring and summer months (weather permitting) and can accommodate an additional 65 guests seated. The patio is equipped with old lamp posts and a black & white monster film mural, which covers the expanse of the building facing Q Street, NW.

Zeppelin is located on 1544 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Zeppelin will serve dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Brunch will debut at a later date.”

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood.  If you love the animal fix and want to ensure PoPville’s long term viability please consider donating to our Patreon here.

“This is Olive, she loves her fire in Columbia Heights.”

“Arthur (left) and Bowie, Adams Morgan”

Bug moss, bug-on-a-stick, humpbacked elves, elf-cap moss… Who knew there could be so many names for such tiny mosses. Despite their small stature, the mosses in the genus Buxbaumia have achieved something of a celebrity status to those aware of their existence. To find them, however, you need a keen eye, lots of patience, and a bit of luck.

Buxbaumia aphylla

Buxbaumia comprises something like 12 different species of moss scattered around much of the Northern Hemisphere as well as some parts of Australia and New Zealand. They are ephemeral in nature, preferring to grow in disturbed habitats where competition is minimal. More than one source has reported that they are masters of the disappearing act. Small colonies can arise for a season or two and then disappear for years until another disturbance hits the reset button and recreates the conditions they like.

Buxbaumia viridis

I say you must have a keen eye and a lot of patience to find these mosses because, for much of their life, the exist on a nearly microscopic scale. Buxbaumia represents and incredible example of a reduction in body size for plants. Whereas the gametophytes of most mosses are relatively large, green, and leafy, Buxbaumia gametophytes barely exist at all. Instead, most of the “body” of these mosses consists of thread-like strands of cells called “protonema.” Though all mosses start out as protonema following spore germination, it appears that Buxbaumia prefer to remain in this juvenile stage until it comes time to reproduce.

Buxbaumia viridis

Considering how small the protonemata are, there has been more than a little confusion as to how Buxbaumia manage to make a living. Early hypotheses suggested that these mosses were saprotrophs, living off of nutrients obtained from chemically digesting organic material in the soils. However, it is far more likely that these mosses rely heavily on partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi and cyanobacteria for their nutritional needs. It is thought that what little photosynthesis they perform is done via their protonema mats and developing sporophyte capsules.

Buxbaumia viridis

Speaking of sporophytes, these are about the only way to find Buxbaumia in the wild. They are also the source of inspiration for all of those colorful common names. Compared to their gemetophyte stage, Buxbaumia sporophytes are giants. Fertilization occurs at some point in the fall and by late spring or early summer, the sporophytes are ready to release their spores. The size and shape of these capsules makes a lot more sense when you realize that they rely on raindrops for dispersal. When a drop impacts the flattened top of a Buxbaumia capsule, the spores are ejected into the environment and with any luck, will be carried off to another site suitable for growth.

Buxbaumia viridis

I encourage you to keep an eye out for these plants. It goes without saying that data on population size and distribution is often lacking for such cryptic plants. Above all else, imagine how rewarding it would be to finally cross paths with this tiny wonders of the botanical world. Happy botanizing!

Photo Credits: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Further Reading: [1] [2] [3]

Limits would save lives and significantly reduce carbon emissions, but let's keep our priorities straight.

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood.  If you love the animal fix and want to ensure PoPville’s long term viability please consider donating to our Patreon here.

“15 week old Luna of NoMa claiming her spot in the middle of the bed”

“Sweetheart community cat who greets us by hopping on our cars when we pull up on parking pad in Brightwood Park. Name? Depends whom you ask. My downstairs neighbor calls him Spaceghost. I call him Mr. Milkyway. He answers to both (probably to a few others as well). We feed him a bit and see to his medical care when necessary, but he seems to be perfectly content living outdoors.”

It's big part of the reason California has so much smog.

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Henri, a French bulldog who enjoys a good snuggle.

Here’s what his owner, Liz, had to say on his behalf:

Hello! My name is Henri and I’m a French Bulldog living in Arlington! I just turned three in April. I’m not too into physical activity, more so into snuggling on the sofa with my momma! I love sitting in my backyard in all the sunny spots, chasing squirrels, and short walks (very short walks). My all time favorite activity, however, is eating. There is not a food I don’t like! I love all snacks, treats, and table scraps. My mom calls me a champion beggar.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email arlingtonnews@gmail.com with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

Many of you have undoubtedly met this interesting cactus before. Some  of you probably own one. Commonly referred to as 'Hibotan' or "moon  cactus," these are not a single species cactus but rather two different  cacti that have been grafted together.

The colorful top part is known scientifically as  Gymnocalycium mihanovichii. It is endemic to Paraguay and some provinces  of Argentina. In the wild it is not nearly this colorful. The specimens  sold in garden shops all over the world are actually mutant varieties that do not produce chlorophyll, thus revealing other pigments that are normally masked by green. The color of these mutants can range from  yellows to reds and even deep purples. Without chlorophyll, these mutants would normally die as seedlings.

The wild version of Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is a lot less coloreful.

Provided their host cactus is kept happy, mutant Gymnocalycium mihanovichii will flower.

At some point in time, someone got it in their head that they could graft these colorful mutants onto other species of cacti and perhaps they would survive. This is exactly what has happened. Interestingly enough, the bottom host cactus isn't even in the same genus as the moon cactus. Grafting is most often done on a species of Hylocereus (the same genus responsible for dragon fruit). How and why this host was chosen I do not know. Either way, armed with this knowledge, I hope you have gained a new found appreciation for these seemingly ubiquitous house plants.

Photo Credits: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Further Reading: [1]