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DC Roofs Keep Getting Greener

Green Roofs are increasing in popularity across the U.S., especially in cities where there's not a lot of space for gardens. They're environmentally friendly and just plain pretty. DC is second in the U.S. in terms of square feet of green rooftops - the latest push is coming from people who want to grow food up above their living quarters or businesses. And the District government is promoting the practice for its environmental benefits. Sabri Ben Achour explores a trend that continues to blossom in the nation's capital.

Policy Greenhouse

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty launched the city's 'Green Agenda' on Earth Day this year - a plan to make the District 'one of the world's most sustainable cities.' The District's Department of the Environment received a helping hand in the form of about $50 million from the federal Recovery Act for green government projects. The man who gets to decide how to spend that cash is Director George Hawkins, an energetic, non-car owning former organic farmer. He's been busy fielding ideas from organizations and individuals who want to help him spend that stimulus money. Stephanie Kaye attended a "Policy Greenhouse" at George Washington University and spoke with Hawkins about the challenges involved with getting greener.

Checking In With The Chancellor

The DC Public Schools have faced mountains of criticism. For years we have been hearing about underachieving students, school violence and broken facilities. But this week, Chancellor Michelle Rhee had some good news to report. Preliminary results of the latest round of standardized tests show that DC public school students made significant gains in reading and math. Two years ago, 30% of public high school students in the District were proficient in reading and 27% were proficient in math. Since then, there have been double digit increases in both subjects. The biggest gains for elementary school students were in math - going from 29% proficiency in 2007 to 49% this year. And these gains have all come during Rhee's tenure. Kavitha Cardoza speaks with Chancellor Rhee to find out what these preliminary results mean.

Fred Fiske: 'Socialized' Medicine

A plan that would require all Americans to have health coverage was approved by the Senate health committee this week. Commentator Fred Fiske says that means opposition to the plan will get more intense.

Edgewood Mural

This summer, 45 participants in the DC Summer Youth Employment Program are assisting with the creation of a mural in DC's Edgewood neighborhood. This week they are preparing the canvas - painting giant brick walls entirely white. We meet with project director Peter Krsko just a block from the Rhode Island metro station. Peter is the founder of Albus Cavus - a group of artists that work with city leaders and local communities to create public art.

Hail to the Uke

On Wednesday evenings at this time of year, you'll find blankets and chairs covering the grounds of the Strathmore arts complex in North Bethesda. For more than 20 years, the arts center has invited the public to interact with the sculptures, chow on some barbecue, and chill with some live music on summer nights. On July 22nd it will all be about the 'uke' - as 7 ukulele acts will storm the stage in an attempt to bring the Aloha spirit to Washington. Andrew Hiller has more.

Strathmore's ukulele festival is on July 22nd - the outdoor concert series will begin at 7 pm. Baltimore's uke fest at the Patterson is happening on the 24th.

"Next Stop... Nature"

Back in May, we visited the East Falls Church Metro stop along with Naturalist Mark Garland... stepped off the train, and - within moments - were strolling through the leafy refuge of Benjamin Banneker Park. Based on your feedback, we decided to get back on the rails and produce a continuing series of visits to Metro-accessible natural areas.

For the next four weeks we'll hit Metro stops around the DC region and visit some of the parks and natural areas that are tucked away just around the corner. This week; Cleveland Park... and the "Melvin Hazen tributary." The entrance to this park is just 2-3 blocks north of the station - on the east side of Connecticut Ave.

• If you want to tell us about YOUR favorite Metro-accessible natural areas, follow the link to The Conversation on the right.

Lynn Peterson Mobley: The Expensive World of Gardening

Growing your own vegetables sounds like a great idea - a wonderful way to grow healthy, delicious food for friends and relatives... and save some money. But writer Lynn Peterson Mobley says she's here to dispel the notion that growing greens in the garden will help save some green in your bank account.

Writer Lynn Peterson Mobley lives - and attempts to compost - in Great Falls, Virginia.