Chaos gardening — the viral TikTok trend of scattering seeds and "letting nature decide" — is taking root as demand for native plants is rising around D.C.

Why it matters: Native chaos gardens appeal to homeowners seeking lower-maintenance yards that also help local wildlife thrive.

The big picture: "Native plants offer this easy solution to make positive change," Sara Ressing, an education and program coordinator with nonprofit Wild Ones, tells Axios.

• Native species support wildlife, improve ecosystems and help address climate pressures — while also "connecting us to a sense of place," Ressing says.
• Chaos gardening complements that philosophy. "What better plants to grow in cracks than a plant that really, truly belongs?"

Catch up quick: Chaos gardening embraces a less structured approach: Scatter seeds, observe what survives and let soil, sunlight and water determine the outcome.

• Ressing says the trend overlaps naturally with native gardening because both prioritize welcoming nature back into yards — even if the results look a little "chaotic."

Yes, but: Garden experts warn that tossing random seed packets into the yard doesn't always work as advertised — especially in the Mid-Atlantic's fickle climate.

Zoom in: Bridget Murphy, store manager at Ginkgo Gardens on Capitol Hill, says the shop frequently sells out of native flower seeds. But many plants are slower-growing and more delicate than social media videos suggest.

• Some native seeds won't bloom until their second or third season.
• Others, like Liatris (blazing star), are often easier to grow from bulbs than seed.

What they're saying: You may need to organize your chaos for success — mixing bulbs and starter plants into a less structured garden.

• "There's an alternative way that's still affordable and can add to the chaos, but with a higher success rate," Murphy says.

What to plant: Local garden centers say milkweed, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, blanket flowers and coreopsis remain among the most sought-after native species in the D.C. area.

The bottom line: Chaos gardening may look carefree online, but experts say the best results come from pairing experimentation with intention.

BBQ season is upon us, and we asked D.C. etiquette pros to share their top tips for guests.

Why it matters: If you're still bringing a six-pack to the party, you might be doing it wrong.

What they're saying: The best guests are defined less by what they bring and more by how they help and connect with others.

• "A guest who grabs a garbage bag on the way to their car is worth their weight in gold," Kristin Pearson Wilcox, CEO of Capitol Manners, tells Axios.
• Also helpful: Offer to watch the grill or help plate food when it's ready.

Bringing wine or beer as a host gift is a safe bet in a pinch — but drinking habits are changing, Pearson Wilcox says.

• Consider non-alcoholic options instead, like a specialty condiment or mocktail.

The big picture: "In D.C., even the most casual cookout can turn into a well-connected room," Crystal L. Bailey, director of the Etiquette Institute of Washington, tells Axios.

• The best guests don't rely on the host for introductions because they aren't afraid to mingle.

Yes, but: Avoid the dreaded "What do you do?" question as a conversation-starter, Bailey says. People want to kick back and forget about work.

• "By defaulting to this question, it narrows a person to their profession and feels transactional."
• Keep the questions light. Think: "How do you know the host?" or "Do you have any fun travel plans for the summer?"

On timing: Don't show up early or stay too late. "The invitation time is not a suggestion," Pearson Wilcox says. (Arriving 15 minutes late is her sweet spot.)

Finally, a rule of thumb for guests and hosts alike: "A BBQ has no org chart," Pearson Wilcox says.

• "Your best friend's brother who just got that internship and the undersecretary you know from work are both just trying to enjoy themselves, and treating them the same is genuinely the move."

If you're throwing a BBQ, make sure to plan for D.C.'s "unwanted guests" — heat and bugs, Pearson Wilcox says.

Why it matters: Your invited guests will thank you.

Here are five ways to make guests more comfortable at your next event, according to Pearson Wilcox:

1. Set up shade, misters or fans.
2. Put out citronella candles.
3. Place potted lavender around the perimeter of your space. (It can repel mosquitoes.)
4. Leave bug spray in an easily reachable spot.
5. Offer a cool indoor area people can duck into.

The bottom line: When guests enjoy themselves, they "forget our nation's capital is built on a swamp," Pearson Wilcox says.

This swanky Shaw townhouse is listed for nearly $1.6 million and comes with a private rooftop terrace ready for BBQ season.

The vibe: Ride your in-unit elevator to the top of four levels, where a built-in grill and gas fireplace make hosting possible year-round.

Zoom in: The 2,600-square-foot home has two bedrooms, four bathrooms — two full, two half — and access to shared amenities including a pool and gym.

• Located at 1336 8th St. NW, it's listed by Nate Guggenheim with Washington Fine Properties.