Welcome to VIRGINIA BUGS!, an ongoing series of articles about everyone’s gardening  friends and foes. Master Gardener Jim’s stories show us how to identify, understand  and deal with various insects. Which may mean to simply admire the many beneficial, hard-working neighbors of ours! Click on the highlighted insect’s name at the beginning of each paragraph to see more photos, read the articles and follow recommended links. Contact your local Master Gardeners with any questions you may have about bugs in your garden. The Bedford VCE Help Desk is (540) 586-7675.

FLORIDA PREDATORY STINK BUG aka “Halloween Bugs”- beneficial insects – long, spear-looking proboscis – exhibits an unusual “wagging” motion while gripping prey with its feet.

SLUGS aka “Land Snails”-  about 40 species of slugs in North America – native species (GOOD GUYS) are mostly solitary and do little damage – species introduced to the U.S. (non-natives = BAD GUYS) do major damage as their populations increase. Slugs enjoyed some cabbage and broccoli at Jim’s this winter.

CANE BORERS- Many species – Evidence of borers: small hole in the center of a pruned cane, wilting and dying foliage at the top of a bush, yellowing leaves that drop off  and/or swelling of the cane – practical advice on prevention & remedies in article.

Save the date… Check back soon, details and registration forms to follow.

Grow The Good Life Seminars Flyer

January: Apply for BAMGA’s module-based computer Training Class now! Go to the “Join Us” section of this website or call the Bedford Extension Office at 540-586-7675 to see if there is a current opening and/or Spring 2012 Training Promotional Flyer Spring 2012 BAMGA MG Course Overview

Thursday, Jan 19: SPRING TO GREEN 2012 Seminar topics: Sexy Trees, The Invasive Plant Debate…, Rose Care, Top 10 Worst Landscape Designs, Garden Photography in the Digital Age and Small Fruits. Location: 129 Piney Forest Rd, Danville  More info…

Jan 20-22: The Virginia Flower and Garden Expo “CREATING THE BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW” Location: Virginia Beach Convention Center  More info…

Beginning Monday Jan 30, 7-9pm: Practical Beekeeping for Beginners Nine consecutive Mondays plus a field day. Sponsored by Piedmont Beekeepers Association. Location: James River Day School, 5039 Boonsboro Rd, Lynchburg  More info…

February

Wednesday, Feb 1, 9-11am: Orientation Day for BAMGA’s module-based computer Training Class Interested? Contact us immediately. Go to the “Join Us” section of this website or call the Bedford Extension Office and/or Spring 2012 Training Promotional Flyer Spring 2012 BAMGA MG Course Overview

Thursday, Feb 2: “WHAT’S BUGGIN’ YOU?  Insects in Our Gardens” Eighth annual Home Gardener Education Day. Location: Marriott at City Center, Newport News  More info @ Whats Buggin You Flyer Feb2012

Saturday, Feb 4:  GARDEN IN THE VALLEY Symposium sponsored by Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Assoc @ Shenandoah University – Hester Auditorium, 1460 University Drive, Winchester Garden in the Valley Symposium

Friday, Feb 10 & Saturday, Feb 11: VIRGINIA BIOLOGICAL FARMING CONFERENCE Educational presentations concerning ecological agriculture…The VA Association for Biological Farming (VABF) is the primary organization in the state concerned with organic and biological farming and gardening.  Location:  Holiday Inn-Koger Center, Richmond  More info… Registration and Directions – VABF

Thursday, Feb 16: Piedmont Landscape Association’s 29th Annual Seminar Location: Paramount Theater, Charlottesville. More info…

Feb 10 – 16: North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association Annual Convention Location: Williamsburg Marriott, Williamsburg.  More info…

Saturday, Feb 25: “Sparking Creativity in Your Garden” presented by Four-County Master Gardeners. Location: Germanna Community College, Culpeper. More info…

Saturday, Feb 25: “Focus on Food- From Field to Table” 3rd Annual Master Gardener Day at VSU. Location : L. Douglas Wilder Building, VSU, Petersburg   More info…

Feb 26-March 2:  NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK More info…

SAVE THE DATE…

March 8 (10-11:30am @ Moneta Library), March 17 (10-11:30am @ Bedford Library) and March 22 (7-8:30pm @ Forest Library): “Gardening in Small Spaces” classes. Presented by members of the Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association volunteers. Enjoyable, entertaining, informative and FREE! Please sign up with your library of choice. Bedford Public Library System

March 9: “The Nature of Trees and Other Related Thoughts” 12th Annual Roanoke Workshop. Location: Virginia Western Community College More info…

Saturday, March 24: Grow the Good Life! BAMGA proudly presents a day of Seminars that you won’t want to miss. Composting, Raised Bed Gardening and Native Virginia Plants are highlighted. Come for one or all. Location: Bedford Central Library Registration form and more details to follow shortly… Grow The Good Life Seminars Flyer

Jan 1st application deadline: BAMGA (Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association) is now accepting applications for its 2012 Computer Based Training Class. Do you have an interest in horticulture? Want to learn, share and do more? Looking for a way to improve your community through volunteer service? Simply click on our “Join Us” web page for details.. Class size is limited!

Are Poinsettias, Mistletoe or Holly Leaves poisonous to pets or children? See if you know the answers… Dec 2010 Master Gardener Q&A

The Communications office here in the College (at Virginia Tech) is working on finalizing the 2012 Home Grounds and Animals PMG (Pest Management Guide). They hope to have the document available online in early January and printed copies becoming available by the end of January. David D. Close, VCE State Master Gardener Coordinator.

Occupy Green/Red Chili… Chili Lovers Get Fired Up Over Genetic Research (AP, Albq, NM) “The distinct flavor of chili peppers from the US state of New Mexico has been adopted by palates as far away as South Korea. However, some are worried about the future of the crop. Labor costs, relentless plant diseases and competition from cheap imports have combined to put the chili industry in a steep decline. Scientists at New Mexico State University (NMSU) are helping through a series of efforts aimed at unlocking the genetic mysteries of red and green chilis, but that has some pepper purists fired up. The thought of genetically engineering chili has galvanized a group of seed conservationists and others who are sympathetic to the national protests targeting corporate greed and economic inequality. Unlike the Occupy Wall Street movement, however, Occupy Green/Red Chili is on a simple, focused mission: to protect New Mexico’s chili seeds.”  http://taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2011/12/04/2003519925

For nearly 30 years, The American Chestnut Foundation has worked to develop a blight-resistant American chestnut tree and restore the species to the eastern woodlands of the United States. Learn more about the chestnut tree and follow the efforts of this worthwhile organization in our American Chestnut Foundation Sweepstakes.  More info…

Master Gardener Search for Excellence Awards: Chesterfield, VA won second place in the Innovative projects category at the 2011 International Master Gardener Conference held this fall in Charleston, WV. Please join me in congratulating Chesterfield in their accomplishment! Congratulations!  http://blogs.extension.org/mastergardener/ David D. Close, VCE State Master Gardener Coordinator

Raising Native Butterflies and Moths was the topic of November’s BAMGA meeting. Butterfly lady & husband team (Pat and Charlie Schuler) entertained us with all kinds of stories and fascinating information about raising and identifying our winged friends. Head on over to their website at http://butterflyladybedford.org/

Thursday, Dec 1:  9:30-11:30am BAMGA Monthly Membership Meeting held at the Bedford Admin Building. Meetings are open to the public. Annual Holiday celebration, including a new “Project Gallery” display for all to view. Check your BAMGA newsletter or call the VCE office for details.

More Info…Bedford Christmas Home Tour

JANUARY

Thursday, Jan 5:  9:30-11:30am BAMGA Monthly Membership Meeting Topic: “Mushrooms, Unchlorophylled Flowers of the Woods” Speaker: Skip Taliaferro, who is an amateur mycologist and a member of the National Mycological Association. Meetings are held at the Bedford Admin building and are always open to the public. Annual Holiday celebration, including a new “Project Gallery” display for all to view. Check your BAMGA newsletter or call the VCE office for details…

Thursday, Jan 19: Horticultural Symposium “Spring to Green” hosted by the Danville Master Gardeners. Location: Stratford Conference Center in Danville. For more information, go to   www.danvillemastergardeners.org ,  Spring to Green 2012 Registration Brochure or call the Danville Extension Office at 434-799-6558

Jan 29- Feb 2: Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course Newport News www.mahsc.org

FEBRUARY

Tuesday, Feb 2: What’s Bugging You? Insects In Our Gardens Marriott at City Center, Newport News

Thursday, Feb 16: Piedmont Landscape Association’s 29th Annual Seminar Location: Paramount Theater, Charlottesville. More Info… PLA Seminar SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, Feb 25: 3rd ANNUAL MASTER GARDENER DAY AT VSU “Focus on Food- From Field to Table” Location: Virginia State University, Ettrick, VA.  More Info… Feb 25 Master Gardener Day At VSU

It is time to plant those daffodils, winterize your gardens and even continue to enjoy lettuces out of your raised beds… and have you thought of simple row covers gardens into the winter months? So much to do, so little time! So much fun. To check up on pruning, raised beds, anything… begin by going  to  Virginia Cooperative Extension’s  Publications site , check out other sources in the Links Page and throughout this website, or even call our free Master Gardener Help Desk hot-line at (540) 586-7675. You may also want to check out our Speakers Bureau page to view a selection of  topic presentations that Bedford Master Gardener volunteers offer for group functions.

Here is a forward that I just had to add to the website! It’s called “Life of Flowers” and is a gorgeous clip of what would make any gardener smile. Especially on a rainy day.

There are so many rewards of being a Master Gardener. The camaraderie and the sharing of knowledge, plants… I could go on and on! Check out the “Join Us” page and see what it’s all about!  Make your Holiday gift to yourself one of enrichment many times over… join us!

Advice from a Garden
Cultivate lasting friendships
Sow seeds of kindness
Listen to sage advice
Don’t let the little things bug you
Be outstanding in your field
Take thyme for yourself
No vining

NOVEMBER

Do you recognize this critter? Have you heard about the “thousand canker disease” of walnut trees? For answers (and more), crawl on over to the “Bugs” page… it’s all in Jim’s Nov2011 article!

Thursday, Nov 3:  9:30-11:30am BAMGA Monthly Membership Meeting held at the Bedford Admin Building. Meetings are open to the public. Subject: “Raising native butterflies and moths & gardening to encourage them” - Pat Schuler. Check the “Fall BAMGA  Meeting” post for details…

Friday, Nov 4 & Saturday Nov 5: GREEN LIVING AND ENERGY EXPO at the Roanoke Civic Center.  More info @ http://www.aecpes.org/expo/expo.shtml

Saturday, Nov 5: 11-12:30pm FREE Composting Workshop at “Lynchburg Grows”. To register, call the Lynchburg Cooperative Extension Office @434-455-3740. Sponsors, speakers and more info, go to Nov5 2011Composting Workshop

Friday, Nov 16 online at 2pm: Social Media/eXtension – (topic TBD) EMG Coordinators 2011 Monthly Online Discussion topic. Meeting Place: Go to our on-line meeting space at http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/hortcop. Enter as a guest, and provide your name and what state you are from in the provided box. When you are in the system you will see instructions…

Saturday, November 17: 10am-2:30pm Build Greener and Cleaner Workshop Who should attend? Developers, architects, planners, real estate and natural resource professionals (this includes Master Gardeners!) Location: Maymont’s Garden Hall, Richmond. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Fee (including lunch) is $20 if made by Nov 1, $30 if made by Nov 10.  More info… Nov2011 Greener and Cleaner Workshop flyer

The following excerpts are from a great community gardening resource provided by Missouri State Cooperative Extension: “Regardless of why people choose to take part in a community garden or how a garden is organized, the activity of gardening with others can be both rewarding and challenging. Our hope is that this guide will help you manage the challenges that come your way and experience the rewards of community gardening. This guide is intended to be a resource for gardeners, garden organizers, extension staff and other agency professionals who want to start a new

community garden, enhance an existing garden or assist community members with starting and managing their own community garden.”

“The Gardeners’ Welcome Packet is a set of documents that can be edited and revised by gardeners and garden leaders. It is available in RTF and PDF formats. The packet is intended to be a tool for organizing your garden, introducing new gardeners to the policies, procedures and people that keep the garden running smoothly, and keeping returning gardeners updated and involved. It is also intended to help gardeners find a clear and easy way to play an active role in the garden’s management and upkeep.” For a free Gardeners’ Welcome Packet and more info, go to http://extension.missouri.edu/p/MP906#.TnDpkTpiI4I.email

Check out the current news… VA Farm to School Newsletter

Junior Master Gardener fund-raising ideas…. Click here to read the article:  Fall2011 Growums- Jr. Master Gardeners

Are you aware of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)? Anyone who’s interested in helping measure and report precipitation can help. Many Master Gardeners here in Colorado and in other parts of the country have found out about CoCoRaHS and joined the effort. Master Gardeners make great volunteers as they know the importance of rainfall and also appreciate the value of volunteerism.  Click here to read the entire article:  collaborativerainhailandsnownetwork

OCTOBER

Oct. 1: Poplar Forest Event- Organizing a Seed Exchange Hill City Master Gardeners http://www.poplarforest.org/events

Thursday, Oct 6 9:30-11:30am: BAMGA Monthly Membership Meeting held at the Bedford Admin Building. Meetings are open to the public. Check the “Fall BAMGA  Meeting” post for details…

Wednesday, Oct 12 10am-Noon: BAMGA Members Visit the Hill City Master Gardeners Location: Auditorium, Lynchburg Cooperative Ext Bldg, 301 Grove St. Office (434) 455-3740  http://offices.ext.vt.edu/lynchburg/ The first planned reciprocity visit with HCMGA this year! This meeting will include reports of college field study students. There are several nice restaurants in the downtown Lynchburg area… so consider staying in town for lunch! And stroll through the shops & Farmers market downtown! ***RSVP: Please contact turner3089@verizon.net at least 2 days before the event… Also let her know if you want to carpool.

Oct13 SpencerVA Local Food Systems Conference

Saturday, October 15: Annual Apple Harvest Festival Location: Gross’ Orchard, 6817 Wheats Valley Rd, Bedrord  540-586-2436 “Gross’ Orchard is a family owned and operated orchard which has been in business since before the turn of the century.  Our specialties are mountain grown peaches and apples.  We are located at the foot of the beautiful Peaks of Otter…  Our peach and apple trees are well maintained for your picking.” http://grossorchards.com/index.html

Tuesday, Oct. 18 “Building Communities through Gardening” A Workshop for Community Organizations Interested in Gardens Location: Arlington, VA Oct18 Building Communities

Thursday, Oct 20: Soil & Water Conservation Society (SWCS) Annual Meeting of the Virginia Chapter For more info… SWCS_Annual_Meeting_AgendaRegForm

Saturday, Oct. 22, 9-3pm: Waterwise Landscaping “GOOD PRACTICES = GOOD WATER QUALITY” Location: W.E. Skelton 4-H  Educational Conference Center, 775 Hermitage Rd Wirtz, Sith Mt Lake 540.721.2759 SKELTON4H@VT.EDU Oct22 2011Waterwise Flyer

Saturday, Oct. 22: Poplar Forest Event- MEDICINAL PLANTS Hill City Master Gardeners http://www.poplarforest.org/events

Monthly BAMGA meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month beginning promptly at 9:30am. Location is usually in the large meeting room, first floor of the Bedford County Admin Building. Guest speakers and “Master Gardener of the Month” presentation topics are announced in the BAMGA members’ Newsletter…. and on this website!   Meetings are occasionally held off-site so check your Newsletter/Website before attending…