Though most people cringe at the sight of an insect, there are countless species of beneficial insects. One such group of insects is referred to as natural enemies. These are insects that prey upon other insects that frequently cause damage in the … [Read more...]
Lilac: Identify and Manage Problems
Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a woody shrub grown for its extremely fragrant flowers in mid to late spring, depending on the location. Continued: … [Read more...]
Rose: Identify and Manage Problems
Roses (Rosa spp.) are some of the most popular flowering shrubs in home gardens. They are best used in a location that receives full sun, good air circulation, and good soil drainage. Read on: … [Read more...]
Peony: An Old-Fashioned, Easy-Care Beauty
By Rachel Oppedah
Picture this: A blooming bush with flowers asheartbreakingly beautiful as roses that deer won’ttouch, that love the extended cold of our foothillwinters, and that can live up to 100 years. Purefantasy? Nope. Let me introduce you to theamazing peony. … [Read more...]
Pest Control Library: Keeping Animals Out of the Garden
In addition to insects and diseases, gardeners must keep an eye out for two and four-footed pests. Read more: … [Read more...]
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive forb that has become widespread throughout much of the United States, including Virginia. It has invaded the understory of some forests and become the dominant plant, thereby greatly reducing the … [Read more...]
Pretty, portable pollinator gardens: Top 10 plants for pollinator-friendly containers
“Pollinator gardens provide food for bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, and other helpful species,” says Diane Blazek, Executive Director at National Garden Bureau (NGB). “In turn, they pollinate the vegetables that produce our food. They really are … [Read more...]
Wineberry
Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)-- sometimes called wine raspberry-- is an invasive shrub that creates prickly, impenetrable thickets. Introduced to North America in the 1890s as breeding stock for raspberries, wineberry displaces native vegetation, … [Read more...]
Get in the Zone: Two Truths (and a Lie) about Zone Maps
Have you ever returned from a trip, determined to recreate that tropical vacation vibe in your northern backyard? Or maybe you hope to grow lilacs, like those that filled the vase on your grandmother’s kitchen table—but aren’t sure they’ll flourish … [Read more...]
Callery Pear – Please Beware!
As the temperature warms up and the days get longer in March, many of you have probably seen the white blooms scattered in the forest or perhaps in grown up fields as you travel. While these trees may look “pretty” as the landscape begins to green … [Read more...]