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...]
Allium Leafminer
This European pest was first recorded in North America in Lancaster Co. PA in 2015. Allium leafminer (ALM) was first observed in Maryland in 2017 and is now widespread through Central and Northern Maryland. Continued: … [Read more...]
Frost Damage On Plants: Early Blooming Flowers And Freezing Temperatures
Experienced gardeners know to wait until after the last spring frost before planting out in the garden. However, no amount of experience can predict random bad weather. What do you do when you’ve planned correctly but a cold snap threatens your … [Read more...]
LESSER CELANDINE THREATENS NATIVE SPRING WILDFLOWERS
Lesser celandine grows so densely and rapidly that it forms continuous mats of thick foliage. These mats smother low-lying perennials and prevent seeds of wildflowers, grasses, and trees from germinating. Read more: … [Read more...]
Potting soils and seed-starting mixes for your garden
All seed-starting mixes and potting soils are not created equally. Experienced gardeners generally have their favorites, while beginners may be at a loss as to what potting media to select. Read more: … [Read more...]
Grow Lights for Starting Seeds Indoors
The natural light from a window is seldom enough for good, strong seedling growth. They will usually stretch and lean towards the light and will not produce sturdy plants. Read On: … [Read more...]