For many centuries, farmers took their signs for planting times from nature. Today, we call this study of cyclic biological occurrences phenology. Here are some examples of phenology used by farmers and horticulturists. Read More: … [Read more...]
Managing the Japanese Beetle:
A Homeowner’s Handbook
Both as adults and as grubs (the larval stage), Japanese beetles are destructive plant pests. Adults feed on the foliage and fruits of several hundredspecies of fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and field and vegetable crops. Read More: … [Read more...]
Virginia’s Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Date
Selecting appropriate planting dates is a critical component of successful vegetable gardening. Vegetables vary widely in their preferred growing conditions and tolerance to temperature extremes, both cold and hot. Understanding the local frost-free … [Read more...]
What to do about woodchucks
The woodchuck (a.k.a. groundhog) is often caught between being a celebrity and a villain. One day we rely on their shadow to forecast the seasons; the next we grumble as they make a meal of our carefully planted garden vegetables. Continued: … [Read more...]
Chiggers
Chiggers are the immature stage of certain mites belonging to the family Trombiculidae. Continued: … [Read more...]
Terrariums
A terrarium is a tightly closed, clear glass or plastic container filled with small plants. It also has come to mean an open, transparent container for growing and displaying plants. Terrariums are most useful for small plants that do not adapt well … [Read more...]
Delightful daylilies: Sharpen your shovels then divide and conquer
Everyone’s garden favorite, the daylily, will perform better when divided every three to five years. Read more: … [Read more...]
Insect Hotels
In the wild, solitary insect species, like wood-boring beetles and solitary bees, search for cavities in wood to lay eggs. These cavities are typically left by burrowing beetles, woodpeckers, or the tree’s own natural growth. Some species, like … [Read more...]
Lilacs: 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. Read more: … [Read more...]
PHILADELPHIA
FLEABANE
Erigeron philadelphicus L
Philadelphia fleabane is a native, biennial or short-lived, somewhat weedy, perennialherb. Read More: … [Read more...]