Yellow nutsedge—sometimes referred to as nutgrass—is a persistent weed problem in lawns, athletic fields, and golf course turf. This species thrives in moist, poorly drained soils and can persist in full sun and moderate shade. Yellow nutsedge … [Read more...]
Soil Health in Raised Beds
By selecting the contents of the raised bed, soil properties like texture, drainage, and organic matter content can be controlled. A soil and compost mix is recommended, at a ratio of 70% soil to 30% compost. Make sure that both the soil and compost … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk – Isn’t That Just Plum-Dandy!
QUESTION The client called about a 6-yr old plum tree that had fruit for 3 years but not for last 2 even though it bloomed well. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION The problem was identified as a lack of a pollinator variety. Japanese plums … [Read more...]
How to Use Succession Planting in Your Garden
Succession planting, also known as successive planting, is a way to extend your harvest by staggering plantings of crops or planting varieties with staggered maturing dates. There are four methods of succession planting. CONTINUE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
How to Grow and Care for Hellebore
The common name hellebore is assigned to several species of plants in the Helleborus genus of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes monkshood, delphinium, and anemone. Hellebore foliage is thick, evergreen, and forms a low lying clump with … [Read more...]
Bedford Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale
IT'S ALMOST TIME! The Bedford Extension Master Gardeners have been hard at work growing plants for their annual Plant Sale. Laurel Denne, Plant Sale Coordinator, stated, "Our goal is to provide quality plants and also offer unique plants that … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk
Oh, the Gall of it All QUESTION The client submitted a photo of a strange growth on his oak tree and asked to know what it is and if he should do something about it. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION It was identified as the wool sower gall, … [Read more...]
What’s Poppin’ this Spring? Your Green Thumb!
Bedford County Master Gardener, Phyllis Turner, was recently interviewed on WSET's TV feature, Living in the Heart of Virginia! Phyllis spoke about how to become a Master Gardener, the upcoming BAMGA plant sale, and Library Workshops that are in … [Read more...]
Give Me All Your Cuttings
I may tell myself that I chat up my neighbors out of a post-quarantine craving for connection. I can pretend that I haul myself outside for a swift ten thousand steps because I’ve finally learned the value of tending myself, body and spirit. But the … [Read more...]
Wildflower of the Year 2022 Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Buttonbush is a shrub or small tree commonly attaining heights up to about 6 m, occasionally twice that size. Leaves are opposite or whorled, elliptic to ovate, 2-8 cm wide, and 6-15 cm long; margins are entire and apices are acute or cuspidate, … [Read more...]