In 2024, BAMGA started a community outreach program of providing mini-grants to qualified organizations for gardening projects that are consistent with the Master Gardener mission. One of the two awarded in 2024 was to Bedford Urban Garden, Inc. With … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana (ham-ah-MAY-lis ver-jin-ee-AY-nah) Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree that may grow 15 to 20 feet tall. This easily overlooked native becomes noticeable when after its leaves turn an attractive yellow … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Yellow Birch
Yellow Birch, Betula alleghaniensis - (BET-yoo-luh al-leh-gay-nee-EN-sis) Common Name(s): Golden Birch, Swamp Birch, Yellow Birch Have you ever noticed a tree with shiny golden bark on exposed … [Read more...]
Wildflower Seeds for Fall Planting: Tips and Tricks
As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s time to start thinking about wildflower planting. While summer may have been full of colorful blooms, fall is when seasoned gardeners prep for next year’s glory — ever noticed how wildflowers in nature scatter … [Read more...]
Planting Fall Garlic
Garlic, a member of the onion family, may be grown successfully in most Virginia home gardens. There are early (white or Mexican) cultivars and late (pink or Italian) cultivars. The early cultivar does not store well and has poorer quality, but … [Read more...]
How and When to Divide Perennials
Perennials grace our gardens year after year with their variety of brilliant colors and unique foliage forms. After a few years in the garden, these perennials may start to produce smaller blooms, develop a 'bald spot' at the center of their crown, … [Read more...]
Weed Alert – Tree of Heaven
Blue Ridge PRISM Recommendations SOURCE: Blue Ridge PRISM … [Read more...]
Fall is the Season for Cool Season Lawn Recovery
There are lots of cool‐ season lawns (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass either as single species or mixtures) that look like this following the roller coaster of summer weather patterns that featured record heat and drought, … [Read more...]
Late Summer House Plant Clean Up
The key to healthy plants is keeping them tidy. But with all the things going on in our lives, especially with busy summer vacations, taking care of our plants can fall by the wayside. However, now is a great time to do clean up and tend those … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Fraser Magnolia
Fraser Magnolia (Magnolia fraseri - mag-NO-lee-ah frah-SER-ee) Common Name(s): Earleaf Cucumber Tree,Earleaf Magnolia,Earleaf Umbrella Tree,Fraser Magnolia,Mountain Magnolia The Fraser or Mountain Magnolia is found in our mountain areas in … [Read more...]