Green lawns, tall trees, bright flowers—Virginians love the outdoors, evenwhen it’s just the backyard. The way you maintain your yard, however, can havesurprising impacts on the natural world. Continued: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Cercis canadensis
Common Name(s): American Judas Tree, American Redbud, Eastern Redbud, Redbud Eastern redbud is a deciduous, ornamental tree in the bean family (Fabaceae). It is native to eastern North America and may grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 … [Read more...]
Cornus florida
Common Name(s): Flowering Dogwood Flowering dogwood is a woody, deciduous, showy, understory tree in the dogwood family (Cornaceae) that is native from southeastern Canada through eastern North America to eastern Mexico, where it is commonly found … [Read more...]
From the Ground Up: Building Raised Garden Beds
How to Grow Spring Blooming Hellebore Flowers
If you garden in shade, you garden in the company of critters—deer, rabbits, mice, slugs, and more. You have to choose what you grow wisely so your investment doesn’t end up on Bambi’s dinner plate. Here’s the best part: you can plant hellebores … [Read more...]
Perfect Peas: How to Select and Grow the Best Varieties for Garden-to-Table Meals
Ahhh…you know spring is in full swing when the first sweet, tender peas dangle prettily in the garden. Go ahead: gently pull that first pod from the vine and pop it in your mouth. There’s nothing nicer than savoring the rewards of your work, snacking … [Read more...]
How to Grow Potatoes in Containers in 8 Simple Steps
There are several advantages to growing potatoes in containers rather than in the ground. Container planting saves space in small gardens, makes it easier to control growing conditions, and protects the plants from critters such as voles that love to … [Read more...]
The Benefits of Having Houseplants
Humans share a deep bond with nature, and surrounding ourselves with natural elements can promote calmness, contentment and, as research shows, enhanced focus. Having indoor plants can offer similar benefits. Multiple studies have shown that caring … [Read more...]
Soil microbiome
Beneath every step we take, within the seemingly inert soil, lies an astonishingly complex and vibrant universe: the soil microbiome. This microscopic metropolis, teeming with life, is far more than just dirt. It is a dynamic ecosystem, a … [Read more...]
Building a Vertical Hydroponic Tower
The tower garden design described here can hold 28 plants per tower and two towers can be placed in a 5-foot x 5-foot space, producing 56 plants at one time (Figure 1). The design can be modified according to preference. Continued: SOURCE: … [Read more...]