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...]
Heat and dry weather pose problems for landscape plants
During hot, dry weather, gardeners should water properly and evaluate susceptible landscape plants, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension experts. High temperatures, combined with dry weather, pose a threat to Virginia’s home landscapes. … [Read more...]
Pond Ecology
A brief overview of the natural processes of an earthen pond and how to maintain a healthy pond. Read more: Source: … [Read more...]
Garden Journaling with Phenology Facts
Where do you find good gardening models, resources, and information on how to care for a garden over time? Old-time gardeners relied on the bloom sequence of common and native plants growing in their local regions to let them know it was safe to sow … [Read more...]
Managing Human Wildlife Interactions: Snakes
One day, when I was a little girl, I was playing outside; yes, we did that back then! As I came around the corner of our home, I saw a black snake, curled up, enjoying a bit of shade, under an evergreen tree. I stopped dead in my tracks, petrified … [Read more...]
What is a harmful algal bloom?
Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae — simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds. The human illnesses … [Read more...]
Two-Horned Trapa (Trapa bispinosa) An Invasive Aquatic Plant
Invasive Pests Invasive pests (plants, insects, diseases, and others) cause enormous economic damage, as well as environmental damage. These displace or destroy beneficial and native plants and animals, reduce biodiversity. The annual economic … [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...]
GARDEN ESCAPE ARTISTS
From BLUE RIDGE PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT (PRISM) … [Read more...]
Grow The Good Life
In March, the Bedford Area Master Gardeners will be presenting GROW THE GOOD LIFE, a two-part virtual, educational program. Part 1 will take place on March 5, 2022. Frank Reilly, an environmental scientist and avid Master Gardener will … [Read more...]