Constructing a terrarium is easy, inexpensive, and can be accomplished on a snowy afternoon. Suitable containers can be found in most homes. Their care is minimal since they can go for months without water under the proper conditions. Read … [Read more...]
11 Best Air Purifying Plants for Indoors (Low Light Bedroom, Bathroom)
Many chemicals are used as ingredients in products in our homes. Flooring material, electronics, and many other products emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute your indoor air. Air-purifying plants can help clean indoor air and … [Read more...]
How to Care for a Real Christmas Tree
Did you know when cared for properly, real trees are less of a fire risk than artificial trees? It’s true! Choosing, cutting, and bringing home a real Christmas tree is a fun, family tradition that makes memories to last a lifetime. Read … [Read more...]
Brighten Winter Days with Stunning Amaryllis Blooms
During the dark days of winter, gardeners crave cheerful, vibrant indoor flowers to brighten moods as they count down the days to spring. And tucked among the holiday decorations, amaryllis do their best to cure seasonal affective disorder, adding … [Read more...]
2023 BAMGA PLANT SALE
The Bedford Extension Master Gardeners have been busy preparing for our annual PLANT SALE which takes place THIS Saturday, April 29th from 9am - 1pm, at the Cooperative Extension Office, 1257 County Farm Rd. in Bedford, VA. We have a large variety … [Read more...]
Propagating Houseplants
I know the feeling…. It’s the middle of winter and spring fever is starting to set in. You’ve gone through all the seed catalogs, ordered seeds and sketched a garden layout. But now what?! It’s still months before you can put a seed in the … [Read more...]
YEAR OF THE AMARYLLIS
Recently Carol O. shared an excellent article on Amaryllis. These beautiful flowers are grown from bulbs and, with a vast array of colorful varieties, they can help to decorate and brighten homes during the winter season. Today, I was happy to see … [Read more...]
Mistletoe science and folklore
Many of us think of mistletoe as a little twig with green leaves and white berries, tied with a red ribbon and hung in doorways during the holidays, where it is a popular tradition to stand under and receive a kiss. However, mistletoe has a long and … [Read more...]
HOLIDAY DECORATING WITH FRESH GREENERY
Decorating the house with fresh greenery is one of the oldest winter holiday traditions. Evergreens have been a part of winter festivals since ancient times. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. … [Read more...]
THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS CACTI
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) are popular, fall- and winter-flowering houseplants native to Brazil, and are available in a wide variety of colors including red, rose, purple, lavender, … [Read more...]