As the days get shorter and cooler, the gardening season starts to wind down, and many of us will begin cleaning up our landscapes for the winter. While cutting back dead plants and raking leaves can make for a clean-looking yard, it may not be the … [Read more...]
American Burnweed, Erechtites hieraciifolius
Recently, while driving on a country roads here in Bedford County, I passed through an area where it almost seemed like it was "snowing"! There were numerous little white, hairy orbs gently floating on the air. They were actually seeds from a plant … [Read more...]
Problem-free Shrubs for Virginia Landscapes
The most effective form of plant disease control in the landscape is prevention. Disease prevention can be as simple as choosing the right palnt for the right place at planting time. CONTINUE SOURCE: Virginia Tech Extension Publications … [Read more...]
POWDERY MILDEW
Powdery mildew is the name given to a group of diseases caused by several closely related fungi. Their common symptom is a grayish-white, powdery mat visible on the surface of leaves, stems, and flower petals. There are many hosts, and although this … [Read more...]
Beech Leaf Disease
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 … [Read more...]
Scat secrets: Edmonton study explores role of predator poop in spreading plant seeds
Some of the world's most ferocious predators — natural-born killers such as cougars and bears — are sort of gardeners in disguise, according to a new study from the University of Alberta. Continued: Social … [Read more...]
Rose Diseases (Outdoors)
Informational table showing disease name, symptoms, pathogen/cause, and management of Rose Diseases (Outdoors) diseases. MORE SOURCE: Penn State Extension … [Read more...]
Rose Growers Beware: Good News, Bad News, and Some More Good News
Roses have been a beautiful and fragrant part of our garden palette for thousands of years. Humans have cultivated roses for their medicinal properties, for the floral trade, and for beautifying our public and private gardens. CONTINUE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
STATE CHAMPION TREES
Champion trees are titled the largest of their kind. You can see over 25 different Virginia Champion Trees throughout the arboretum, designated by a blue award ribbon. Read more: … [Read more...]
Planting Fall gardens: Fall Gardening Guide For Zone 7 Gardens
Summer days are waning, but for gardeners in USDA zone 7, that doesn’t have to mean the last of the fresh garden produce. Okay, you may have seen the last of the garden tomatoes, but there are still plenty of veggies suited for zone 7 fall planting. … [Read more...]