Blue Ridge PRISM Recommendations: Because it can spread so quickly and smother almost anything in its path, Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), aka round leaf bittersweet (formerly known as Oriental bittersweet), is rapidly taking over … [Read more...]
Mistletoe: A Symbol of Love and Peace
One plant irrevocably tied to the holiday season is mistletoe, bringing to mind the image of greenery hung over a doorway in anticipation of a kiss. The white-berried plant we decorate with during the holidays, commonly known as American mistletoe, … [Read more...]
Poinsettia–How to Select and Care for a Healthy Poinsettia
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is the most popularChristmas season plant. It was introduced into the United States in the late1820’s from its native Mexico by our first ambassador to that country, JoelRobert Poinsett. Read More: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Growing amaryllis, a favorite holiday plant
Amaryllis bulbs are widely available from October through January, often sold as bare-root bulbs or in kits that include a bulb, pot and potting medium. The key to achieving those picture-perfect blooms lies in proper preparation and planting. Read … [Read more...]
Selecting the Right Tree
While hardier than most flowers, fruits or vegetables, real Christmas trees are also perishable. For your Christmas tree to hold up through the holidays, it should be selected and cared for with freshness in mind. By following a few simple … [Read more...]
Your Thanksgiving menu doesn’t look like Colonial America’s first celebration
Much of the way that Americans remember the first Thanksgiving in its elementary school presentation is a myth. Continued: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Harvesting and Storing Pumpkins and Winter Squash
While homeowners may not be able to achieve the optimal conditions, attention to proper harvest time, careful handling, and avoidance of overly high or low temperatures during storage should help prolong the storage life of their squash and pumpkins. … [Read more...]
Cleaning up the vegetable garden in fall
With the first frost of autumn hitting many areas of Maryland, this is a good time to think about cleaning up your vegetable garden, if you haven’t already done so! Continued: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Pruning Facts
Pruning is one of the most important maintenance practices to keep your landscape healthy and attractive. Most homeowners struggle with understanding why, when, what and how to prune. Read more: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Conoclinium coelestinum (Ageratum)
Ageratum is an herbaceous perennial native to the Eastern United States and is a member of the aster family (Asteraceae). It looks like the annual ageratum and because of that is sometimes called hardy ageratum. Read more: … [Read more...]