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...]
KUDZU: The “Plant That Ate the South”; Is It Eating Bedford?
Kudzu, scientific name Pueraria montana var lobata, has been called America’s most infamous weed, and the vine that ate the South. Does it really deserve this reputation? Is it really ‘taking over’ Bedford? The picture below was … [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...]
35 FAVORITE POINSETTIA CULTIVARS FOR YOUR HOME
If the word “poinsettia” conjures up one color and one color only – red – you are in for a treat: a whirlwind tour of 35 different poinsettia cultivars, in many different beguiling hues. CONTINUE SOURCE: Gardenerspath.com … [Read more...]
Tips for Selection and Care of Cut Christmas Trees
There is no right or wrong species when it comes to choosing a Christmas tree. It all depends on your tastes and what is available locally. Bringing a freshly cut tree into your home, having it hold irreplaceable ornaments and bear witness to the … [Read more...]
AMARYLLIS
The large bell-shaped or lily-like flowers of the amaryllis (Hippeastrum species) and its hybrids make excellent garden and potted plants. They are available in a wide range of flower colors including red, white, pink, orange, salmon or bicolored and … [Read more...]
The do’s and don’ts of holiday decorating with plants
Keep holiday greenery fresh and pets safe from toxic plant material by following a Virginia Cooperative Extension master gardener’s expert tips. Continued: … [Read more...]
Can I harvest garden vegetables after a frost?
You can delay your garden harvest of some root crops and greens until after a frost and still have a bountiful harvest. Read more: … [Read more...]
Abelia–Tough But Beautiful
Glossy abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) is often described as a tough plant. In fact, Carol Robacker, one of the horticulturalists involved with the abelia breeding program at University of Georgia, described abelia this way: “Around here, we call … [Read more...]