The pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) is a native fruit-bearing tree that grows in the eastern United States, from Canada to Florida, and as far west as Nebraska. The pawpaw fruit resembles a green mango, and the tree has many nicknames including … [Read more...]
Chelsea chop
The Chelsea chop (so called because it is usually carried out at the end of May, coinciding with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show) is a pruning method by which you limit the size and control the flowering season of many herbaceous plants. Read more: … [Read more...]
Ticks
There are a number of species of Ticks found in Virginia including the Lonestar Tick, the Blacklegged Tick (also known as the Deer Tick), the American Dog Tick and the Asian Longhorn Tick. The areas of Virginia where these ticks are active varies. … [Read more...]
Ground Beetles – Beneficial Insects
QUESTION Client requested identification of a large beetle found in her yard. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION Harpalus pensylvanicus, common name Pennsylvania dingy ground beetle. It is a beneficial insect. ADDITIONAL … [Read more...]
Seed Saving Basics
Have you wondered whether you can replant seeds from your garden? Here is basic information to help you get started with saving seeds. Read More: … [Read more...]
Luscious Lettuce, Crisp Kale: What to Grow for a Flavorful Fall Veggie Garden
Summer’s sultry days may find you melting in the garden, but heavenly homegrown tomatoes and scrumptious sweet corn makes every drop of sweat and mosquito bite worth it. While you’re indulging in tasty homegrown treats, late summer means it’s time to … [Read more...]
Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia
A potentially very serious pest of grapes, peaches, hops, and a variety of other crops, the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, was detected in Frederick County, Virginia, on Jan. 10, 2018. It is important to look for … [Read more...]
Gardening Guided by Phenology
For many centuries, farmers took their signs for planting times from nature. Today, we call this study of cyclic biological occurrences phenology. Here are some examples of phenology used by farmers and horticulturists. Read More: … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk – DEFOLIATED JAPANESE BARBERRY BUSHES
ISSUE: Client has barberry shrubs with webbing and defoliation, with bushes looking terrible. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION The problem is the barberry webworm (Omphalocera dentosa). Defoliated branches and webs can be cut out and … [Read more...]
Dahlia Types Explained
Dahlias are becoming increasingly popular in landscapes and make excellent additions to border plantings, flowerpots, and cut-flower gardens. They flower continuously from summer through the first frost and will bloom prolifically if spent … [Read more...]