Viable seeds are living entities. They must contain living, healthy embryonic tissue in order to germinate. Read on: … [Read more...]
Soil Preparation
The ideal soil for a vegetable garden is deep, friable,and well-drained with a high organic matter content.Proper soil preparation provides the basis for goodseed germination and the subsequent growth of gardencrops. Read on: … [Read more...]
How to Grow and Care for Hellebore
The common name hellebore is assigned to several species of plants in the Helleborus genus of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes monkshood, delphinium, and anemone. Hellebore foliage is thick, evergreen, and forms a low lying clump with … [Read more...]
Bedford Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale
IT'S ALMOST TIME! The Bedford Extension Master Gardeners have been hard at work growing plants for their annual Plant Sale. Laurel Denne, Plant Sale Coordinator, stated, "Our goal is to provide quality plants and also offer unique plants that … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk
Oh, the Gall of it All QUESTION The client submitted a photo of a strange growth on his oak tree and asked to know what it is and if he should do something about it. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION It was identified as the wool sower gall, … [Read more...]
Five Common Poisonous Weeds In Your Garden
With all the news about giant hogweed, we might think it is what we should be on the lookout for in our gardens. Continued: … [Read more...]
What’s Poppin’ this Spring? Your Green Thumb!
Bedford County Master Gardener, Phyllis Turner, was recently interviewed on WSET's TV feature, Living in the Heart of Virginia! Phyllis spoke about how to become a Master Gardener, the upcoming BAMGA plant sale, and Library Workshops that are in … [Read more...]
Planting warm-season seeds in the garden
The power of a seed goes almost unnoticed, most everyone wants to start some, but few succeed. The mystery and hope all packed in a little seed is perplexing but powerful. The most powerful part to me: it is a miracle every time one sprouts. Once you … [Read more...]
Early Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers
By Lark Wells Wildflowers By Lark Wells Looking forward to spring? Ready to open the windows for some fresh air and take a walk or bike ride on your favorite local trail? While you’re out, take a look at the splashes of color by the … [Read more...]
Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica
Virginia bluebells is a native wildflower found in moist woodlands and river flood plains in eastern North America from New York to Minnesota up into Canada (Ontario and Quebec), and from Kansas to Alabama. Mertensia virginica is one of about 40 … [Read more...]