I KNOW A LOT OF PLANTS BY THEIR PROPER NAMES, but when it comes to “weeds,” as we term unwanted garden visitors that seem to just come with the territory, my knowledge really paled until recent years. Lately, on days not conducive to outdoor work, … [Read more...]
Pollinators need more than pollen and nectar to survive and help produce food for people
To survive, pollinators need more than just flowers as sources of pollen and nectar. They also need water, bare ground for nesting, shelter and nesting materials. In natural areas, these items are readily available. But in urban and residential … [Read more...]
10 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Virginia!
Anywhere you go in Virginia, nature abounds. No matter what county or city you’re visiting, there’s always an opportunity to get back to nature. These 10 botanical gardens make the trip a little easier, and a great deal more beautiful. Read … [Read more...]
Growing and Drying Hydrangeas
I have lots of hydrangeas here on the farm. There are two large planting areas I call my hydrangea groves and am planning yet another one this fall. My motto: you can never have to many hydrangeas! I begin harvesting in early May when they are … [Read more...]
New program at Roanoke community college aims to help young farmers
...Attracting young people to the field is critically important, experts say, particularly in a state like Virginia, where agriculture is the number one industry. ...White, the Virginia Western dean, said the community college hopes to accomplish … [Read more...]
Whatever You Do, Don’t Put Coffee Grounds in Your Garden
The internet is full of ways you can make gardening easier and cheaper, but some methods are too good to be true. No matter what the gardening blogs tell you, leave the spent coffee grounds alone. They're bad news for your garden. See article... … [Read more...]
Holes in the Lawn
When holes and excavations mysteriously appear in lawns, it is helpful to note the season, location, and size. These are helpful clues when trying to identify the culprit and prevent further damage. The following information should help match the … [Read more...]
You Can Talk to Plants. Maybe You Should Listen.
An installation at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden ponders the sounds made by plants. Read More... … [Read more...]
Philadelphia: America’s Garden Capitol
Explore Our Gardens With a tradition of horticulture going back 300 years, Philadelphia is America’s Garden Capital. Visit more than 30 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes, all located within 30 miles of our landmark city. … [Read more...]
Potato Plant Vines
The client called to ask why his potatoes (Irish) planted in mid-April already had vines dying in mid-July. He felt this was too soon. He did not know the variety of potato. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION Because most potato varieties … [Read more...]