There is a reliable palette of native plants common in the trade today from Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) to Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp) and Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) to Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis). But there are many … [Read more...]
River Birch Trees
The client has two 5-7 year old river birch trees. For last 2 years, the leaves have not developed to the normal size compared to previous years. Trees are in a sunny, well-drained area. The derecho took off all leaves few years … [Read more...]
Carpenter Bees Xylocopa virginica
People who complain about bumblebees flying about under the eaves of their homes are probably being annoyed by carpenter bees. Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees in both size and appearance, but are not social insects... More … [Read more...]
American Rose Society Information
The American Rose Society (established 1892) exists to promote the culture, preservation and appreciation of the Rose and to improve its standard of excellence for all people, through education and research. Our members have the Rose … [Read more...]
Flowering Crabapples for the Garden
As the spring blooms of flowering cherries are fading, it reminds me of the many calls we get each year from folks who want to plant their own cherries. No one can argue with the beauty of cherries, but cherries are plagued with problems in … [Read more...]
Garden Trellis Ideas
Maximize space in your garden with trellises. Some crop types—like cucumbers, tomatoes, and pole beans—need the extra support a trellis can provide, and others, like melons and squash, don’t require trellises but can benefit from being lifted off of … [Read more...]
How to Grow Virginia Bluebells
Native to North America, bluebells are charming woodland plants that thrive in partial to full shade. Also known as Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), the plants can be found in prolific numbers in woodland areas, particularly in the eastern … [Read more...]
THE SOCRATES PROJECT – Poisonous Plants in Virginia
Tens of thousands of exposures to poisonous plants are reported annually to Poison Control Centers throughout the US, and hundreds of such incidents are reported each year to the Blue Ridge Poison Center in Virginia. More... … [Read more...]
Managing the Tick Problem
Ticks have fast become the pest of greatest personal health concern to gardeners and outdoor people of all stripes. With good reason. They are everywhere, hard to detect and can carry debilitating, even deadly diseases. While there is no silver … [Read more...]
Environmental Lawn Care Calendar
This all-in-one article includes tips and information for the year-round care of cool-season species of grass ( fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass) in the Bedford, Virginia area. Published by Bedford County Extension Agent, Scott Baker. January … [Read more...]