Edgeworthia is a shrub native to China and the Himalayas that provides superb fall and winter interest and a gardenia-like fragrance. Read More: Source: … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana (ham-ah-MAY-lis ver-jin-ee-AY-nah) Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree that may grow 15 to 20 feet tall. This easily overlooked native becomes noticeable when after its leaves turn an attractive yellow … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Yellow Birch
Yellow Birch, Betula alleghaniensis - (BET-yoo-luh al-leh-gay-nee-EN-sis) Common Name(s): Golden Birch, Swamp Birch, Yellow Birch Have you ever noticed a tree with shiny golden bark on exposed … [Read more...]
How to Create A Holiday Wreath
A wreath is an attractive decoration for the holiday season. Making a wreath isn't as difficult as you might think. Follow these steps to create a holiday wreath using evergreen branches from your own yard. Continued: SOURCE: … [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. Read on: Source: … [Read more...]
Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery
One of the oldest winter holiday traditions is decorating the house with fresh greenery. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. Continued: Source: … [Read more...]
Tree Identification
There are many reasons to learn the identity of the trees around us. The trees growing on a site can tell us a lot about the soil, climate, and other environmental conditions there. Certain trees make good lumber, paper, medicines, food, or other … [Read more...]
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
Winter is all about layering, catching up after a busy summer and feeding the soul from a pantry stocked with home-canned goods and a freezer full of garden vegetables. Before you burrow in, apply these principles to your outdoor spaces and get a … [Read more...]
Goth Garden: Spooky and Beautiful
Traditionally, gothic gardens—now referred to as “goth” gardens—incorporated themes of death and decay. Whether it’s a garden filled with mystical, medicinal herbs, a crumbling, forgotten courtyard with a tragic history, or a vine-covered, winding … [Read more...]
Fall Pruning: Think twice
Fall has always been considered the season of harvest. Images of corn, pumpkins and the bounty of Thanksgiving all create moving symbols of autumn. Fall brings to close another growing season, as plants prepare for winter by shedding their leaves or … [Read more...]