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As gardeners we support sustainable environmental practices and affirm the 4 R’s slogan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (i.e. compost). The first two articles in this series focused on reducing consumption and reuse as ways to keep materials out of…
As gardeners who support sustainable environmental practices, we affirm the 4 Rs slogan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (i.e. compost). The first article in this series focused on reducing consumption as a way to scale back our waste. This second…
As Extension Master Gardener volunteer educators, we are dedicated to investing in our local communities by teaching sustainable landscape and sound horticulture practices. We are also passionate about sharing the many ways each of us can make a positive impact…
National Pollinator Week, June 22-28, was launched by the Pollinator Partnership 13 years ago to celebrate pollinators and their impact on plants, people and the health of the planet. The Partnership’s mission is “to promote the health of pollinators, critical…
A new invasive pest entered our state in January of 2018 called the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. By the fall of 2019, it had spread over 40 to 45 square miles (about 26,000 acres) in Northern Virginia, specifically Frederick County….
People around the globe observed World Environment Day on June 5th, taking a moment to consider that the “foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the climate that makes our planet habitable all come from…
When the United Nations observed this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, its theme—Our Solutions Are in Nature—highlighted humanity’s dependence on vibrant ecosystems for our health, water, food, and other needs. It further emphasized the importance of…
On Arbor Day, the State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy Experimental Farm announced its second Tree of the Year: the sassafras (Sassafras albidum). We agree with Arboretum Curator T’ai Roulston that this attractive and fast-growing native species is perfectly suited…
In this time of home isolation to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Piedmont Master Gardeners are encouraging local households to grow more of their own food. Call it a Virus Victory Garden, “Like the wartime Victory Gardens of the…
Roses can be a stunning element in the ornamental landscape, but their care needs make them intimidating even for experienced gardeners. Please join us at 3 p.m. Monday, May 18, when members of the Piedmont Master Gardeners will provide tips…