Do you have the invasive weed, garlic mustard, on your property? Now is the time to act to stop this weed from taking over! Blue Ridge Prism reports that just this past week, garlic mustard has begun to bolt, and at this point, most first-rank flower buds have opened....
The Piedmont Master Gardeners Association provides science-based horticulture and gardening information to the community of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville.
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What Makes a Species Invasive?
Invasive species like tree-of-heaven, Japanese stiltgrass, autumn olive, and oriental bittersweet create serious problems in ecosystems. Plant invaders contribute to the decline of native flora and fauna; decrease soil, water,… Read More »What Makes a Species Invasive?
The Center at Belvedere,
540 Belvedere Boulevard
Charlottesville, VA United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA United States
Garden Basics: Tiny Indoor Gardens for Winter Green Thumbs—Easy, Nutritious Microgreens and Sprouts
Microgreens and sprouts are the most local food you can eat. In this hands-on class, you will learn simple and inexpensive ways to grow delicious microgreens and sprouts. Small but… Read More »Garden Basics: Tiny Indoor Gardens for Winter Green Thumbs—Easy, Nutritious Microgreens and Sprouts
Free
Find out moreTrinity Episcopal Church,
1118 Preston Avenue
Charlottesville, VA United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA United States
Garden Basics: When, Where and How to Prune
Proper pruning can improve the health and structure of trees and shrubs. In this session, we will focus on: • the basics of structural pruning, • when to prune various… Read More »Garden Basics: When, Where and How to Prune
Free
Find out moreTrinity Episcopal Church,
1118 Preston Avenue
Charlottesville, VA United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA United States
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Please bear with us as we restore photos and finish the update to our archived newsletters and blog posts.
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A Lifetime of Learning
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Timely Topics
Designing Shrub Layers with Natives
Are you interested in enhancing your home landscape by designing a shrub layer using native plants? There are many resources available to help you with the design, selection, planting, and care of shrubs. Check out the Virginia Cooperative Extension publications on...
“Bee” Helpful to the Environment
What are solitary bees and what can we do to help these pollinators? Find out and learn how to make and install a bee box in your yard. This is great project for gardeners to do with their children or grandchildren! A fun learning experience for all. “Bee”...
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Alert: Invasive Plants, Insects, and Diseases
Vascular Streak Dieback: Threat to Redbuds and Dogwoods
You may wonder why you haven’t seen many flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) or Eastern Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) in local nurseries lately. This is likely due to concern about Vascular Streak Dieback, a fungal infection attacking these and other trees.
Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a potentially serious pest of grapes, peaches, hops and a variety of other crops, is now widespread in the Charlottesville-Albemarle County area. It is no longer necessary to report sightings to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Also, the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine is no longer in effect. Click this button to learn more about this pest and VCE’s management recommendations.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) entered Virginia in 1989 and were first reported in Albemarle County in November 2024. They swarm and attack aggressively when their colony is disturbed, posing a danger to humans and livestock. They also damage agricultural crops and can girdle young trees with their hills. For now, Charlottesville and Albemarle County remain outside the state’s recently expanded fire ant quarantine area. Click here to learn more about this invasive species and how to identify it.
