Petunias are among the most popular flowering annuals for good reason. Petunias are bright and lively, bloom from spring until frost, and scent the air with lovely fragrance. Best of all, petunias are amazingly easy to grow, both in the … [Read more...]
Planning the Vegetable Garden
Although warmer temperatures are in our local forecast, Spring is still a ways away. However, NOW is a great time to plan for your Spring and Summer gardens. Consider what vegetables and plants you'd like to grow this year; old favorites and … [Read more...]
Best Heirloom Tomatoes Varieties
Bring back lively flavor with these best-tasting tomato varieties. Grow heirloom tomatoes varieties in your garden to be used in delicious recipes CONTINUE SOURCE: Mother Earth News … [Read more...]
WEED ALERT | Asiatic Bittersweet
Blue Ridge PRISM Recommendations Now is the time to identify and control this invasive vine since it is easy to spot during this time of year. Use our guide to identify Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) in the landscape. Identify and … [Read more...]
BAMGA GARDEN GRANT OUTCOME REPORT – BEDFORD URBAN GARDEN
In 2024, BAMGA started a community outreach program of providing mini-grants to qualified organizations for gardening projects that are consistent with the Master Gardener mission. One of the two awarded in 2024 was to Bedford Urban Garden, Inc. With … [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...]
Wildflower Seeds for Fall Planting: Tips and Tricks
As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s time to start thinking about wildflower planting. While summer may have been full of colorful blooms, fall is when seasoned gardeners prep for next year’s glory — ever noticed how wildflowers in nature scatter … [Read more...]
Planting Fall Garlic
Garlic, a member of the onion family, may be grown successfully in most Virginia home gardens. There are early (white or Mexican) cultivars and late (pink or Italian) cultivars. The early cultivar does not store well and has poorer quality, but … [Read more...]
How and When to Divide Perennials
Perennials grace our gardens year after year with their variety of brilliant colors and unique foliage forms. After a few years in the garden, these perennials may start to produce smaller blooms, develop a 'bald spot' at the center of their crown, … [Read more...]