Oh, the Gall of it All QUESTION The client submitted a photo of a strange growth on his oak tree and asked to know what it is and if he should do something about it. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION It was identified as the wool sower gall, … [Read more...]
What’s Poppin’ this Spring? Your Green Thumb!
Bedford County Master Gardener, Phyllis Turner, was recently interviewed on WSET's TV feature, Living in the Heart of Virginia! Phyllis spoke about how to become a Master Gardener, the upcoming BAMGA plant sale, and Library Workshops that are in … [Read more...]
Give Me All Your Cuttings
I may tell myself that I chat up my neighbors out of a post-quarantine craving for connection. I can pretend that I haul myself outside for a swift ten thousand steps because I’ve finally learned the value of tending myself, body and spirit. But the … [Read more...]
Wildflower of the Year 2022 Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Buttonbush is a shrub or small tree commonly attaining heights up to about 6 m, occasionally twice that size. Leaves are opposite or whorled, elliptic to ovate, 2-8 cm wide, and 6-15 cm long; margins are entire and apices are acute or cuspidate, … [Read more...]
Grow The Good Life
In March, the Bedford Area Master Gardeners will be presenting GROW THE GOOD LIFE, a two-part virtual, educational program. Part 1 will take place on March 5, 2022. Frank Reilly, an environmental scientist and avid Master Gardener will … [Read more...]
Assessing and Dealing with Snowstorm Damage on Trees
Though snowfall can transform our landscape in ways beautiful and wondrous, heavy snowfall can also cause astounding harm. Trees and shrubs broken under the weight of snow and ice need to have damaged wood carefully removed. CONTINUE … [Read more...]
Asian Lady Beetle Infestation of Structures
Large numbers of lady beetles (ladybugs) infesting homes and buildings in the United States were first reported in the early 1990s. Ladybugs normally are considered beneficial since they live outdoors and feed on plant pests. MORE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
FORCING BULBS FOR WINTER CHEER
There is nothing more cheerful than colorful, often fragrant blooms during the dreary days of winter. Forcing flowe bulbs is a simple and fun process to bring that bit of sunshine into your home. It just takes a little planning! A bulb is not … [Read more...]
Growing and caring for amaryllis
Whether the first bulb or the fiftieth, there is high anticipation for the plant owner when the large, bright green bud emerges from a beefy amaryllis bulb! CONTINUE SOURCE: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/amaryllis#planting-858661 … [Read more...]
Fall Garden Care for Pollinators
This article discusses the beneficial pollinators that overwinter in the garden and best practices for providing habitat for them. CONTINUE SOURCE: https://extension.psu.edu/fall-garden-care-for-pollinators … [Read more...]