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...]
WEED ALERT
Asiatic Bittersweet Image 1: Unopened Asiatic bittersweet fruit in early October, by Gloria SchoenholtzImage 2: Asiatic bittersweet vine with expanded fruit later in the fall, by Gloria SchoenholtzIntroduced to the United … [Read more...]
Fall armyworm outbreak in Virginia – Turf, sod, small grains, late sweet corn, sorghum, and other crops at risk.
Recently, some VCE agents as well as golf course superintendents in the northcentral and southwestern counties of Virginia have reported fall armyworm outbreaks on lawns and golf courses. This outbreak is earlier than usual and potentially could … [Read more...]
Laurel Wilt Disease
From EMG Communications, ALERT: Laurel wilt found in Virginia! In June, laurel wilt was discovered in Scott County. Laurel wilt is caused by the fungal pathogen Raffaelea lauricola, which is carried by the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus … [Read more...]
Acorn Collection
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) collects a variety of species of acorns and nuts that can be planted at its Augusta Forestry Center (Crimora, Va.) to grow into tree seedlings that will become the forests of tomorrow. These seeds will … [Read more...]