Gladiolus are as American as apple pie. Generations of gardeners, from Maine to California, have tucked these summer-blooming bulbs into their gardens in spring and been delighted by the gorgeous flower spikes that appear just a few months … [Read more...]
Blackberry Lily, Belamcanda chinensis or Iris domestica
Blackberry lily, also referred to as leopard lily and several other common names, is a short-lived perennial native to eastern Russia, China and Japan. The dried rhizome has long been used medicinally in Eastern Asia for a variety of ailments. Read … [Read more...]
Heat and Drought Tolerant Plants
Sandy Feather, extension educator in Allegheny county, has prepared this list of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials that don't just survive but will thrive in our long, hot summers. Read more: … [Read more...]
Planting Natives to Attract Pollinators and Birds
Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Native plants feed the insects that are the base of the food web, and insects that are especially important as food … [Read more...]
The Importance of Pollinators
Pollinators like native bees, moths and butterflies, birds, bats and other animals are hard at work providing vital but often unnoticed services. They pollinate crops like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, melon, peaches, potatoes, vanilla, … [Read more...]
When To Dig Up Tulips: How To Cure Tulip Bulbs For Planting
Tulips are special – ask any gardener who grows the bright, beautiful blossoms. That’s why it’s no surprise that the care requirements for tulip bulbs are different than for other spring bulbs. There are over 150 different species of tulip, each with … [Read more...]
Lilac: Identify and Manage Problems
Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a woody shrub grown for its extremely fragrant flowers in mid to late spring, depending on the location. Continued: … [Read more...]
Rose: Identify and Manage Problems
Roses (Rosa spp.) are some of the most popular flowering shrubs in home gardens. They are best used in a location that receives full sun, good air circulation, and good soil drainage. Read on: … [Read more...]
Peony: An Old-Fashioned, Easy-Care Beauty
By Rachel Oppedah
Picture this: A blooming bush with flowers asheartbreakingly beautiful as roses that deer won’ttouch, that love the extended cold of our foothillwinters, and that can live up to 100 years. Purefantasy? Nope. Let me introduce you to theamazing peony. … [Read more...]
2023 BAMGA PLANT SALE
The Bedford Extension Master Gardeners have been busy preparing for our annual PLANT SALE which takes place THIS Saturday, April 29th from 9am - 1pm, at the Cooperative Extension Office, 1257 County Farm Rd. in Bedford, VA. We have a large variety … [Read more...]