I have lots of hydrangeas here on the farm. There are two large planting areas I call my hydrangea groves and am planning yet another one this fall. My motto: you can never have to many hydrangeas! I begin harvesting in early May when they are … [Read more...]
Tree of Heaven & Spotted Lantern Fly
If you’re hosting this incredibly common plant, you could be hosting #SpottedLanternfly before you know it. Ailanthus trees, more commonly known as tree-of-heaven, are the preferred host of everyone’s least favorite #BadBug. Learn … [Read more...]
Mulching Landscape Trees
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to enhance landscape beauty, improve soil conditions, protect plants from foot traffic and lawn equipment, and suppress weeds. Mulches can also improve soil structure and fertility. This is … [Read more...]
Rosette Disease
The client brought in a sample from his rose bush, which has red color, distorted leaves and buds. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION The problem was identified as rose rosette disease (RRD). The recommendation is to remove and destroy … [Read more...]
Champion Trees
A champion tree is the largest known tree of a given species in a particular geographic area. Some champions are very large trees and some champions are rather small. For example, the largest known tree in Maryland, an American sycamore, is more than … [Read more...]
Caring for Your New Plants
Here are some tips from Wildflower Center horticulturists for promoting healthy growth of your new plants: https://www.wildflower.org/learn/how-to/care-for-your-new-plants A note from Bedford Extension Master Gardener KathyN: The Lady Bird … [Read more...]
The Walnut Tree: Allelopathic Effects and Tolerant Plants
Allelopathy is a complex phenomenon which Pliny the Elder, a Roman natural science author, first wrote about in 77 A.D. In his writings he noted the toxic effects of black walnut on neighboring plants in the landscape. More: … [Read more...]
Deer “Resistant” Plant List: State Arboretum of Virginia
White-tailed deer are responsible for a great deal of landscape destruction. Using landscape plants NOT preferred by deer is one way to prevent or at least lessen damage. The plants deer prefer to eat vary from region to region and change seasonally. … [Read more...]
River Birch Trees
The client has two 5-7 year old river birch trees. For last 2 years, the leaves have not developed to the normal size compared to previous years. Trees are in a sunny, well-drained area. The derecho took off all leaves few years … [Read more...]
American Rose Society Information
The American Rose Society (established 1892) exists to promote the culture, preservation and appreciation of the Rose and to improve its standard of excellence for all people, through education and research. Our members have the Rose … [Read more...]