PERENNIAL: Pycnanthemum muticum (Short-toothed/Clustered Mountain-mint)

Posted on July 19, 2019 by

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Check out our Tried & True Fact Sheet to learn more . . .

The flowers of Pycnanthemum muticum (short-toothed or clustered mountain-mint) may be small in size but their ability to attract pollinators is huge! In a study undertaken by Penn State Master Gardeners, P. muticum attracted 4.6 times as many pollinator visits as the next most attractive plant, Solidago rigida (stiff goldenrod), over a three-year period. P. muticum also tied with S. rigida for the greatest diversity of visiting pollinators at an average of 21.7.

This video features twenty-five different pollinator species that appeared on the same 2-foot by 2.5-foot patch of P. muticum.  Twenty-one of them were observed over about twelve days in June and July of 2019 along with the tiny generalist predator Orius insidiosus (insidious flower bug–included, but not labeled in the video), two additional syrphid fly species, an unidentified bee species, tachnid and long-legged flies, a seed bug, a leafhopper, pollen mites, and male and female emerald jumper spiders. If you plant mountain-mint in your garden, then just imagine how many insects that it will attract over the course of its 15-week bloom period!

 – Video © 2019 Mary Free

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Mountain Mints: Minty but No Need for Mountains…

Posted on July 17, 2019 by
Pycnanthemum muticum Photo © Anne Galer

Pycnanthemum muticum
Photo © Anne Galer

By Anne Galer, Extension Master Gardener

My first encounter with mountain mints (Pycnanthemum) came when I was making the bouquets for my daughter’s wedding. We had the cherished peachy roses and hydrangeas from my garden and went in search of her two other requests: lisianthus and mountain mint. We found both at the Arlington Farmers’ Market and picked up our order at the market the day before the big event. Continue reading →

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SEDGE: Carex plantaginea (Plantainleaf Sedge)

Posted on July 15, 2019 by

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Carex plantaginea Inflorescences detail – March Photo © 2019 Elaine Mills
Carex plantaginea – April Photo © 2015 Elaine Mills
Carex plantaginea in landscape – June Photo © 2017 Elaine Mills
Carex plantaginea en masse – June Photo © 2015 Elaine Mills

The most ornamental of the woodland sedges, this species, sometimes referred to as Seersucker Sedge, is generally found in rich mountain woodlands. In the garden it can fill many roles, substituting for popular non-native plants and even tolerating difficult dry shaded sites. Learn more . . .

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Accepting Applications for the 2019 Fall Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class!

Posted on July 14, 2019 by

Love gardening, protecting our environment, and sharing your knowledge with our community? Then consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener (EMG)! We are currently accepting applications for our 2019 Fall volunteer training program, with classes on Tuesdays from September 10th thru November 19th.

Applications will be accepted through July 22, 2019

Click here for additional information, or call Leslie Fillmore, EMG Program Coordinator, at 703-228-6426.

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August 2019 Public Education Events

Posted on July 11, 2019 by

MGNV - Public Education logoPublic education events are open to all, but space may be limited. To reserve a spot, please REGISTER ONLINE.

Competitive Exhibits at the 2019 Arlington County Fair –
“A Family A-Fair”

Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center
3501 Second St. South, Arlington 22204

Arlington County Fair Logo 2019The Competitive Exhibits are an integral part of the Fair. Plan now to bring in your best! Art; photography; needlework; preserves; baked goods; plants and flowers; and vegetables, fruits and nuts are all displayed and judged. You can compete for a blue ribbon!

Residents of Arlington County, including Joint Base Fort Meyer-Henderson Hall, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church and students who attend school in Arlington County may enter items in the Competitive Exhibits.

Exhibits for all categories are received on Wednesday August 14 between 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Perishable items – baked goods, flowers, plants and vegetables will also be accepted on Thursday, August 15 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Extension Master Gardeners volunteer to judge competitive exhibits every year. It is a lot of fun for both the entrants and the judges.

For complete entry information and forms go to arlingtoncountyfair.us Continue reading →

Posted in Arlington County Fair, Glencarlyn Library Community Garden, Organic Vegetable, Organic Vegetable Demonstration Garden, Public Education Events | Tagged , , ,