Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Promoting environmentally sound gardening practices for over 35 years!
Christmas Fern is a forever plant, a lifetime fern with beautiful leathery lance-shaped fronds growing in arching, circular clusters from the crown. The common name is derived from its evergreen nature and from the shape of its pinnae which suggest Christmas stockings. This native is common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.
This native holly of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains displays lustrous evergreen foliage, which, along with its adaptability to varying light and moisture conditions, makes it a desirable alternative to finicky boxwoods. Wildlife favor its fruit and honey bees its nectar.
What is the impact of the overpopulation of deer on our local environment? Learn about the history of deer in our area, the impact on the environment, and how this issue is being addressed in Northern Virginia.
Noted for beautiful, exfoliating bark and multiple trunks, River or Red Birch is an excellent food source for wildlife, supporting hundreds of species of moths, butterflies, and songbirds. It is commonly found in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of the Mid-Atlantic Region from Pennsylvania to Virginia.
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.
Leaves float down outside my window. Each at ease in its graceful flutter, Each with its own unique dance ... no need to practice steps or think there is a …
For the past eleven months, we’ve explored the topic of climate change and practical actions gardeners can take in their home landscapes in response: from managing water wisely and building healthy soil to thinking differently about lawns and making informed choices regarding plants. To help home gardeners remember some of the mitigating and adaptive techniques discussed, we have summarized them in this handy printable “Climate-Conscious Gardening Checklist.”
