Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Promoting environmentally sound gardening practices for over 35 years!
The Glencarlyn Library Community Garden coordinators are creating a new series of short videos about locally invasive plants and native alternatives. This series looks at individual invasive plants, discussing how to remove them and suggesting native plants to consider as replacements. This month's post is on English ivy (Hedera helix).
Arlington County staff are asking for your help in stopping a new invasive plant before it becomes established. Incised fumewort (Corydalis incisa) has been identified by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as a “high risk” invader, which means that it has the potential to both become widespread and cause a lot of damage.
Crop rotation has long been known as an effective means for maintaining soil fertility and controlling pests and diseases. We know that planting the same crop in the same place every year can lead to problems, but what can you do if you have only one raised bed in your small garden?
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This native (also known as Osmunda claytoniana L. var. claytoniana), more common to western and northern portions of the Mid-Atlantic Region, grows in moist woods, slopes and swamp edges. The term “interrupted” in its common name refers to the distinctive gap left in the middle of the fern blade when fertile leaflets wither and fall off mid-summer.
When we bring plants indoors, most of the time, we follow a one plant per pot scheme. What if we brought some of those outdoor planting concepts inside? With a large container and a handful of houseplants, you can make an incredible living arrangement.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
The most climate-adaptable of our native trees, this understory plant is found in both upland and floodplain forests throughout eastern North America. It is noted both for its multi-season interest and the fluted bark which leads to its alternative name: “Musclewood.”
![Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam), an attractive understory tree.]](https://i0.wp.com/mgnv.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Carpinus_caroliniana-2_Jul_ELM.jpg?fit=150%2C200&ssl=1)