Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

Promoting environmentally sound gardening practices for over 35 years!

Ice covered sedum in the Simpson Park Demonstration Garden tufa bed. Photo © Mary Free

The Last Word

At the end of each month in 2023, we will post The Last Word. This will introduce the new word(s) added to our Illustrated Glossary. You may recognize some words as common gardening or botanical terms. Other words may be more obscure. In any case we hope you find them interesting and even helpful in your gardening endeavors.
January's last words are in this adage: Although most conifers are evergreens, not all evergreens are conifers. (Click on the links to go to the individual Illustrated Glossary pages and also learn How to Identify a Conifer Species.)

Read moreThe Last Word

TREE: Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) 

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Eastern White Pine is the largest conifer of forests in the eastern and upper midwestern United States. It is common in the Virginia mountains and is native to NoVA except to Arlington. It neither abides air pollution of urban and populated areas nor salt spray, but given the right environment and enough room to grow, this conifer will become a magnificent specimen.

Read moreTREE: Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) 

Invasive Plant Video: Nandina domestica

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 Nandina domestica.

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New Year Resolutions: Houseplant Edition

As we look to 2023 with the best intentions, maybe include a few plant care resolutions  with your fitness plans and Dry January. Winter is a hard time for our houseplants, and cold temperatures and dark days will remain through March. By implementing just two care tips, you will come into spring with a house full of happy, healthy plants.

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PERENNIAL: Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Purple Coneflower has a rich history of medicinal use that has resulted in its over harvesting and decline in its natural habitat, centered in Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. The few established populations in Virginia and Pennsylvania appear to be escapes from cultivation. So many beneficial insects (and goldfinches) flock to it though, one thinks of Echinacea as native. In any case, its attributes make it a "must-have" for a sunny garden.

Read morePERENNIAL: Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
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