Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners

Snow covered branches
Photo © Mary Free

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Starting a Houseplant Collection:
A Beginner’s Guide to Five Easy to Care for Plants

#mgnv #mastergardener #easyhouseplants

Starting a houseplant collection is an exciting step toward creating a more vibrant, peaceful, and healthy home environment. Whether you're looking to add a natural aesthetic to your space, improve indoor air quality, or simply enjoy a fun new hobby, choosing the right plants at the beginning can make all the difference.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Five Easy to Care for Plants

What’s that butterfly up to?

Happy #PollinatorWeek! Support native pollinators by growing #nativeplants. #Lepidopterans require both nectar plants, which provide energy for adults to mate and reproduce, and host plants on which caterpillars can eat and grow. Watch an azure butterfly deposit an egg (visible in the photo above) at the base of a bud of host Hypericum prolificum.

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PERENNIAL: Zizia aurea ([Common] Golden-alexanders) 
New in 2025!  

#MGNV Tried and True #NativePlant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Although tiny, the flowers of Golden-alexanders serve an out-sized role in spring and early summer as a nectar source for short-tongued beneficial insects when other flowers may be in short supply. This dainty, carefree native creates colonies in moist fields and drier habitats.

Read morePERENNIAL: Zizia aurea ([Common] Golden-alexanders) 
New in 2025!  

New to the Glossary: Umbel, Umbellate, Umbellet, Umbelliform

#MasterGardener #MGNV
Racemes and panicles occur widely across plant families. Even casual observers are likely acquainted with some examples. But what of an umbel? Those who grow herbs, like dill and fennel, and vegetables, like carrots, can recognize umbels. These plants belong to the Apiaceae, also known as the Umbelliferae (the umbel-bearing family).

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Introducing the Newest MGNV Demonstration Garden: Duncan Library Garden

#DemoGarden #Duncan #DelRay #MasterGardener #MGNV
The Duncan Library Garden, located in the heart of Del Ray at 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, is the newest and ninth demonstration garden nurtured by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Duncan boasts two pollinator gardens, a native fern display, an herb garden and a dogwood garden with under plantings.

Read moreIntroducing the Newest MGNV Demonstration Garden: Duncan Library Garden