Nature is Good for Us
A growing body of research is proving what we know intuitively: Nature is good for us—physically, mentally, and cognitively. When we spend time in nature—whether in a national park or a backyard garden—we feel better.


A growing body of research is proving what we know intuitively: Nature is good for us—physically, mentally, and cognitively. When we spend time in nature—whether in a national park or a backyard garden—we feel better.

As I write this column, we have experienced a warmer February but a typically cold and windy March. This warm spell sent many of our plants into believing spring was upon them. Mother Nature sometimes plays us for fools. Plants too.
Flowering trees and shrubs were tricked into opening their buds early only to be hit by winter’s return in early March.

Text and Photographs by Elaine Mills, Certified Master Gardener Last October marked the 10th anniversary of the National Garden, the three-acre outdoor garden adjacent to the conservatory of the U. …

The late frost and cold that Northern Virginia has experienced over the past month has resulted in damaged leaves and flowers on plants that responded to the warm spells with new growth.

After 17 years as a co-coordinator in the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden, Judy Funderburk is stepping back from that leadership role in favor of simply enjoying gardening in it.

The Sunny Garden has a new focal point: a striking wooden arbor arching over the central entrance path. The new structure was designed and installed by Master Gardener Alex Dickman and her husband Doug, with assistance from a number of volunteers who joined the garden’s work party on March 9, 2017.
