Rudbeckia Fulgida
Photo © Mary Free
Glencarlyn Garden
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This species of coneflower, distinct from Rudbeckia hirta, the annual “Black-Eyed Susan,” features long-lasting and abundant “daisy-like” flowers that attract butterflies mid-summer to fall. Its native habitat is found in scattered pockets in the Mid-Atlantic Region,* including in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties.
Bring the family and celebrate with free tastes of herbal treats and drinks, a Naturalist with critters, a balloon artist and face painters! Attend mini-workshops on native plants, caring for your tools and dealing with invasive plants. 100’s of locally grown sun- and shade-loving perennials, ferns, shrubs, and trees for sale, just in time for fall planting. As always, plenty of Master Gardeners to help you with selections and answer your plant questions.
Free. For more information, call Alyssa, 703-907-9318 or Elaine, 703-979-6216 or email: glencarlynlibrarygarden@gmail.com
Heuthera villosa
Photo © Elaine Mills
Greenspring Gardens
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Although Hairy Alumroot’s native habitat* in Virginia is mostly in the southwestern mountains, its five-inch wide, semi-evergreen leaves and lateseason flower plumes make it a species worthy of consideration for a
woodland garden. There also are many fine cultivars of this species available.
By Jolene Mafnas, VCE Agricultural and Natural Resources Intern
Our Horticultural Help Desk receives many queries each week. Thanks to Jolene Mafnas for pulling together some of the common questions and providing answers and additional resources.
Squash Vine Bugs
Photo from VCE
This edition focuses on:
By Wendy Mills, Certified Master Gardener
Earlier this summer I participated in a study tour to explore the culture and traditions of Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. The First Nations Development Institute, a Denver-based non-profit, conducted the tour, which focused on native agriculture, community gardening projects and food sovereignty–the right of people to healthy, culturally appropriate, sustainably produced food. Across Indian Country, and with the support of groups like First Nations, a revival of agriculture and community gardening is taking place.
Pojoaque’s bison herd added a new member this spring. Bison meat is used for community feasts and meals.
Photo © 2017 Mark Habeeb
We visited farms and gardens in the northern New Mexico pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque and Cochiti, as well as the city of Española. We attended a feast day at the Sandia Pueblo, where more than 200 people participated in traditional ceremonial dances, and community members opened their homes and fed everyone–family, friends and strangers alike. We also visited New Mexico State Senator Benny Shendo, Jr., one of a handful of Native Americans in the state legislature, and met high school students attending a summer leadership program who reflected on identity politics and the hard realities of contemporary Native American life. Continue reading
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA 22207
Enjoy samples from the garden and talk with Master Gardeners about growing vegetables in Northern Virginia, with a special emphasis on planting fall crops and overwintering vegetables.
PERENNIAL: Liatris spicata Photo © Mary Free
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Tall and upright, Gayfeather provides nice vertical form in a garden. Its purplish, feathery flower spikes contrast well with yellow-flowered, mound-forming plants. Its widely scattered natural populations in the Mid-Atlantic Region* include those in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudon counties.
By Jolene Mafnas, VCE Agricultural and Natural Resources Intern
Anthracnose on Hydrangeas
Photo © Leslie Fillmor
Our Horticultural Help Desk receives many queries each week. Thanks to Jolene Mafnas for pulling together some of the common questions and providing answers and additional resources.
This edition focuses on:
Wednesday, August 16 thru Sunday, August 20.
Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second Street South, Arlington, 22204
Did you know that the Arlington County Fair is one of the largest free events on the East Coast and has been providing fun and interesting experiences for all ages for over 40 years? Join your neighbors in competitive horticulture, home crafts, and other exhibits; midway rides and games; entertainment; vendors; racing piglets; and more. Come visit the VCE Master Gardener booth to get advice and get solutions for your plant and gardening questions, or just to say “Hi”.
Shuttle service is provided from locations throughout Arlington. For more information and specific schedule of events, see http://arlingtoncountyfair.us/ or https://www.tripsavvy.com/arlington-county-fair-1040023.
The following are free public education events for September 2017.
Wednesday, September 6, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington VA 22201
Free. No registration necessary. Presented with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). Continue reading
