Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Despite being one of the hardest of native woods, Hop-hornbeam is undesirable in commercial forests. It provides interest as an ornamental though, with fluted trunk, exfoliating bark, and drooping clusters of sac-like pods that resemble the fruit of hops, hence its common name.
Do you know what the pictured fruits have in common? They are schizocarps, (pronounced SKIZ–uh-kahrps or SKIT-suh–kahrps), These typically indehiscent fruits may vary greatly in appearance, but they share some traits. Do you know what they are? If not, learn more about schizocarps and in what plants you might find them.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This showy mint family member boasts a fragrance like bergamot oranges. Its aromatic leaves are used in herbal tea. Flowers attract myriad pollinators, especially bees. Seedheads attract small birds. The Virginia Native Plant Society named Wild Bergamot Wildflower of the Year in 1993.
Vegetable gardening information and events for August
The Glencarlyn Library Community Garden coordinators have created a new series of short videos about locally invasive plants and native alternatives. This month's post is on the Common Daylily(Hemerocallis fulva).
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Black Cherry grows in a variety of habitats through much of the Mid-Atlantic Region and is noted for the beauty and profusion of its spring blooms. It is entomologist Doug Tallamy’s #2 choice among woody plants for its exceptional support of wildlife.
