Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day. Despite their sometimes-destructive behavior digging up and eating cultivated plants and bulbs, squirrels provide ecological benefits like pest control and seed dispersal. Some of those seeds are contained in nuts, our newest Illustrated Glossary entry. Learn more about nuts, and gray, black and white squirrels!
Originally published in 2022
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This slow-growing, but long-lived, large tree is indigenous to river banks and flood plains and makes an attractive ornamental specimen for large landscapes with good fall color, distinctive exfoliating bark, and edible nuts. It also supports a variety of wildlife.
Our newest resource covers gardening techniques with a focus on gardens with native plants. Find information on tasks appropriate to the winter season and learn about year-long practices to encourage and support local wildlife.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Once the dominant species of the North American tallgrass prairie, this native warm-season grass is noted for the open, airy appearance of its seed heads and the multi-season interest of its foliage. Many ornamental cultivars are available.
The 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, released in November 2023, was the first update since 2012. Not surprisingly, the new map reflects warming temperatures.
