Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
In October the leaves come fluttering down, having done their work for the year. Full of nutrients for the soil below, all too often we sweep them up and throw them away. Instead, consider saving all the soil-building goodies and organic mass to improve your garden beds and lawns.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Found naturally along roadsides, pastures, and open woods, the exotic flowers and edible fruit of Purple Passionflower make this unique vine a striking ornamental plant for the garden. The common name, Maypop, refers to the fruit, which makes a loud popping sound when stomped on.
October 1 marks the start of Northern Virginia's Celebrate Native Trees month, in which organizations offer discounts and even giveaways of native trees and other shrubs, and others put on other tree-related events.
Vegetable gardening information and events for October.
Beneficial or pest or both? Larvae, the second life stage of insects like butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies that go through complete metamorphosis, can be herbivores, predators, or scavengers. Can you tell the difference? To learn more, go directly to the Illustrated Glossary page by clicking here.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This lovely resident of wet prairies, meadows, and marshes has multi- season interest with pink blooms, yellow fall foliage, and interesting bark. The tiny flowers on its spire-like flower plumes resemble those of invasive Japanese Spiraea, for which it is a good native substitute.
