Plants

Welcome to our expanded section on plants. We keep adding new resources here, so enjoy!

Illustrated Glossary – Continuing to Expand in 2023!

This glossary of horticultural and botanical terms supplemented with photographs and diagrams is intended to back up and bolster the wealth of original content provided on our website

Invasive Plants and Better Alternatives

Callery pear trees invading the wild along a highway. — Invasive: Callery pear trees
Photo © Elaine Mills

Factsheets for Invasive
- Grasses & Sedges,
- Ground Covers,
- Perennials,
- Shrubs,
- Trees, and
- Vines
More About Invasive Plants

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

The butterfly garden at Simpson Demonstration Gardens in Alexandria, filled with native plants and pollinator attractors. All of Simpson Gardens is made on the site of a former paved road and parking lot. Photo: Christa Watters — Butterfly Garden at Simpson Park Demonstration Garden Photo © Christa Watters

How to Use the Fact Sheets
Factsheets for Native
- Annuals, Bulbs, & Corms,
- Ferns,
- Grasses & Sedges,
- Ground Covers,
- Perennials,
- Shrubs,
- Trees, and
- Vines

Best Bets: Plants for Particular Uses – Expanded in 2022!

Pdf with recommendation for native plants for dry conditions

Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Deer Resistance
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Dry Conditions
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Fragrance
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Controlling Erosion
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Partly Shady/Partly Sunny Locations
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Shady Locations
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Sunny Locations
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets for Wet Conditions
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets to Plant Near Black Walnut Trees
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets that are Salt Tolerant
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets to Attract Pollinators
Tried & True Native Plants for Particular Uses:
Best Bets to Enrich Soil

baskets of harvested vegetables — Displaying harvest in August 2017. Photo © Judy Salveson

Vegetables & Herbs – Expanded in 2022!

Between the Rows
Vegetable Gardening Online Resources
Herbs: A Season by Season Growing Guide
Video: How to Test Your Garden Soil
Planting Dates for Arlington & Alexandria
Urban Agriculture: Virtual Classes
Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture

Weeds

Spikes of perfect flowers adorn Cyperus esculentus — *Cyperus esculentus* (yellow nutsedge)
is known worldwide as a noxious weed.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide
Video: Winter Weeds with Judy Funderburk
Virtual Class: Weed ID & Management
Weed Watch
- American Burnweed
- Clovers & Wood- Sorrels
- Dandelions
- Hairy Bittercress
- Plantains