Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Promoting environmentally sound gardening practices for over 35 years!
New Landscaping Ideas that Work by landscape architect Julie Moir Messervy breaks the design process into parts and showing how each part contributes to a landscape that meets a homeowner’s specific needs and goals. Read more of EMG Susan Wilhelm's review.
Fall is the optimal time to plant trees and shrubs in Northern Virginia. If you are interested in planting native trees or shrubs, Essential Native Trees and Shrubs for the Eastern United States: The Guide to Creating a Sustainable Landscape, by Tony Dove and Ginger Woolridge, is a helpful resource to determine which native trees or shrubs will succeed in your garden. Read more of EMG Susan Wilhelm's review.
Part 1: Beautiful Bark
Where, beyond snow-covered landscapes, does one search in winter for wonders of the natural world? If one looks carefully at that which winter has laid bare, then the beauty of bark emerges. With no leaves to obscure the view, one can truly appreciate the varying colors, textures, and patterns of deciduous tree barks.
A number of plants native to our region provide continuing value and interest in our gardens into the winter. Their evergreen foliage or interesting bark add beauty to the landscape, while their berries, seeds, or stems provide support to wildlife through the cold months.
Written by Mary Free, Certified Master Gardener In a major improvement, Tried and True Plant fact sheets now provide photographic images that highlight native plants grown in MGNV demonstration gardens …
