Plants Have Many Roles
Plants do a lot for people...they clean the atmosphere, modify climate, abate noise, inhibit glare and control erosion. In addition, many are lovely to the eye and tasty to eat. Plants clean and purify existing air as well as manufacture oxygen. ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Christmas Tree Traditions
Of the many traditions involving plants associated with Christmas, the Christmas tree is probably the most beloved. A wide-eyed child gazing at his or her first Christmas tree is far removed from ancient Romans or Druids shouting incantations to ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Plant a Tree to Celebrate Your Wedding
You have decided to marry, set the date, found your dress, chosen your china pattern, and lined up the caterer and band. Now do something totally unplanned: plant a tree! This is a wonderful, romantic, and lasting way to commemorate your wedding. ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Selecting Holiday Greenery
Many different greens are used for holiday decorations in table arrangements, wreaths, door plaques, and garlands (roping). Some of these may be collected from the home landscape, while others are commercially harvested and shipped to local ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Holiday Decorations
As the holiday season approaches, you will find many creative uses for natural materials in your decorating. Making wreaths and door swags has become part of a traditional evening for many families. For indoor decoration, the best greenery are ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Recycle For Handmade Gifts For Gardeners
Everyone loves a present chosen or made especially for them. With a little ingenuity and a few recycled materials, you should be able to please several people on your gift list while avoiding the time and expense of conventional gift shopping. ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Gardeners Gift Catalogs: Great Sources of Ideas for ...
When looking through a new gift catalog, I am excited by all the great ideas that I can adapt to my home projects. For example, bat houses are a fun way to try to attract free insect control and are easy to build with VCE directions (contact your ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
A Gardener's Wish List
Are you looking for that oh-so-perfect gift for someone on your gift list? Garden equipment and accessories are wonderful gifts for anyone who enjoys plants. Gifts can range from the practical (watering cans, pruners, gloves) to the more exciting ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Selecting Alternative Holiday Plants
The mention of holidays and flowers prompts most of us to think of poinsettias. Our holiday customs have become so entrenched with the use of red poinsettias that several other, well-deserving flowering plants go unnoticed. Not to take anything ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Holly In Holiday Tradition
For centuries, holly has been the subject of myths, legends, and traditional observances. The ancient Chinese used Ilex chinensis extensively for decorating during their February New Year festivals. The Romans used the plant to decorate their ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Gardener's Gift Catalogs: Avoiding Disappointment
This time of the year, it is fun for gardeners and their friends to look through the gift catalogs with an eye toward holiday presents. However, to avoid disappointment, watch out for words that imply something is too good to be believed .... and ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Wreaths
Wreaths traditionally have been a door decoration of the holiday season. But as people experiment with a variety of materials for wreathmaking, their uses multiply. Simple grapevine wreaths may become the classic door decor with the addition of a ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
