Growing Butterflies
All it takes is one chance planting of a species favored by butterflies to hook a gardener on a lifetime of planning to attract the lovely creatures. A few butterflies flitting from plant to plant can be the strokes that complete the perfect ... [... more]
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Designing for Easier Gardening
Concoct: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture If you have an older family member or a friend who has difficulty with getting about in the garden or maintaining a traditional garden, you may wish to help them design one ... [... more]
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Rock Gardens
Many houses have yards with steep banks or areas of irregular terrain that may be used for a rock garden. A rock garden is an ideal way to stop soil erosion while creating an appealing landscape feature. The most attractive rock gardens are those ... [... more]
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Plantings That Save Energy
Recent studies have shown that selective, well-planned landscape plantings can significantly reduce wind velocity, thereby reducing heat loss from homes and saving you money on fuel costs. Trees can also help you cut air conditioning costs by ... [... more]
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Leach Field Gardening
Often the only place to grow vegetables on a wooded lot is in the sunny spot where the leach field runs. The field may be located in the front yard where the homeowner would like to generate some visual interest by growing more than just grass. ... [... more]
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Montpelier - Its Landscape and Gardens
Summertime is the traditional time for travel and family outings. For a change of pace, an exposure to history, and a lovely garden to tour, try Montpelier. Montpelier, home of our fourth president, James Madison, is located on Route 20, four ... [... more]
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IDENTIFICATION AND FIELD GUIDES
The following list offers a few suggestions from the many fine books available. Some are good for beginners; others are more advanced. Flora of West Virginia. E.L. Core and P.B. Strausbaugh. Excellent reference. Atlas of the Virginia Flora. A.J. ... [... more]
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Self-Contained Planters
Home gardeners are discovering the joy of growing flowers and vegetables in bags of potting soil. Soil mix, in a plastic bag, creates a self-contained planter. Planted, all by itself, it becomes a flower garden, which can be fully covered with ... [... more]
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Balcony Gardens
Being an apartment dweller shouldn't keep you from having a garden. Many types of gardens can be created on balconies. With the addition of floral color, a balcony becomes an entertainment center just right for relaxing. Turf, small shrubs, and ... [... more]
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Plants Modify Solar Radiation And Save You Money
Planting trees and shrubs around your home will help to reduce your heating and cooling costs. How much it reduces costs depends on your choice of plants and where you locate them. Trees and shrubs shade people and buildings from the direct rays ... [... more]
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The Classical Gardens of China
Through gardens, we can learn about and understand other cultures. The influence of a culture as shown through types of gardens helps us discover what a small world we live in. An example of this is the intriguing principles of the Chinese ... [... more]
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Landscaping with Fine Taste
If limits on your garden space or time challenge you to decide between your ornamental landscape and a vegetable garden, it may be time for you to look at both areas from a new perspective. One of the reasons I grow a vegetable garden is because ... [... more]
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