By Heather O’Bryan Columnist and Horticulturist Oh, spring, how I love all that you bring to us, from the first break of the crocus to the sunny daffodils brightening the leafless landscape. From the first break of buds on trees like Bradford pear and ornamental cherry to the showy blooms of the rhododendron and azalea,…
By Heather O’Bryan Columnist and Horticulturist Homeowners all over the country are facing various problems in their yards. Whether it is a soggy spot, a hill that is eroding or a place where grass won’t grow, the possibilities are endless. But fear not, most of these issues can be solved with a little ingenuity and…
By Heather O’Bryan Columnist and Horticulturist Every year, as Memorial day passes and America’s Independence Day approaches, my mind turns to the garden. Not only because it is prime veggie garden season, but also for the knockout roses that need pruning and the new plantings I have planned. That’s right, I am still planting in…
Earlier this week I was asked where someone could locate a weeping willow tree. Then, I came across the same subject in a Facebook forum I follow. The truth is, I rarely suggest planting a weeping willow unless you have a watering hole big enough to keep the tree’s thirst quenched so it doesn’t go…
(Adapted from Ohio State University: “Twenty Questions on Plant Diagnosis”) Kirsten Ann Conrad, Extension Agent Diagnosis of plant problems are complex questions to resolve. Many times that is no one simple answer about why a plant is not doing well and in almost every case the arrival at a decision about how and whether to…
Best Practices for Building and Maintaining Healthy Soil for Optimal Plant Growth By Kirsten Ann Conrad, Extension Agent Arlington County VA Lesson 1: What Kind of Soil do you Have and What Do Your Plants Need? Every gardener at some point in their lives and their practice of producing healthy lawn, vegetables, trees, fruit, flowers…
As a lawn ages, increased soil compaction can occur. This is a result of foot traffic, sports activities, pets, vehicle traffic and other forces that harden the soil and eliminate pore space in between soil particles. Without this pore space, air and water flow dramatically decrease. Because of this vital microbial activity ceases and the…
Establishment: Selection The primary warm-season species, bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, are well adapted throughout the south and along the warmer coastal areas along the East Coast Centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass are limited only to the Tidewater region. Monostands (single cultivars) are recommended for warm-season turfgrasses in almost all situations. Choose these grasses according to climate, the…
Proper Mowing Techniques Careful with that axe, Eugene! A cut to the quick will mean a slow recovery! The right height, the right time, and a sharp, sharp blade are what you need to keep things growing at a healthy clip! There is nothing we do more frequently in lawn maintenance than mowing the grass,…
Soils First Roses prefer neutral soil – a pH between 5.5-7.0. Do a soil sample to determine pH – you may have to apply limestone or sulfur to the soil. Give them plenty of organic matter when planting being careful not to over crowd them. The soil must be well drained, because, firstly, roses strongly…