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VPM
Meet a group in Loudoun organizing homeowner associations to remove and replace invasive plants. Then visit the Appomattox River to learn about riparian buffer repair and wildlife habitat restoration.
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AdobeStockAs the days inevitably get shorter in fall, often the heat breaks and rain is part of the forecast. Fall is often the best time of year to plant trees and… -
VPM/VPMMeet farmers committed to environmental stewardship. Visit a family farm in Sedalia sustainably producing fruits, vegetables and eggs. Learn about a Richmond farmer’s mission to reconnect the community to food with regenerative growing practices.
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September is caterpillar season — and it is important to let them enjoy their meal. This is part of the circle of life!
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As gardeners, we all are looking for more space to grow. And I’m no exception.
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VPM/VPMTour a cut-flower microfarm in Norfolk specializing in native perennials to support pollinators. Visit a home landscape in Stanardsville designed to provide habitat for birds and insects.
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Whew, it’s hard to believe August 6th marks the peak of summer, with the first day of fall just 48 days later. Per the 2023 update, the first frost dates for USDA cold hardiness zones 6 and 7 now range from early October to early November. All this means there is still plenty of time to garden!
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Watering on hot days may seem like it makes sense, but maybe it's time we re-think that method.
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VPM/VPMMeet organizations growing greener communities. Explore a farm in Petersburg empowering youth to become stewards of their local food systems. Visit ReLeaf Cville and learn how planting trees to provide shade creates healthier neighborhoods.
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Adobe Stock/Recently, I visited my sister — and while there I joined in on her daily walks. During one, she told me about a plant she received from a friend and called it Bishop’s weed. I am not the best at common names, particularly when in a different part of the country, so I wondered which plant she was referring to. This experience always leaves me wondering about gardeners who rely solely on common names.
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Mulching is a time-honored technique in the garden. Using plant-based materials like wood chips, bark, leaves, grass clippings and compost are all ways to add “organic” amendments to your soil. -
Visit a private garden using sustainable practices to promote soil health. Learn about biochar, a nutrient-rich additive that improves soil fertility and structure while sequestering carbon underground.
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Four recent Virginia Home Grown features were honored at the 45th Annual Telly Awards, receiving one silver and three bronze recognitions across a variety of categories.
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Many gardeners are afraid of the thought of container gardening, when in fact gardening in containers not only can add interest to your gardening spaces, but are also very functional.
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The first flush of summer blooming flowers lights up the garden creating a magnificent sight and then, unfortunately, they fade. Keeping plants robust and repeatedly flowering means the gardener must not only maintain plant health but remove the spent blossoms, too.
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Investigate climate change in the Commonwealth and learn about work to adapt our landscapes to the new normal. Discover how marshes buffer against sea level rise. Explore challenges and opportunities facing public gardens due to warmer growing zones.
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With spring flowers faded away and the summer garden getting into gear, there are a few tasks you can do during these early days of summer.
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I love the look of wood and its ability to break down and return to soil. However, we need raised beds that will last longer and require less maintenance over the years, so we have to consider sustainable materials.
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Explore green technology for the home garden and state forests! Uncover the history of electric lawn care equipment that goes back 50 years. See how the Virginia Department of Forestry uses drones to survey forest health and help fight fires.
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Knowing your hardiness zone can help you choose the right plants for your garden. Robyn shares her advice when accounting for the zone you're in.
