Visit the terraces with soft light filtering from the trees. The Arbor Terrace is where you can see wisteria-covered terrace that overlooks the lower gardens. Safety precautions in the garden to be followed by all gardeners may be even more critical for gardeners who experience sensory deprivation, mobility issues, chronic illnesses or limitations in other abilities. Heat-related illness can be fatal. Over-exposure to the sun can cause problems for gardeners taking certain prescription drugs, so precautions should be taken. In your life, you become a lot of things to different people,” said Freeman. “For many people, gardening is the centerpiece of who you are. It is more than a hobby. Gardening connects plants to people, and there’s healing power in that.” What's more, many invasive plants are poisonous to humans and pets, so it's vital to remove them before they cause harm. While it may be a tough job, taking steps to rid your garden of ivy and other invasive plants is essential for creating a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. Don’t top your trees The Snake Plant is the perfect succulent for any indoor Virginia garden. You can put it anywhere in your house, arrange it with any other succulent, and it is kid and pet-friendly.

The best time to plant in Northern Virginia is in the spring, from late March to early May. Fall is also a good time to plant, from mid-August to early October. Some plants, such as annuals and vegetables, can be planted throughout the growing season. The best time to start gardening is in the spring, when the weather is warm and the days are getting longer. However, you can start gardening any time of year, as long as you have the right conditions. If you live in a warm climate, you can start gardening in the winter. The best time to plant vegetables in Virginia is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. However, some vegetables can be planted earlier in the year, as long as the soil is warm enough. Virginia is home to an array of plants, many of which are native to the state. These plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil and provide an essential source of food and shelter for Virginia's wildlife. If you're looking to attract bees, birds, and other local wildlife to your garden, here are some of the best native plants to grow in Virginia. Whorled milkweedOne is to choose plants that are less attractive to pests. For example, plants that are native to Virginia are often less susceptible to pests than non-native plants. Our Garden for Wildlife native plants are host plants for the beneficial insects! Additionally, plants known to attract wildlife, such as bees and birds, can help reduce the population of harmful insects. Virginia is a state with a diverse range of plants, from native plants that are perfect for supporting wildlife to exotic plants that thrive in the state's humid climate. However, Virginia gardeners need to be aware of the state's different gardening zones so they can choose plants that will flourish in their particular area. Gardening is a great activity to help maintain physical and emotional well-being. However, it is not without its challenges even for the able bodied. With a little creativity, gardening can be an accessible activity and can have therapeutic value. As a therapy, gardening is unique in that a living medium, plants, are used. This allows the gardener to be anchored in reality. When gardeners realize that they have an effect on something else that is living there are often positive changes in their behavior and feelings. The term therapeutic gardening means that the activity of gardening is designed to assure positive health outcomes and minimize negative outcomes. Some tree and shrub species that do well in a Virginia winter include Eastern Red Cedar, American holly and oakleaf hydrangea. If you're looking for something a little different, try planting a winterberry holly bush — the berries are beautiful and provide a great food source for birds during the winter months. This is the best place to see cool aquatic plants, Japanese Maples, an incredible Fern Valley, and much, much more. Plan to visit the Asian, Azalea, and Dogwood Collections for amazing fragrant blooms. Walk under the enchanting Grove of State Trees or visit the year-round beauty of the evergreens of the Hollies and Magnolias.

Have you ever stopped to think about all the amazing plants that grow in Virginia? From the towering oaks of the Shenandoah Valley to the delicate wildflowers of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia is home to a remarkable diversity of plant life. But what makes Virginia's plants so special? Topping can also make a tree more dangerous, as weakly attached branches are more likely to break in high winds. If you are concerned about the height of your trees, consult a certified arborist who can provide expert advice on how to safely reduce the size of your trees. When you’re trying to find the best soil type for your neighborhood, keep an eye on it. What is best way to grow cilantro? What is sandy soil? How do you plant tomatoes in clay soil?There are many ways to explore the grounds. Take a drive for a rolling view of the trees along the 3-mile loop drive. Try our personal viewing preference by taking the 7-mile bridle trail. Yes, that means you can ride horses under the big beautiful trees. This is definitely a great place to experience fall in Virginia. Quarry Gardens at Schuyler Gaylynn Callahan, an Extension agent in the City of Hampton, helped develop the Hampton Urban Garden program, which provides city residents with access to an urban garden bed and education on basic gardening skills. Through a collaboration with the local food and nutrition program, participants also learn how to turn their harvest into nutritious meals. With so much of the growing season experiencing cooler temperatures, focusing on frost tolerant crops is a great strategy for success. Vegetables such as collard greens, buttercrunch lettuce, onions, and radishes can usually be planted in late April or May for zone 5. Cool weather crops that have a bit longer growing period, such as Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and artichokes, are another great option for the colder areas of Virginia.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook is a guide for all gardeners in Virginia. It covers a variety of topics important for beginning and experienced gardeners, including soil health, native plants, and integrated pest management. This manual provides an understanding of the basics of gardening in Virginia and helps to build a strong foundation of gardening knowledge. Resources for additional reading can be found at the end of each chapter. We encourage readers to take a deeper dive into the topics that interest them and continue their learning journey. Discover the orchards and kitchen gardens and bask in the beauty on the meadows and wooded pathways. Along the way you will see the grounds adorned with thoughtful garden ornaments such as benches, finials, and sculptures. If you’re particularly keen on using Virginia native plants to attract more bees to your garden, then you can’t go wrong with golden Alexander, wild geranium, and calico aster. These are so useful because they provide essential food to native bee populations in Virginia in early spring.The grounds here are so beautiful they are referred to as ‘Galleries’. Witness the magnificent display of thoughtful and sustainable plants in the Galleries. With more than 34 designated galleries, there is bound to be something for everyone. See the prairies, vernal pools, a fern gully, and a waterside talus. Relaxing in these magnificent botanical gardens in VA may be a much needed breath of fresh air. Share a cup of tea on garden lawn terraces or watch butterflies flutter in the crisp Virginia air. Witness the brilliant display of colors throughout the seasons put on by local flora and exotic trees.