Ask a Master Gardener

Question: What are the best shrubs to select for Central Virginia? When and how should I plant them? These are… Read More »Shrub Selection for Central Virginia

Question: What should I do to clean up my garden in the fall? It is always good to plan ahead… Read More »Fall Garden Cleanup

Question: How do I identify plants in my neighborhood and on hikes? Where do I start? Good question! You don’t… Read More »Plant Identification Skills

Question: Why is milkweed important to the monarch butterflies? What is the best milkweed to plant and when and how… Read More »The Importance of Milkweed to Monarchs

Question: Is leatherleaf mahonia invasive? Yes! Because of its adaptability to many sites this evergreen shrub, also known as Beale’s… Read More »Invasive Mahonia

Question: I heard on TV that the Japanese maple tree is considered an “invasive” plant. I have one of these… Read More »Japanese Maple: Invasive or Not?

Question: I’m building a new house. How can my residential landscape be designed to minimize home energy consumption and water… Read More »Landscaping to Save Energy and Water

Question: I’ve noticed kudzu starting to grow near a creek in my neighborhood. What can be done to control it… Read More »Controlling Kudzu

Question: What is a rain garden and what plants are suitable for one? With all the rain lately, no wonder… Read More »Rain Gardens & Plant Recommendations

Question: When and how much should I fertilize my lawn? I don’t want to overdo it and have fertilizer going… Read More »When & How to Fertilize Your Lawn