Monthly Archives: March 2014

Plant NOVA Natives! Why are native plants important? How do I select native plants? Where can I buy native plants?

Posted on March 30, 2014 by maryev8

Marketing Native Plants – a statewide campaign
“Plant NoVA Natives is a new campaign that brings together the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, local chapters of the Virginia Native Plant Society, nurseries, and other groups, creating a website, guidebook, workshop series and plant tags to be used in local garden stores.”

The Plant NoVA Natives campaign aims to get the word out more consistently on the benefits of native plants and also will help you identify them.
Watch out for their trumpet honeysuckle and sphinx moth logo on plant tags in the marketplace!

The goals of the plant NoVA Natives campaign are:

to raise awareness on the issues surrounding native plants
to establish a social norm to increase the use of native plants

Native plants and habitats in our Chesapeake area

sustain biodiversity
provide habitat for wildlife including pollinators
help achieve Chesapeake stormwater goals

For information on VA native plants
See: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/nativeplants.shtml
And the previous blog: http://blogs.ext.vt.edu/arl-alexvce/2014/03/28/the-flora-of-virginia-what-are-our-native-plants/

The March 27, Plant NoVA Natives campaign event at Fairlington Community Center was well- attended by over seventy people, many of whom are Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and members of Audubon, Virginia Native Plant Society and other conservation groups.

The Plant NoVA Natives campaign was introduced by Corey Miles (Planner at Northern Virginia Regional Commission), followed by excellent presentations by Jim McGlone (Urban Forest Conservationist, VA Dept of Forestry), Alan Ford (Potowmack Chapter President, Virginia Native Plant Society), and Judy Fraser (Program Developer, George Mason University Sustainability Institute).

Margaret Hawkins gave an overview of the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV) Sustainable Landscapes program and team led by Carol Rosen and Kirsten Buhls (Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Arlington office).

Landscape for Life: Making Your Yard Sustainable
In 2013 and 2014, Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV) hosted Making Your Yard Sustainable 6-week workshops based on the national US Botanic Garden’s Landscape for Life program. Over 50 home and condo owners in Arlington and Alexandria have participated in these MGNV workshops that teach the principles of sustainable landscape design and how to use native plantings. These are participants main questions:

What are the native plants that grow well here in our suburban and urban environment?
What native plants go well together?
Where can I buy native plants?

Tried and True – Native Plant Factsheets
In response to residents asking for more information on native plants, Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia have now assembled over 100 factsheets of Tried and True natives that thrive in this area. Find the Tried and True online http://mgnv.org/plants/.
The factsheets also list where the native plants can be found in the Arlington County and Alexandria City Demonstration Gardens.

Best Bets Native Plant selections and groupings
http://mgnv.org/reading-room/best-bets/.
In response to further demand from residents, MGNV are producing Best Bets factsheets that show how to select and group native plants to thrive in different conditions such as shade, sun, wet or dry.

Demonstration Gardens in Arlington and Alexandria
Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia maintain several demonstration gardens in Arlington and Alexandria. These demonstration gardens are in the process of being labeled using QR Codes linked to the Tried and True and Best Bet factsheets. The QR Code labeling is a work in progress. Check back frequently as you visit these gardens over the next year or two to get inspiration for your own garden or another community or school garden.

Where can I buy Native Plants this Spring 2014?
Here’s a selection of upcoming plant sales and nurseries to in our local area:

April 10 – 12, check various times and location online, River Farm
American Horticultural Society Plant Sale
http://www.ahs.org/about-river-farm/events-programs

Saturday, April 26, 1- 5 PM
Native Plant sale at Arlington County’s Long Branch Nature Center
order and buy yours online by April 4 – for pick up on the day…
http://parks.arlingtonva.us/2014/02/native-plant-sale/

Saturday, April 26, 9 AM to 2 PM
Park Fairfax Native Plant Spring Sale http://home.earthlink.net/~sknudsen/
3601 Valley Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22302

Sunday, May 4, 10 AM TO 2 PM
Earth Sangha http://www.earthsangha.org/ – local ecotype plant nursery
Spring Open House and Plant Sale

Saturday, May 17, 9 AM – 3 PM
Green Spring Gardens Spring Garden Day
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/events.htm
The Big Plant Sale
Don’t miss this exciting annual event with over 40 vendors
Master Gardeners will have stall there…

Nurseries and Plant Shops
The Green Spring Garden Gate Plant Shop
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/events.htm
Opens regularly beginning April 5:
Monday-Saturday, 9 AM -4 PM
Sunday, noon – 4 PM

Nature by Design
Alexandria http://www.nature-by-design.com/

Herring Run Nursery
If you’re near Baltimore, Herring Run Nursery stocks Chesapeake-area hard to find shrubs, vines and trees as well as perennials
http://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/herring-run-nursery/
http://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/herring-run-nursery/native-plants/

Additional Native Plant Sale Listings for Spring 2014:

Virginia Native Plant Society’s events calendar:
http://vnps.org/events/2014-spring-native-plant-sales/
Arlington County’s Ballston Pond blog list:
http://ballstonpond.us/?p=16

You create the market for natives!
Ask for native plants at your local nurseries and other suppliers.
We have plenty of large and small nurseries in the area and all stock some natives.
Remember to thank nurseries for stocking their ever-expanding selection of native plants.
By asking for native plants at the nurseries you will help influence the market for them – and retailers will sell more native plant, and growers will be able to grow more of them.
The market will shift. Plant the seed now, grow and ask for natives!

Plant NoVA Natives! They are naturally beautiful!

The Flora of Virginia – What Are Our Native Plants?

Posted on March 28, 2014 by maryev8

This week native plants and flowers are the theme of two excellent programs hosted at the Fairlington Community Center.

The Flora of Virginia Project www.floraofvirginia.org
Our first program is a workshop presented by Professor Marion Lobstein as Continuing Education/Advanced Training for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists on the theme of The Flora of Virginia – the native flowering plants of Virginia.

As if I am in undergrad Botany Class, I listen and take notes as Marion Lobstein, Professor Emeritus at Northern Virginia Community College and Vice President of the Foundation of The Flora of Virginia Project sets the stage for her presentation of the latest research and recording of the wealth of flowering plants currently native or naturalized in Virginia.

First question: What is a “native plant”?
A “native plant” can be defined in several different ways. It is a fuzzy and messy definition. Generally a “native plant” in Virginia is defined as being a plant that was here in the “New World” prior to Columbus’s arrival. But before Columbus arrived native americans and wildlife moved around the land changing their habitat, and so inevitably did seeds and plants. These native plants co-evolved with other species, as other factors such as climate and geology also played their parts. So there is no static compilation of what comprised the “native plant” flora prior to Columbus. “Naturalized” plants are plants that come from other places that thrive being part of our local plant community, this is as opposed to “exotic invasive plants” that threaten to “takeover” or reduce a community’s biodiversity

Marion continues “Did you all know: Virginia has the greatest diversity of native flowering plants compared to its size in the 50 US states?” No, I had no idea. But why does Virginia have so many kinds of native plants compared to other states? Virginia has a very diverse geology and was situated at the intersection of glacial retreats and flows. Virginia is now the “mixing bowl” of “northern” and “southern” types of plant species with over 3200+ species in 198 families. Marion then shares the highlights of her research team and colleagues. Their work and scholarship during the 11-year Flora of Virginia Project has recently culminated in the published handbook The Flora of Virginia. No wonder this comprehensive Flora of Virginia book weighs in at over three pounds!

Joanne Hutton introduces Professor Marion Lobstein

Marion challenges us, “But how to use this enormous book?” I thumb through an introduction to plant classification and sections on the geology and ecology of Virginia. There’s a history of plant discoverers. And an appealing section for the armchair tourist or the active plant seeker on the hotspots for Virginia flora: the 50 best spots for field botany. Marion tells us about recent taxonomic or classification changes reflected in the book, that have been brought about by research on DNA genetic analysis. For example, milkweeds are now classified with dogbanes and both families have partially-fused ovaries. We laugh. And I learn that the native wild ginger is a very ancient plant. Our native magnolias are also ancient flowering plants on the evolutionary path in the fossil record and do not quite fit the “monocot or dicot” dichotomy of later flowering plants.

Then we learn the skills to use the Flora of Virginia to “key out” and identify native and naturalized plants. We “key out” Queen Anne’s Lace and Daffodils (both naturalized wild flowers in parts of Virginia).

Looking up Daffodil in the Flora of Virginia

I leave the workshop grateful to Marion for bringing the Flora to life with enthusiasm and humor – and appreciative of the diversity of Virginia’s native and naturalized flowering plants.

Flora of Virginia exhibition at the Library of Virginia in Richmond
If you are interested in finding out more about Virginia’s rich floral heritage, the stories of early exploration and discovery and recent science, make time this spring or summer for a trip to visit the The Flora of Virginia exhibition at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The exhibition is on now through September 13 www.lva.virginia.gov and www.floraofvirginia.org

Digital Atlas of Native Virginia Plants
To identify native and naturalized plants in your locality check out the online digital atlas of VA http://www.vaplantatlas.org/

The Flora of Virginia – the book www.floraofvirginia.org
You can buy the book of The Flora of Virginia at Amazon or elsewhere for $80+ or ask for it at your local library.

Next blog
I will continue with the evening’s discussion on the importance of native plants, and FAQs “How can I select native plants?” and “Where can I buy native plants?”

Spring Break? Register now for the Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit

Posted on March 26, 2014 by maryev8

If you’re interested in conversations about urban agriculture, and would like to meet growers, sellers, consumers, health professionals, planners and others investing in growing your food closer to your city: consider registering for the mid-April Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit:

Register Now for the
Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit, Nourishing Our Cities’ Future
in Lynchburg, Virginia
on Tuesday April 15 & Wednesday April 16, 2014

For agenda, registration and lodging info go to http://events.SignUp4.com/UrbanAgSummit2014

Highlights of the Urban Ag Summit will include:

First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe to give keynote
Screening of Dan Susman’s documentary film Growing Cities-A Film About Urban Farming in America for early birds on the evening of Monday April, 14, 2014
Tour of Lynchburg Grows

For further background on the Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit check out Virginia Tech’s News: http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2014/03/032514-ext-urbanagriculture.html

And on the note of celebrating Agriculture – rural and urban – March 25th is National Agriculture Day:
“On this National Agriculture Day, we thank the farmers, ranchers, and others at the heart of American agriculture, an industry that provides for our food and fiber needs, supports one in twelve jobs, and drives our nation’s economy.”

~ Secretary Tom Vilsack
Read his full statement: http://ow.ly/uWF0d

19 April – join us for a Family FUN RUN, WALK or JOG at the beautiful NOVA 4-H Center and benefit 4-H Camp Scholarships!

Posted on March 25, 2014 by maryev8

Feeling like a spring day out and a fun run, walk or jog in a beautiful setting in the foothills of the Shenadoah near Front Royal?

Bring the whole family out to the NOVA 4-H Center on Saturday April 19th morning and run, walk or jog to raise money for your County’s 4-H Camp Scholarships.

On Saturday, April 19th, at 9:00 AM, the NOVA 4-H Center will be hosting a kids 1 mile fun run, a 4-K (about 2.4 miles) and a 4-mile run/walk, to raise money for 4-H Camp scholarships. Every cent raised by your county will go to your county!

Click here: http://www.nova4h.com/4-for-4-h-registration if you would like to register on-line

T-shirts and medals for the first 75 folks to register and treats for all at the finish line.

As an added bonus, the NOVA 4-H Center will match the amount raised by the County who raises the most money, up to the cost of one full scholarship.

Look forward to seeing you on the day, bring your shoes and dress for the weather. You might also take time to visit the extensive grounds of the NOVA 4-H Center and hike up to the Appalachian Trail!
Any questions? Please contact the NOVA 4-H Center www.nova4h.com
or call 540 635 7171

Have You Seen This Bug? Look Out for Kudzu Bugs and Report Sightings

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Mary

Cooperative Extension in Arlington is participating in a statewide survey to determine the presence of Kudzu Bugs in Northern Virginia. Traps will be installed in suitable garden sites to try to detect their presence. If you see this insect at your home or elsewhere please report it to the Arlington Virginia Cooperative Extension Horticulture Help Desk at 703 228 6414 or email to mgarlalex@gmail.com. And if you have further questions, please contact Kirsten Buhls, Arlington’s Agriculture and Natural Resources agent, kbuhls@vt.edu, 703 228 6423.

Glencarlyn Library Demonstration Garden in Arlington is part of statewide research being conducted by Virginia Tech that seeks to track the spread of the invasive Kudzu Bug into Northern Virginia. For the next 6-8 weeks VCE Master Gardeners will be checking a white bug trap in the library garden to see if we find this bug here in Arlington.

Identification
Click on the link for full identification details of the Kudzu Bug and see photos.

Oblong, olive green adult Megacopta cribraria aka the Kudzu Bug are 4 to 6 mm long Photo UGA.edu

Kudzu Bug Distribution in Virginia Aug 9 2013

Background to Kudzu Bugs
In October 2009, large aggregations of Kudzu Bug (Megacopta cribraria (F.); Heteroptera: Plataspidae), also known as bean plataspid, lablab bug, or globular stink bug, were discovered on the exterior of houses in nine northeast Georgia counties.

Also see these two 3-minute videos about Kudzu Bugs in Spanish http://youtu.be/Ncc1A-7AOzc
or in English http://youtu.be/h59B67u7zOY

By 2010, Kudzu Bug was confirmed in more than 60 Georgia counties. This insect that is native to Asia feeds on kudzu, wisteria, and other members of the bean family. It has become a serious pest of soybean crop fields as far north as 21 counties in Virginia and 3 southern Maryland counties.

Megacopta cribraria is related to the brown marmorated stink bug. Adult Kudzu Bugs are 4 to 6 mm long, oblong, olive-green colored with brown speckles, and produce a mildly offensive odor when disturbed.
In its native Asia, one of M. cribraria’s preferred hosts is kudzu, an invasive vine introduced into the U.S. more than 100 years ago. While the good news is that the invasive vine Kudzu appears to be a primary host in North America, M. cribraria is expected to spread into most areas where kudzu is established. The bigger concern is that this insect will become another nuisance pest. Similar to behavior of brown marmorated stink bugs, kudzu bugs seek secluded sites like the inside of your home as temperatures fall and daylengths shorten in the fall. They overwinter as adults and emerge in the spring, as temperatures increase,

Control of M. cribraria consists of the following:

Exclusion: place screening over any possible entries into house and ensure that they are tight and well seated, without holes. Be sure to screen soffit, ridge and gable vents. Stuff steel wool into pipe entry points and make sure that all doors are tight fitting. Kudzu bugs on a window frame. Photo courtesy UGA.edu

Insecticide: The insects congregate on sunny south facing outdoor walls in the fall and insecticide applications can be made to stop this. Consult with a certified pesticide applicator who has the equipment needed for broadside applications of nuisance insect control products. Repeat applications may be needed but microencapsulated and wettable powder formulations will last longer. Indoor pesticide applications for M. cribraria are not recommended.

Mechanical: Vacuum and bag insects, gather them and place in hot soapy water, avoid crushing them as long lasting odors and staining of surfaces may result.

Biological: Encourage natural predators by planting a wide variety of plants. Assassin bugs are known to feed on M. cribraria, and other native predators may emerge. Removal of source plantings like kudzu and wisteria can reduce numbers of bugs in your vicinity.

Further details: http://www.kudzubug.org/

Downloadable 8.5 x 11 pdf poster: http://goo.gl/PxcLjx
Have You Seen This Bug QR Code Kudzu Bug Poster

What’s Cooking at Virginia Cooperative Extension – Master Food Volunteers Training

Posted on March 14, 2014 by maryev8

Photo by Ginger Geoffrey

What’s cooking? A new class of 32 Master Food Volunteer trainees are preparing and cooking their lunch in the Fairlington Community Center kitchen led by Agent Katie Strong and mentored by a team of Master Food Volunteers (MFV).

The lunch is delicious, simple, cheap and nutritious and one part of the interactive training that includes topics such as Food Safety, Basic Nutrition, and Meal Planning.
After 30 hours of training these Master Food Volunteers expect to give back 30 hours of volunteer service to the community in their first year.

Master Food Volunteers provide a range of community programs including:

nutrition and cooking classes for seniors, adults and families
food preservation
farmers’ market displays
education at food assistance centers
in-school and after-school programs
working with community gardeners

Examples of some of the recipes that Master Food Volunteers and clients use are online at Cooking Matters from Share Our Strength.

After tasting the Master Food Volunteers’ smoky paprika sweet potato and black bean soup and the delicious salsa filled pita pockets, I decided to have a go and make these at home. So can you!

And look out for Master Food Volunteers at events in the community!

If you are interested in becoming a Master Food Volunteer or would like to host an event with Master Food Volunteers’ participation please contact agent Katie Strong, kstrong@vt.edu

Got Grass? How to Manage Your Turf Grass After the Snow Melts?

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Mary

Please join Arlington Virginia Cooperative Extension for our spring Turf Management program presented by Dr. Mike Goatley on Tuesday March 11 from 7-9 PM at the Arlington Mills Community Center, 909 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22204

Register to attend the Turf Management program by calling the Horticulture Help Desk at 703 228 6414 or email kbuhls@vt.edu with Turf Management in the subject line.

Soil Test
Soil Testing is a valuable way to ensure that you are providing optimal growing conditions for your plants and will help you to reduce your costs and reduce nutrient runoff in our Chesapeake watershed.

Soil Sample Boxes and Test Process

Pick up soil sampling box at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Arlington and Alexandria offices
Fill box with soil samples
Send soil sample box with form and fee to the Virginia Tech Lab for analysis and recommendations of nutrients to condition your plants whether vegetables, ornamentals or turf grass
In a few days, the Virginia Tech Lab will respond with email or fax with analysis of your soil sample and what is needed to condition optimally for your plantings

Nutrient Care for Lawn Service Providers
The over-application of garden/lawn nutrient applications is a major contributor to nutrient runoff to the Chesapeake Bay. If you hire a lawn care provider, help ensure that they are applying fertilizer as prescribed by actual soil results for your property: Nutrient Care for Lawn Service Providers: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-400/430-400.html

Whether you look after a lawn and turf grass yourself or hire a lawn care service, Dr Mike Goatley will give you plenty of cost-effective advice to ensure you can manage your lawn and turf grass to help reduce the impact on the Chesapeake Bay.