Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
In 1994, Bedford, Virginia boasted the largest recorded Witch Hazel tree at 34.8 feet in height. The last native* shrub to bloom in autumn, its fragrant, yellow, spider-like flowers illuminate the landscape as leaves fall. VNPS named Witch Hazel as Wildflower of the Year in 2002.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This native deciduous holly produces prodigious quantities of red, berry-like fruits, which decorate the plant mid-fall into early spring. Female cultivar ‘Red Sprite’ needs male ‘Jim Dandy’ to make fruit. Purchase at least two females and one male for a “berry” good show.
Lower-growing herbaceous plants, especially ground covers such as ferns and grasses, can provide seasonal cover and nesting materials for wildlife.
The bounty produced by the Library Garden this fall captivated many visitors. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia love sharing the beauty and abundance of Nature's gifts, while also having the opportunity to answer lots of questions elicited by the great variety of seeds, berries, fruits and the one “faux-nut” displayed in our Glencarlyn Library Teaching/Demonstration garden.
In Part I of this article, we presented alternatives to some traditional foundation shrubs that are considered invasive in Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. In Part II, we consider alternatives to other overused non-native shrubs.
As the cold of winter approaches, the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden winds down. Shorter days and colder temperatures signal some of the garden perennials that it is time drop leaves and turn brown, while for others it is their time to shine.
