Alliums, Gingers, and Herbs
We sometimes find ourselves in competition with hungry deer and rabbits for our prized garden plants, particularly those we plan to eat. There are a few edible plants we can grow with confidence, knowing that deer won’t touch them. Learn about vegetables and herbs that can protect your garden from deer while attracting pollinators and providing you with a delicious harvest. Read more
Oh, Deer!
Virginia's population of deer has grown exponentially as deer adapted to living among people and as hunting has declined. Deer now cause a wide range of problems. Their impact prevents the normal regeneration of woodland plant species and destroys food sources and habitat for wild birds and other animal and insect species. Learn more about how you can help here.
For Love of Narcissus
Narcissi, commonly known as daffodils or jonquils, have earned a mythic association with time and eternal life because they return so reliably as winter transforms into spring each year. Daffodils are happiness inducing flowers. No wonder they have remained popular around the world, over many centuries of human history. Read More...
Get to Know Our JCCW Master Gardener Association Board for 2025
Our new leadership team took office in January, with a combined 81 years of Master Gardening experience to guide them in leading our organization this year. Get to know these outstanding individuals who have stepped up to positions of leadership this year. Read more here
From now through March 7, we offer FREE ON-SITE visits to homeowners who want to understand the timing and techniques for pruning shrubs and trees growing in their yards. Learn more here…
Cultivate a 'Tiny Forest' Parts 1 and 2
Trees are the guardians of our planet, renewing the atmosphere, managing rainfall, building good soil, and supporting wildlife. Trees cool our warming atmosphere and make our communities more livable through the summer. Learn how to cultivate a ‘Tiny Forest’ to make your yard more beautiful as you restore our natural vegetation and support wildlife.
Cultivating a Tiny Forest Part 1- Why and How
A Winter Wildlife Garden
Attracting a variety of birds, and other wildlife to live and raise their young in our gardens, simply requires providing for their needs. Animals chiefly need varied and reliable food sources, shelter from the weather, safe perches where they can rest, and a source of fresh water. They also like their privacy and a sense of security, and can sense a welcoming spirit in the garden. Learn more here
Why Bother With Bulbs?
Beauty has its own purpose and doesn’t need any justification beyond its own existence. The only reason people have needed, through the ages, to grow these jewel-like geophytes is the pleasure gained from watching them unfold. Their very existence is reward enough for taking a moment to plant them in a bit of Earth in a container or the garden’s soil. Read more...
Winter 'To Dos' in the Garden
Winter is the ‘weekend’ of the gardening year when we enjoy a much-needed rest from the regular routine. A period of rest and renewal restores energy to both the garden and the gardener. Even during late autumn and winter, there is still plenty to enjoy in our gardens and plenty to do. Read more.
Evergreen Camellias
The first Camellia shrub usually chooses a stretch of damp, cool October days to burst into bloom. I am always taken by surprise when its luminous white, spring-like blossoms unfold, because they look rather out of place beside the colorful leaves falling from nearby trees. Learn more…
A Tea Story: Camellia sinensis
Plant Literacy
Anyone who loves plants finds it useful to build a repertoire of common plants that grow well in the Williamsburg area. Learn about the plants commonly used in our area and build your own plant literacy skills. Read more here…
Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Species Names
Bald Cypress at Glebe Gut
A bald cypress, and other native trees, grow along the shore of Glebe Gut, near Jamestown Island on the Colonial Parkway. A variety of native plants hold the bank of this waterway against erosion and provide habitat for a wide variety of shore birds. Learn more here...
Garden Questions?
Zone Change!
Click to enlarge the photo
The USDA has updated the Plant Hardiness Zone map and we're now in zone 8A. The trend reveals a picture of how many parts of our country are warming. Read more ...
Native Tree Guide
Which Tree Should I Plant? This guide was produced by the Upper and Middle James Riparian Consortium to educate Virginians about the woody native plants of our riparian areas. Access the guide here.
Native Plant Guide
This guide showcases many attractive variety of plants native to Southeast Virginia, which includes the Hampton Roads region. It includes information about how each plant supports wildlife. Read more here...
