Celebrate the Winter Solstice
On December 21 we celebrate the Winter Solstice, observed as a holy day for millennia. It is a festival of light, and keeping it well illuminates the rest of the year with love and good feeling. Much can be accomplished during the quiet of winter, from Winter Solstice until the first stirrings of spring. Environmental restoration is possible in every season, but particularly during winter. Learn more...
The Annual Pruning Clinic
Woody plants remain healthier, more productive and more beautiful with strategic, well-timed pruning. But pruning wisely is both art and science. The James City County Williamsburg Master Gardeners Association provides free visits to homeowners who want to learn more about the specific timing and techniques for shrubs and trees growing in their yards. Learn more here…
2025 Pruning Handbook REVISED Nov24
Plant Literacy: Common Plants to Know
Anyone who loves plants, and certainly anyone who wants to become a Master Gardener volunteer, will find it useful to build a repertoire of common plants that grow well in the Williamsburg area. Folks who love plants and gardening become very knowledgeable over the years about the plants in their own yards. Learn about the plants commonly used in our area and build your own plant literacy skills. Learn more here…
Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Species Names
Late Autumn and Winter 'To Dos'
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.
Options for Autumn Leaf Clean-up
Fallen leaves and pine tags are a precious natural resource that enrich our soils, feed and shelter invertebrate animal life, and insulate the soil through the winter. Let’s find practical ways to use this resource as good stewards of the land on which we live. Local governments provide recycling services and schedules for leaf pick-up. Learn more here...
Evergreen Camellias for Winter Flowers
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
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
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
Tips for Growing Holiday Plants
A variety of beautiful plants show up in local shops at the holidays. There are Poinsettias, Amaryllis bulbs, rosemary trees, and more. Learn how to care for popular holiday plants and how to extend their lives into the new year. Learn more here...
Identifying Local Trees in Winter
Even tree lovers who find it easy to identify trees clothed in their summer leaves may it difficult to identify familiar trees in the winter, when few clues remain. Learn how to recognize trees by their bark, buds, fruits and remaining leaves, even during the coldest months of the year. Learn more here...
Secrets in the Pawpaw Patch
The native pawpaw tree is enjoying a renaissance. It is moving from ravine to orchard, from secret treat to commercial product. It is a singularly resilient tree which offers many environmental benefits in addition to its delicious and nutritious fruit. Learn More...
Beech, the Mother Tree
The American beech, Fagus grandifolia, once covered most of North America from Canada to Mexico and from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts. Before colonists cleared our ancient forests for farmland, large beech groves grew as part of the climax forest community. Read 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...
