Photo by Jim Eastman
Magical Rosemary
Rosemary's woody, green fragrance of brings health and happiness. This ancient herb attracts pollinators and grows easily with little care. Read more about rosemary's rich history and many uses.
Magical Thyme
To conjure a bit of magic in your summer garden, plant thyme. Thyme is a magical herb with a long history and a multitude of uses. The more we learn to use thyme, the more its ‘green magic’ charms our lives and our gardens. Read more here...
Landscaping with Herbs
Herbs are among the simplest plants to grow. Planting perennial herbs allows us to garden more sustainably with less waste, less work, and a positive environmental impact. Learn more here, Part 1, Herbs Part 2, Herbs Part 3
Featured Master Gardener Videos
The Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum
All JCCW Master Gardeners YouTube Videos
Top Plants for Summer Color
Colorful flowers and enticing plants fill every table and rack at garden centers right now. Even the most experienced gardener may feel a little overwhelmed with so many beautiful choices. Learn more about flowers in Part 1 Learn more about foliage plants in Part 2
Peonies for Mothers' Day
Peonies are some of the oldest plants in cultivation, associated with femininity, wealth, status and honor. Plant peonies with confidence that they will survive and thrive in our area. Read more here...
Shrubs for Pollinators
Which shrubs will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden this summer? Learn more about beautiful and easy to grow selections here.
Hedges and Hedgerows, Part 1
Hedging is an ancient gardening art form that remains relevant today because of the many benefits a hedge provides. Make yours useful and beautiful through careful planning and thoughtful maintenance. Learn more...
Hedges and Hedgerows Part 2
You will find hundreds of good choices of trees and shrubs for our area. Careful site evaluation and a little research will result in a successful landscaping project. Learn more here
Mountain Laurel
Mountain laurel blends into the fabric of the woods through much of the year before bursting into bloom, suddenly elegant and beautiful, in late April and early May. Read more!
Making a Drought-Tolerant Garden Part 1
Drought tolerant plants have design features to help them take full advantage of rain or irrigation when water is available and survive dry spells. They have adapted to climates where the weather remains sunny and dry for much of the year. Discover how to identify drought tolerant plants and use them to make your garden beautiful all summer long. Learn more about drought tolerant plants here...
Making a Drought Tolerant Garden Part 2
We can’t change the weather, but we can make small changes to make our plantings more resilient. Drought-tolerant gardening strategies can help us enjoy beautiful, abundant gardens throughout the year with little or no supplemental watering. Read more to learn about techniques and strategies here ...
May and June: To Do and To Do Less
Avid gardeners find lots to do during May and June as spring melts into summer. Taking care of business early in the season will result in a more attractive garden and more success through the summer months ahead. Learn more here-
Landscape Love Open!
Our Master Gardeners meet with you, the homeowner, right in your yard to review your garden issues and recommend solutions. To apply for your FREE consultation complete the application form here!
Garden Questions?
Our War With Plants
These days, gardeners and naturalists often look at one another and wonder, "What has happened to nature? And how do we restore her?" For the past few decades we have been at war with plants. For the good of our planet, let’s accept plants as “native to planet Earth, indigenous to this part of the universe.” Learn more here
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 ...
