Monthly Gardening Tips

January

Order trees and shrubs for Mach planting. Spring bulbs can still be planted if the ground is not frozen. Prune beginning in January and continuing through March, tip-prune crepe myrtles by removing the seed capsules to encourage large clusters of bloom in the summer. Fertilize by putting wood ashes from your fireplace on the vegetable garden, roses, lilacs, peonies,l clematis, and daffodils. Do not use on azaleas, junipers, and rhododendrons. Feed daylilies with 10-10-10 and house plants once a month with a fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 or Miracle Gro. Water all houseplants with tepid water. Give indoor plants bright indirect light, and place them near a window. Avoid contact between the plants and windowpanes to prevent damage to leaves. Turn pots once a week for even plant growth.

February

As temperatures rise to above freezing at night, add cool-season annuals, such as pansies, violas, calendulas, stocks, and sweet alyssums, to beds or pots. Sow seeds for sweet pea, larkspur, and bachelor's button when the soil can be worked. Plant lettuce seeds to enjoy early season salads. Prune buddleia,l caryopteris, Russian sage, and artemesia to within 6 in. of the ground. Prune and shape late spring and early summer bloomers, such as althea, pink and red spireas, and abelia, now and into March before growth starts. Cut back Clematic (Sweet Autumn) to 12 in. Cut Clematis Jackmanil halfway back to 18 in. in early spring. Fertilize iris by feeding with bone meal and top with wood ashes. Circle herbs with lime, especially lavender. When daffodil foliage emerges, use a handful of 5-10-10 around each clump of bulbs, and broadcast wood ashes around. Do not use manure or any high nitrogen fertilizer on bulbs. Continue feeding houseplants monthly with liquid fertilizer. As weather permits, clean your graden by removing fall and winter refuse from lawns and flowerbeds. Throw refuse away. Do not compost.

March

Reseed damaged areas of your lawn and fertilize with a high phosphorous product and water regularly; for established lawns, choose a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Plant and transplant bowood. Plant bareroot shrubs after soaking in water several hours. Plant new rose bushes selecting a site which will provide at least 6 hours of sunlight. Plant fruit trees, dogwood, magnolia, and other deciduous trees and shrubs. Dogwoods and magnolias should only be planted in the early spring. Hostas, liriope, daylilies, shasta daisies, astilbe, and coral bells are some of the perennials which can be divided before growth starts. New perennials may be planted in early spring. Prune hybrid tea roses in early March leaving about 5 healthy canes from 18-24 in. long; remove ones that rub against each other. Prune only to remove elongated shoots that detract from the appearance of the plant, to remove dead or diseased wood, to encourage fullness on a leggy plant, and to encourage flowering. Fertilize lily bulbs when sprouts appear above the ground with a little 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 around each plant. Leave muls over the plants to protect them from any cold weather. to promote better blooms, water daffodils if the weather is dry; check first for freeze warnings.

April

After the danger of frost has passed, remove mulch from perennial crowns on a cloudy day. Clip dead shoots. Pull up any lingering annual stems. Toss yard waste into your compost pile. As new growth emerges on roses, mix a slow-release rose fertilizer into soil around the plants. Once leaves unfurl on stems, remove any canes that didn't yield new growth. Prune climbing roses only after flowering. Plant azaleas; choose them when they are coming into bloom to be sure of color (Robin Hill and Glen Dale do well in our area). Clematis should be planted where they receive 6 or more hours of sunlight. They like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade. Cut all dead wood from lilacs and remove spent blossoms. Fertilize azaleas after blooming but not after July 1. Feed lilacs with dehydrated manure and lime. Mulch your beds to improve the texture of the soil and to conserve moisture. Chips make better mulch than shredded bark. They are much easier to work in and last longer.

May

Set out dahlias after danger of frost is past. Continue to plant annuals. Set out petunias, marigolds, and dwart ageratum, which are good edging plants. Prune trees that bloom in the spring such as cherry and crabapple as well as shrubs such as deutzie, beauty bush, weigela, kerria, and viburnum. Cut off old peony blooms. About four weeks after planting, feed flowering annuals and tropicals with a water-soluble bloom-booster fertilizer every 10 days. Pull faded flowers from daffodils after blooming and let foliage die naturally.

June

Grow herbs in containers or perennial beds. Place them in as much sun as possible. Must haves include basil, rosemary, chives, oregano, and mint. In a perennial garden, stake clumping plants with supports that hoist groups of stems. For lilies, try systems that hold a single stem. Climbing roses bloom on old growth; prune after they bloom. This is the last month to prune azaleas. Fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons. Divide and replant bearded iris between June and eptember. You can safely move daylilies this month. Divide phox and primroses planting them in a shady spot. To improve blooms on rhododendrons, carefully remove the old blooms. The best time to do this is about 2 weeks after blooms have faded; best method is by hand.

July

Do not prune summer or fall blooming shrubs now as the flower buds will be lost. Remove dead, diseased wood, and water sprouts from dogwoods if not done earlier. Cut back new wisteria side shoots to about 1 ft. to encourage formation next year of flower buds. Young vines need to be tied up until they produce tendrils. Feed summer flowering shrubs after they bloom. Watering this month is critical for trees and shrubs; the soil should be watered 4-6 in. deep. Pinch back chrysanthemums and asters once more. Cut faded blooms off petunias and other annuals and cut back straggly stems to encourage new growth. Day lilies can still be divided and moved all summer, but water well.

August

Late August is the best time to plant Oriental poppies. Christmas rose (Helleborous niger) may be planted anytime from now until early spring, but choose a site that will provide shade in the summer, sun in winter, and protection from high winds. At the beginning of the month trim back and fertilize perennials for the second blooming. Feed roses for the last time thi season. Cut off faded blooms of summer phlox, yarrow, and daylilies in order to have a second bloom. Foliage of bleeding heart and peonies which has turned brown should be cut off and discarded in a bag.

September

This is the ideal month for establishing, reseeding, and fertilizing the lawn. For our area, grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescues, fine fescues and turf type perennial grasses should be planted. Tall fescues make a tough lawn, tolerate heat, and are the most extensively used grasses for lawns in our area. Use red fescue seed for shady areas. Plant spring-blooming shrubs, ground covers, and new perennials. Clip hedges for the last time this season; make sure that the growth at the base of the plant is wider than at the top. Feed roses with Miracle Gro the first week in September - continue to water and spray to promote healthy plants. Before moving houseplants indoors for the winter, wash them with a strong hose spray and spray with Safer's Insecticidal Soap or Malathion. Clean the outside of the pots with a 1 to 9 mixture of Clorox and water. It is important to bring the plants in now so they will become adjusted before the heat is turned on. Exceptions are plants which require cool nights to set buds - Christmas cactus and some orchids. Prepare new beds for fall and spring planting. Prepare beds for lily bulbs which will be planted in October and November.

October

Plant spring and summer blooming bulbs in beds now for next year. Choose crocus, tulip, and daffodil for spring, and then add fritillaria, scilla, or snowdrop. Plant Oriential or Asiatic hybrid lilies, giant allium, or tiger lily for extra color. Arrange bulbs in odd numbers for a natural look. Three larger bulbs stage a nice show; smaller bulbs look better in large groups. September & October are the best months to plant tree peonies, but they may be planted at any time of the year if they are in containers. Lily bulbs must be planted as soon as received because they ae never dormant. Daffodils can be planted starting in the middle of the month. This month is best to plant or transplant boxwood. Prune phox stems at ground level and dispose of leaves to prevent powdery mildew; do not compost. Mulch flower beds for winter protection with 4 in. hardwood leaves. Divide phlox, coreopsis, black-eyed Susans, and coneflowers every 3 or 4 years to restore vigorous growth. Remove annuals, roots and all, and add to compost. Christmas cactus should be left outdoors until they have been exposed to several nights of cool, 50 degrees, weather. Water sparsely to force all blooms to open at the same time. Once the buds form, bring plants indoors, resume watering, and feed monthly with Peters 20-20-20. The cooler the location the longer the blooms will remain.

November

Plant tulips now through December. Continue to plant lily bulbs. Lilacs may also be planted. Cut the lawn for the last time about 2 in. high. Water perennial beds before the plants go dormant. Cut back peony, hollyhock, and iris foliage after it freezes to prevent diseases, and destroy the leaves. Mulch after the ground freezes. Good mulch materials are rotted sawdust, straw, pine needles and ground up oak leaves.

December

Early in the month prune roses to mid-thigh height to prevent "wind whipping" and bushes bending in winter. Clean foliage of houseplants during short days of winter. Water when they become dry and fertilize monthly with 20-20-20. Clean old leaves and twigs out of boxwood, particularly in the center.

Potpourri: General Garden Tips

Flower Beds

The best time to start a flower bed is in the fall when you would dig up the soil, add organic matter, and then mulch it for the winter. This gives the soil the time to get settled and begin attracting beneficial soil organisms. If you build the bed in the spring or summer, it will still work, but it takes a year or so for the soil to mature, thus your plants might not be so great in that first year. Location of the bed is very important. A bed in full sun offers the best environment for growing flowers, but a flower bed in the shade can be lovely all season long. Plants that grow in full sun will not be happy in a shade garden. Three important issues you need to consider in picking the flowers for your bed are: (1) is the plant appropriate for the horticultural zone; (2) is this plant appropriate for my soil; and (3) is it a plant that will do well in the location of my bed?

A "No Dig" Bed

This type of bed is best done in late summer or early fall to prepare the soil for the bed next spring. The benefit of this is you avoid any sweaty digging to establish your bed. Start off by outlining the area with string and stakes. Do not dig up the lawn grass. Lay a layer of newspaper over the entire area of your new bed. The layer should be 5 to 10 pages of newspaper thick. As you lay the paper, have some dirt available to put on top of the lawyers of paper to keep them secure. Now wet the newspaper thoroughly. What you put on top of the newspaper is a function of what is available to you. You want some organic matter which could be chopped leaves from your own tres, Canadian sphagnum peat moss, straw, or hay. put a layer of organic material one to three inches thick depending on our material. An inch of peat moss is the same as three inches of straw. On top of the organic material put a layer of top soil two to four inches deep. Finally on top of the top soil put another layer of organic matter to serve as a mulch to keep out weeds and keep in moisture. This can be chopped leaves, hay, or straw. In a month or so, the lawn grass has died and the sod will decompose feeding earthworms and soil microbes. In 2-3 months the newspaper has begun to break down so when you begin planting flowers in the spring you can easily dig down 6 to 12 inches. All that organic material is going to feed the soil creatures and the resulting soil a year later will be gorgeous.

Finishing Touch

Once the plants are in the flower bed, you should always add a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic material such as chopped leaves or shredded bark as a mulch. Mulch should remain on the bed all year long. When it breaks down to one inch thick, put another layer on. Mulch is an essential food supply for the soil and will result in a healthy garden.

Plant Management

Staking Flowers

Flowers taller than about 2 feet will often need staking. Some may fall over from the weight of their blossoms or from heavy rains or winds. You an rig your own staking system with bamboo sticks and string or you can purchase ready-made staking devices that are sold in garden centers or catalogs. There are two approches to staking - individual stakes for single stemmed plants like dahlias or larkspurs and group staking for multi-stemmed plants like peonies or lilies. To make your own system from bamboo: insert several stakes about 8 inches apart around the outside edge of the clump of plants. Angle the stakes outward from the plant slightly. Using a ball of green twine, tie the end to a stake and pass it through the middle of the clump then wrap it around the opposite stake a couple times before passing it through the plants to another stake on the opposite side. Do this until all stakes are connected by a web of string. The final step is to circle the clump by connecting the stakes around the perimeter. The leaves should hide the stakes and twine. Set up this system right before the plants start to flop over or just before bad weather is expected.

Watering Properly

If you have matched your plants in the bed to the soil and you have plenty of organic material in the soil, your plants may do fine with natural water from rainfall. You'll need to water new transplants until they become established and if weekly rainfall is inadequate. If you have sandy soil you will need to water more often. Wilting of flowers that occurs in the heat of a summer day is common and temporary, but if your plants wilt in the morning, this is a signal that the plant is suffering a serious water shortage. The best way to gauge whether plants need watering is to mount a rain gauge somewhere on your property. Remember to empty the gauge after each rainfall. Keep track of the rainfall on a weekly basis. If less than 1/2 inch of rain has fallen over a few days, you should think about watering, particularly the annuals or new transplants. Plants like one inch of rain a week. Most people have a tendency to water plants from aove using a sprinker or handheld hose or can. You can actually lose as much as 40% of the water from evaporation and runoff. Overhead watering also encourages disease and fungi. The best technique for watering is: 1) water in the morning so foliage has a chance to dry. This will minimize disease. Avoid watering at midday as too much water is lost to evaporation; 2) water deeply so that the soil is moistened at least 1 foot down; and 3) consider using soaker hoses or a drip system. These use much less water than sprinklers and since the water is coming out so slow the ground will soak up the water better. With soaker hoses it is okay to water at midday and in fact is desirable during hot weather. Cooling the soil in July and August reduces plant stress from the heat.

Tips for Watering House Plants

Bulbs

Annuals

Annuals provide dependable color for months with only occasional attention. Some really tough plants last the entire summer, while others, such as petunias, may go only to the halfway mark but are well worth it. Ideas to get you started:

• Plant annuals by your front door for curb appeal. Accent path entrances with a mass planting or to draw attention to a special place in the garden.
• Use them to bridge the gap between perennial bloom cycles in borders.
• Try them in containers and hanging bakets to put color where you want it.

Annuals are easy to grow. Plant them in well-drained soil. Sprinkle a timed-release, granular fertilizer such as 14-14-14 under each annual when planting. Surround new plants with a light layer of mulch. Water every few days until roots become established and then continue on an as-needed basis. Give them a thorough trim in July. Cut them back by half and feed them twice over the next 10 days with a liquid, blossom-boosting fertilizer such as 15-30-15.

Top Picks: for sun - lantana, coleus, Star Hybrid zinnias, melampodium, salvia, for shade - impatiens , and caladium

Perennials

Top 10 perennial picks: iris - 'Hortensia' false aster, daylily - "Stella de Oro' and "Happy Returns', 'Goldsturm' yellow coneflower, purple coneflower, 'Common Purple' summer phlox, 'Miss Huff' lantana, 'Autumn Joy' sedum, 'Indigo Spires' salvia, and the swamp sunflower.

Daffodil Attribute - Since daffodils are poisonous to all animals, the deer, ground hog, vole, and mole will not eat them.

Daffodil Plantings That Last For Years - First select a well-drained spot that gets at least a half day of sunlight.
Dig holes that are 8 inches deep. Mix soil with Bulb Booster or 5-10-20 fertilizer mixture and put it in the bottom of the hole to a depth of 2 inches. Place the bulb on top. Fill the hole with dirt and then water. When properly planted, daffodils do not need to be lifted and replanted.

Plant Lilacs in October - Prepare holes for lilacs by digging wide and deep holes and adding well-rotted manure in the bottom. When planting, set the plant 4 inches deeper than it was growing. Fill the hole with soil, sand and compost. For two years, water during dry periods. Add wood askes as they become available. When setting out plants, cut back 1/3 rd. Some lilacs take two or three years to bloom, some even longer. Recommended varieties are Ellen Willmott (white), President Lincoln (blue), Charles Joly(purple), Lucie Baltet (pink), Primrose (cream). An early lilac is Oblata Delatata (pink) and a late bllomer is Henri Lutece (lavendar).

Fertilizer Tips - In the fall, fertilize clematis plants with lime, lilies with compost and bone meal (5-10-5), iris with bone meal, deciduous shrubs with super phosphate. Mulch lily-of-the-valley with well rotted manure; apply wood ashes, manure and bone meal to lilacs. When you rake leaves, remember that composting them makes good fertilizer for next year. Add a layer of 5-10-5 or lime to hasten decomposition. Use 2 inches of dead oak leaves as mulch for acid loving shrubs and plants; however, do not mulch until the ground is frozen.

Low-Maintenance Perennials and Shrubs
If you yearn for a garden that requires minimum upkeep, here are some plants and shrubs that need very little attention:>Perennials: Daylilies, Siberian iris, Iris pumila, platycodon (balloon flower), Michaelmas daisies, veronica, perennial candytuft, lily of the valley, ajuga, all pinks, coralbells Shrubs: forsythia, witch hazel, flowering quince, viburnums, beauty bush, weigelias, cotoneasters and shrub roses.

Tips On Transplanting Perennials
When transplanting hardy perennials, plants should be set in the ground the same depth as they were growing in the nursery. Fill back soil and firm it carefully around each plant by pressing earth with your fist. Do not use foot as this may make the soil too hard. Water carefully and not too much, but do it frequently for the next two weeks.

Dividing Chrysanthemums
It's possible to divide chrysanthemums as late as May, but don't delay. Break new shoots from the outside of the crown. With care, you can get a few roots on the shoot so new growth will take over. Start feeding a week or so later, then feed regularly. Start to pinch off tip growth buds when plant is 3" or 4" tall and continue pinching new growth back until July.

Deadheading Lilacs
Clip lilac seed pods immediately after blooming, being careful not to cut off new growth on each side of the seed pod---these laterals produce next year's flowers. Prune if necessary. Mulch.

Edible Flowers

This is a list of commonly edible flowers and their flavor comparisons. Separate the petals from the rest of the flower just prior to use to keep wilting to a minimum. Roses, dianthus, English daisies, and marigolds have a bitter white area at the base of the petal--break or cut off this portion. The pollen of composite flowers (characterized  by florets arranged in dense heads that resemble single flowers)  is allergenic and may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.  Sufferers of asthma, ragweed, and hayfever should not consume composite flowers and may have extreme allergies to ingesting any flowers at all.
 
Anjelica:  May cause skin allergies to some; celery flavored
 
Calendula: saffron-like, spicy, tangy peppery,adds a golden hue to foods
 
Carnation: spicy, peppery, clove-like
 
Chamomile: faint apple flavor, good as a tea
 
Garlic Chives: garlic flavor
 
Chrysanthemum:  slight to bitter flavor, pungent
 
Cornflower:  sweet to spicy, clove-like
 
Dandelion:  Very young buds fried in butter taste somewhat like mushrooms. Makes a potent wine.
 
Daylily:  many lilies (Lilium species) contain alkaloids and are not edible.  They may act as a laxataive; sweet, crunchy, like a crisp lettuce leaf, faintly like chestnuts or beans
 
English Daisy: tangy, leafy
 
Fuchsia: slightly acidic
 
Gardenia: light, sweet flavor
 
Hibiscus: slightly acidic; boiled, it makes a nice beverage:
Hibiscus Tea
 1 T. fresh hibiscus flowers
1 C very hot water, heated just to the boiling point
Honey
In a heat-proof container, combine hibiscus flowers and water.  Let steep for 5 minutes. Strain and add honey if desired.
Makes one serving..
 
 
Hollyhock:  very bland, nondescript flavor
 
Honeysuckle:  berries are highly poisonous--do not eat them!
 
Hyssop: should be avoided by pregnant women and by those with hypertension or epilepsy.
 
Impatiens:  very bland, nondescript flavor.
 
Jasmine:  delicate sweet flavor, used for teas.
 
Johnny-Jump-Up:  contains saponins and may be toxic in large amounts; sweet to bland flavor.
 
Lavender: lavender oil may be poisonous; floral, slight perfume flavor.
 
Lemon Verbena:  lemony flavor, usually steeped for tea.
 
Lilac:  lemony, floral, pungent.
 
Mallow:  sweet, delicate flavor.
 
Marigold:  spicy to bitter.
 
Nasturtium:  buds are often pickled and used like capers; sweet, mildly pungent, peppery flavor.
 
Okra:  similar to squash blossoms.
 
Pansy:  very mild, sweet to tart flavor.
 
Pea:  flowering ornamental sweet peas are poisonous.
 
Primrose:  causes contact dermatitis; bland to sweet flavor.
 
Rose:  sweet, aromatic flavor, stronger fragrance produces a stronger flavor.  Be sure to remove the bitter white portion of the petals.  Rose hips are also edible.
 
Safflower:  "poor man's" saffron without the pungent aroma or strong flavor of saffron.
 
Scented Geranium:  Citronella variety may not be edible; varies with differing varieties from lemon to mint flavor.
 
Snapdragon:  bland to bitter flavor.
 
Squash Blossom:  sweet, nectar flavor
 
Sunflower:  lightly steam petals to lesson bitterness. Unopened flower buds can be steamed like artichokes; leafy, slightly bitter.
 
Tuberous Begonia:  only hybrids are edible; the flowers and stems contain oxalic acid and should not be consumed by individuals suffering from gout, kidney stones, or rheumatism; further, the flower should be eaten in strict moderation. crisp, sour, lemony flavor.
 
Violet:  sweet, nectar.

Caution: Do not allow children to eat flowers as many are poisonous.

Nurseries

Andre Viette
Route 608 (2 1/2 miles north of Rt. 250)
Fishersville, Virginia
Tel: 540-943-2315
Call for a brochure of lectures.
Perennials from A to Z. Incredible display gardens and growing fields. Some shrubs.

Blue Ridge Garden Center
Proffit Rd. off 29 N.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Tel: 434-974-6147
Nice selection of shrubs. In spring has good selection of annuals. Has perennials and trees and some unusual herbs.

Botanique
Co-owners: Rob Sacilotto and Ken Bailey
387 Pitcher Plant Lane
Stanardsville, Va. 22973
Tel: 804-985-3060
Specializes in rare and unusual carnivorous plants, bog orchids, bog gentians etc. that are hardy as well as tropical, all of which are propagated there. Primarily mail order. For catalog, please send $1.00 to cover postage.

Buffalo Springs Herb Farm
Raphine Road
P.O. Box 163
Raphine, Virginia 24472
Located mid-way between Lexington and Staunton, take Exit 205 off I-81/I-64. Go 4 miles west on Route 606 (Raphine Road). Go 4 miles west on Route 11, go west on Raphine Road. From Route 252, go east one mile.
Tel: 540-348-1083
Specializes in herbs of every kind. Display garden and group lectures in a beautiful old barn. Tea and lunch available with reservations. Reservations required for classes, workshops or lectures. Bookstore.

Center for Historic Plants - Monticello
949 Monticello Road
Charlottesville, Virginia
Tel: 434-984-9819
Director : Peggy Newcomb
Look for the yellow and white tent in the Monticello parking lot. No admission required.
Native shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants (some quite rare), heirloom plants that would have been familiar to Thomas Jefferson. Selection of Botaniques carnivorous plants. Gardening gifts, statuary, books, T - shirts. Very helpful staff.

Edible Landscaping
Proprietor : Mike McConkey
PO Box 77
Afton, Va. 22920
Tel: 434-361-9134
Call for catalog or find it at www.eat-it.com
Mike has some most interesting fruit trees, fruit bearing shrubs and vines, even tender fruit bearing plants organically grown at the nursery. They are open year round and have mail order service.

Elzroth and Thompson
1846 Monacan Trail (Rt. 29 South)
Charlottesville, Virginia
Tel: 434-295-2488
Many perennials and annuals, houseplants and greenhouse plants. Good selection of vegetable plants in the spring. Some garden statuary.

Floradise Orchids
Owners: Janet Cherchuck and Stephen Shifflett
Location:19154 James Madison Highway
              Gordonsville, Va. 22942
Mailing Address
              PO Box 566
              Gordonsville, Va 22942
Email: orchids@floradise.Com
Web Site: www.floradise.com
Tel: 540-832-3440
An extensive selection of orchid varieties in all sizes.  Orchids available for collectors as well as novices. The owners take great care and time with each customer talking you through care of each plant. A collectors Paradise!

The Garden Spot
515 W Rio Rd.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Tel: 434-973-4402
Shrubs (including a nice collection of natives) and trees, perennials and annuals. Landscaping service available.

Hiddenacre Greenhouses, Inc.
Proprietors : Ed and Cathy Comer
Jon and Rachel Comer
Rt. 2, Box 112
Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Tel: 540-234-8670
An interesting variety of healthy looking perennials and annuals. The Comers are a lovely family that cares about your gardening needs. They will do all possible to assist you in finding the perfect plant for that special place in your garden. The Comers purchased this business in January and have already made many improvements and have plans for making many more. Allow plenty of time to wander through all the greenhouses. You'll find it difficult to leave.

Ivy Corner Garden Center and Gift Shop
Proprietor : William Vlasis
Rt. 250 W. in the heart of the hamlet of Ivy
434-977-3999
Nice variety of trees and shrubs, perennials and annuals. Eclectic mix of garden gifts and more in a country garden shop setting. Cut flowers available as well as fruits and vegetables in season. Landscaping service available.

Ivy Nursery
Proprietor: George Carter
Rt. 250 W just beyond Boar's Head Inn
Charlottesville, Virginia
Tel: 434-295-1183
http://www.ivynursery.com
Email: staff@ivynursery.com 
Large variety of trees, shrubs, annuals and many perennials. Gardening supplies. Beautiful Christmas shop.  Lovely wreaths, swags, boxwood trees, and kissing balls.  Landscaping service available.  Beautiful and healthy plants.  Gift flower delivery is available for Charlottesville area

Lazy S
Proprietor: Peter Sheuchenko
2360 Spottswood Tail
Barboursville, Va 22923
Tel: 540-832-2334
webmaster@lazyssfarm.com
Rt. 29 to 33
Can order on-line
A family run business specializing in azaleas and rhodos with many annuals, unusual perennials (1600 Varieties) ,trees, and shrubs. They are extremely helpful here since they do carry specialized plants. Very lovely woodland display garden.

Little 5 Azalea Farm
No phone!
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 to 6:00 and Sun 11:00 to 5:00 March 1 thru December 24
Take 64W to 295E. Take the 95 access road, then the exit for Rt. 1 South (Ashland). Look for the Little 5 sign across and slightly beyond the Virginia Commons Mall. "Many varieties of azaleas, rhodos, trees, and shrubs. Remember they are in zone 7B so some varieties don't suit our area. Great buys. Do come with a manual - it's a large place.

Marshall Place Boxwoods
Proprietor : Mr. Moseley
Buckingham Co., VA
Tel: 1-434-983-3364
Call for brochure with directions, price list, and boxwood tips
Field and container grown English and some American boxwood all acclimated to the weather. House an historic landmark.

Milmont Greenhouses
Rt.340 S.
Stuarts Draft, Virginia
Tel: 540-943-8408
Beautiful greenhouses with a very good selection of annuals, perennials, and houseplants. Meets most gardening needs.

Native Design
Post Office Box 5701
Charlottesville, VA 22905
Tel: 434-973-4050
Landscape Contractors. Custom residential design and installation.Over 10 years experience. Use predominantly native plant species which are naturally adapted to this climate and require less care. Services include watergardens, waterfalls, water conservative drip irrigation, maintenance, and complete landscape service. Numerous references available.

Nicholls Gardens
4724 Angus Dr.
Gainesville, VA 20155
Tel: 703-754-9623
E-mail www.HE.net/~ngardens
A family run business at their home. Please call before coming. Gorgeous gardens with pond and growing beds. Arisaemas, cyclamen, hosta, hems, peonies and of course specialty reblooming bearded iris, Siberian, Louisiana and Japanese. Send for catalog. $1.00. Worth it!

The Orchid Station
4505 Burnley Station Rd.
Barboursville, VA 22923
Tel: 434-974-6663
E-mail: porchids@earthlink.net

Pine Crest Orchids
1100 Penn Park Lane
Charlottesville, Virginia
Tel: 434-293-7817
Co-owners: L.L. Blumreich and J.W. Gammon
Some annuals and perennials but as the name implies their specialty is orchids. An incredible variety with a great assortment of phrags and paths.

Rockfish Valley Garden Center
2461 Rockfish Valley Highway
PO Box 220
Nellysford,VA 22958
Tel: 804-361-1555
Fax: 804-361-1333
Located at the base of Wintergreen Mountain in Nellysford, Virginia. Will celebrate its second anniversary in April. This retail garden center has perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, and aquatics. They design and install landscaping and water gardens and carry a line of bulk materials such as different types of mulches, topsoil, and decorative stone. They renovated Rockfish Valley High School (1910-1939) into a beautiful country garden center nestled in this majestic mountain setting. This summer attend one of their seminars on water gardening or landscaping.

Sandies Plants
8011 Bell Creek Rd.
Mechanicsville, Virginia
Tel: 804-746-7092
Hours: Monday -Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Take 64 East to 295 to 360 East (Tappahanok). Turn left at light (Rt. 642). Located .6 mile on left.
Perennials, groundcovers, herbs, and ornamentals, 1400 different varieties. Be prepared to spend the day! Huge nursery - you get to use one of their many golf carts to cruise the aisles. Large selection of perennials and annuals.

Snows Garden Center
Proprietor : Duane Snow
1875 Avon St. Ext.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Tel: 434-295-2159
Email: info@snowknows.com
A variety of trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials. All garden supplies, and greenhouse and landscape services are available. Visit the website: www.snowknows.com  

Southern States Charlottesville Cooperative
810 Harris St.
Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Tel: 434-296-6191
Carol and Dorie will help you with selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Garden gifts, tools and all types of gardening needs.

Springdale Water Gardens
Greenville, Virginia
Tel: 800-420-5459
Call for directions.
An unusual variety of aquatic plants, display water gardens, and everything you need for your water garden. Excellent hands on demonstrations.

Stranges
12111 W. Broad St.
Richmond, Va. 23233
Tel: 804-360-2800
A full service garden center and florist. Perennials, annuals and garden supplies.

Village Garden Center
Rt. 250 West
Fishersville, Virginia
Tel: 540-885-7342
Some perennials and annuals but has the most unusual varieties of trees and shrubs. Gardening supplies. Water garden displays and supplies.

Waynesboro Landscape and Garden Center
2032 West Main St.
Waynesboro, Virginia
Tel: 540-942-4646
Well stocked annuals and perennials, seeds, and bulbs in season. Trees and shrubs and all garden supplies.

Weird Dude's Plant Zoo
25 Frog Pond Rd.
Staunton, Va. 24401
Tel: 504-886-6364
Proprietor: Marty Harper
As their card states "Awesome plants". You can now forget about sending away for the oddities through mail order because Central Virginia has its own resource. The people here are very helpful and even more knowledgeable. This is a great nursery for beginners and even more so for the collector.

Speakers

Birds

Sandra Awad
Wild Bird Crossing
1950 Rio Hill Shopping Center-
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-973-9649
A most informative talk about "Care of Winter Birds"

Robert Hammond
425 Mallard Lake Dr.
Charlottesville, VA
1-434-978-1859
Retired Professor of Veterinary Medicine from Va. Tech 
Heard him give an interesting talk about "Bluebirds and their Habitat".  Presents an interesting talk about "Attracting Birds to Your Garden."

Phil Baker
VDOT Environmental Program Planner
Public Affairs Office, Environmental Division
Virginia Department of Transportation
Richmond, VA
804-371-6820
"Operation Wildflowers: VDOT 13's Roadside Wildflowers Program".

Richard Carpenter
Nature Conservancy
1233 Cedars Ct.
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
434-295-6106
Program about The Nature Conservancy; Current and Future

Mrs. Benjamin W. Mears, Jr.
Kendall Grove Point
Eastville, VA 23347
757-678-5755
Mrs. Mears speaks about "Garden Club of Virginia Restoration Projects". She is a former GCV president and a former president of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.

Ted Scott
100 Sunnyside Drive, Unit 32
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-568-8679
E-mail: vnpscott@shentel.net
Anyone would benefit from any of his numerous presentations. Wildflowers hve been a lifetime interest. Other topics are "Propagation of Woody Plants", "Propagation of Native Herbaceous Plants by Both Seeds and Vegetative Methods", "Native Wildflowers", and "Invasive Exotic Plants." Won an International Award from the Nature Conservancy for his work on "Invasive Alien Plants". Anyone would benefit from his program on "invasives". His slides are unbelieveable

Michael La Chance
Nelson County Extension Agent
434-263-4035
"Discussed environmental issues. Insects; their importance and conservation.

Piedmont Environmental Council
434-977-5170
David Hannah and Jeff Warner spoke to garden club about "Conservation Issues Facing Charlottesville-Albemarle Area".

John Grant
Bartlett Tree Experts
434-971-3020
Spoke to garden club about "Trees and Their Care".

Mrs. David B. Tankard
Mount Hope, P.O. Box 926
Exmore, VA 23350
757-442-7000
757-442-7364
Is a consulting Rosarian for the American Rose Society. Topics include "How to Grow Roses" and "How to Show Roses"

Hilary Swinson
Editor, Virginia Gardening Guide
114 East Main St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-293-8818
Spoke to our club about "Native Plants". Is qualified to speak about numerous other garden subjects.

Jim Murphy
Horticulturist, Glen Echo Farm
Charlottesville, VA
(434) 985-2177
E-mail: Murphy@CStone.net
Jim has a very entertaining and enlightening talk on "The Right Plant for the Right Place". He also will speak on; "Four Seasons of Perennials", "Daylilies", and "Hardscapes". His slides are good and his instructions are easy to follow.

Leon L. Blumreich
Pine Crest Orchids
1100 Penn Park Lane
Charlottesville,VA
434-293-7817
His presentation on "Learning About Orchids" is most interesting and informative.

Michael McConkey
Afton, VA
361-1750
Edible Plants
Mr. McConkey has a mail order business in Afton, where everything from kiwis to blueberries are grown and shipped to customers all over the country.

Native Plants
Brian Wagner
Owner, Hyla Brook Farm
540-967-6160
www.hylabrookfarm.com
We visited Hyla Brook Farm and toured the nursery of native plants.  Brian gave a talk about native plants, how the farm operates, and answered questions.  (Great guy and would like to support him--He comes to the Farmer's Market each Sat. with plants during the season.) He does demonstrations April through October the last Sunday of the month.  The website is extensive.  Brian gave each of us his interesting, infomative and fun plant catalogue.

Peter Warren
Albemarle County Extension Agent
Charlottesville, Virginia
434-817-0731
Can speak on many areas of horticulture, eg. pruning small trees and shrubs, soil kits, plants that do well in this area.

Arrangement Demonstration
Martha Lynch
Flower Show judge, Leesburg Garden Club
Telephone:(703) 777-8191
Martha had members assist in making arrangements in difficult containers, including ones brought by members. Her focus is to just begin arranging and try something. (Arrangements for Martha to come made by Tay Gwaltney)

Susan Ordel, Professional Gardener
P.O. Box 151
Keswick, VA 22947
Susan made an arrangement for the holidays.  During the demonstration she spoke about gardening techniques and answered questions.  Her focus is on using materials that can be found in the garden-or in Virginia at different times of the year (i.e. use what you have available).  She has been the gardener for Tall Oaks, and now is Ms. Batten's gardener in Farmington after her move.

Libbey Oliver
Flowers & Gardens
126 Little John Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-220-4632
loliver@widomaker.com
Flower arranger, author and floral consultant. Seasonal floral and Christmas demonstrations that can be accompanied by workshops. Programs cover the use of garden and florist flowers as well as the care and handling of cut flowers. Topics developed for groups;fees to be discussed.

Daniel Patterson
Pattersons' Flower Shop
Crozet, VA 22932
434-823-4942
Mr. Patterson demonstrated making designs for the Christmas season. Feedback was that this was one of the best programs our garden club ever had

Flower Photography
Leonard Phillips, owner Gladstone Media
135 Overlook Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-293-8471
This program was a slide show with 10 tips for flower/garden photography.  The speaker photographs and produces many color photography calendars each year (the Monticello one for 2005).  The tips were for any camera from point and shoot to digital.

Flower Show Oral Judging
Dottie Reese-973-1512
Jeannie Turner-293-4137
The Federated Flower Show Judges took arrangements done by members and judged them-orally - as in a flower show- in front of the group.  They discuss common mistakes made when doing an arrangement according to a schedule, and things that judges look for when judging arrangments in flower shows.

C. Allan Brown
1632 Garden Court
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-974-1792
His presentation about "Thomas Jefferson's Landscape Designs for Monticello. Poplar Forest, and the University of Virginia" is interesting and informative

John T. Fitzpatrick
Projects Manager, The Garden Conservancy
Post Office Box 219
Cold Spring, NY 10516
914-265-2029
Is known for his presentations on "Historic Ornamentals to Collect, Preserve and Enjoy". "Seven Americans and the Perennials They Grew", and "Thomas Jefferson's Plants and Gardens."

Peter J. Hatch
Director of Gardens and Grounds
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation
Post Office Box 316
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-984-9836
Is best known for speaking about "Searching for the Plants of Thomas Jefferson" and "Thomas Jefferson, Gardener". Peter speaks well and is extremely knowledgeable.

James Wooten
Ashlawn Highland, Curator
Rt. 6 Box 37
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-293-9539
Spoke to our garden club about Historic American Gardens. He speaks well and is exceptionally knowledgeable

Maggie Stemann Thompson
Monticello
P.O. Box 316
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-973-0656
Heard her speak at our garden club meeting on "Thomas Jefferson's Vegetable Garden". Her presentation included excellent slides showing Jefferson's vegetable gardens in all their glory.

Peggy C. Newcomb
Director,Center for Historic Plants
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation
Post Office Box 316
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-984-9816
Is known for her presentations on "Historic Plants at Monticello" and "Thomas Jefferson and Natural History"

Garden Design and Landscaping

Amy J. Barton
19 Mobile Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22903
amyjeannebarton@hotmail.com
Presented an interesting talk about "Everyday Problems in the Garden". Speaks about other topics related to horticulture.

Gregg Bleam
Gregg Bleam Landscape Architects
110b Second Street NE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
gb@gbla.net
434-977-3232
Gregg gave a presentation on the 'Garden of Planes', a garden in Richmond, Va that he designed.  It won an American Society of Landscape Architecture Award in 2005 in the Professional Division.  The program was a slide show that showed the construction of the contemporary garden."

Mrs. G. Powell Davis
P.O. Box 25
Franktown, VA 23354
757-442-4932
Topics include "Beginning Your Perennial Garden" and "Gardens in England". Her own beautiful gardens reflect her extensive knowledge of gardening.

Kathleen Dunn
Piedmont Master Gardener
434-293-7167
Spoke to my Garden Club about "Deer Resistant Landscaping"

Thomas A. Fisher, AIA
ENVIRON Design Collaborative
206 G. West Market St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902-0162
(434) 977-1910
Award winning Architect who can speak about harmonizing building design with nature, landscapes and gardens.

Pruning and Woody Ornamentals ('Correct Pruning Techniques and 10 Favorite Woody Ornamentals')
Dan Gregg, owner, Grelen Nursery
9274 Old Rapidan Rd.
P.O. Box 309
Orange, VA
540-672-5462
Dan gives one of the classes for the Master Gardener series-and adapted it for CGC on correct pruning techniques.  He often will demonstrate on nearby trees, shrubs, or brings along some small shrubs for demonstration.  His talk includes 10 favorite woody ornamentals

Botanical Illustration
Holly Maillet
306 Ednam Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-295-7208
Holly discussed the techniques of botannical illustration, and its history.  She showed examples of her work, and the different techniques of illustration.

New Cultivars for Spring
Jeremy Moore
Monrovia Nurseries Representative
jmoore@monrovia.com
804-513-1906
Jeremy brought a large sample of plants from Strange's Nursery in Richmond, along with an extensive list of new and unusual plants.  He answered questions about planting, deer resistance, watering, suitablitity, etc.  He gave information about various websites, and new trends in cultivars for 2005.  The monrovia website has great information and is extensive.

Kate Myer
JWT Landscaping
434-973-1154
Spoke to garden club about "Bulbs for the Garden".

Hardy Newton
HCR 6, Box 127H
Madison, VA 22727
804-977-0604
703-923-4492
Is a professional flower designer - a Master Gardener and a member of the Guild of The Washington Cathedral, and the flower designer for the Airlie Convention Center in Warrenton, VA. Programs include lectures, workshops and slides. Topics include "Finding Your Own Style with Flowers" and "Starting a Wildflower Garden". A fee is charged.

Ian Robertson
Ian Robertson Limited
2931 Brookmere Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-978-1714
Is capable of speaking on many gardening topics; such as designing for Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens 1995.
Gave an informative and enlightening program about the steps and considerations to use when planning a garden, "The Genius of the Place 1998". Excellent!

Virginia Rockwell
The Gentle Gardener
205 North Main St.
P.0. Box 418
Gordonsville,VA 22942
540- 832-7031
E-mail: gntlgrdnr@aol.com
Presents an informative talk about incorporating architectural elements into the garden. Speaks on other topics such as "Creating a Living Wreath" with demonstration.

Garden Planting
Janet Rogers, Hoticulturalist,
Farmington Country Club
Janet gave a slide show about 'Planting for Seasonal Color'.  The show included discussion of plants, characteristics, etc.  The slides were beds at Farmington Country Club taken at different times and seasons.

Donald Haynie
Buffalo Springs Herb Farm
Raphine Road
P.O. Box 163
Raphine, VA 24472
540-348-1083
Favorite topics are "Herb Gardens", "Herbs, Fragrances, and Mozart", "An Herbal Christmas". Mr. Haynie is the owner of the Buffalo Farm Herb Farm. He presents excellent lectures and demonstrations. Fees to be discussed.

Amy Lewis
Larkspur Design
2050 Whippoorwill Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-971-7973
"A Wealth of Herbs in Your Garden".
Mrs. Lewis shared with us her knowledge about how to integrate herbs into your garden with other kinds of plants.

Guy F. Miller
Secretary, Central Virginia Beekeepers Association
2025 Spottswood Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 296-0090
"An enlightening 30 - 60 minute talk about honey bees - their life, times, benefits, and problems. Speaker brings live bees (in a glass-sided box). Schedule speaker now for a time in Apr-Sept."

Jeff Naunchick
Ivy Nursery
570 Broomley Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-295-1183
Is capable of speaking about numerous garden topics. Spoke to our garden club about "Water Gardens".

Books

Recollections of Great Gardeners, Graham Stuart Thomas, $24.95, Frances Lincoln, 2004.
"Walks through gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll, Vita Sackville-West and others."

Hydrangeas for American Gardens, Michael A. Dirr, $29.95, Timber Press, 2004
"Deals specifically with domestic species."

The Collector's Garden : Designing with Extraordinary Plants, Ken Druse, $29.95,Hardback, $45.00 Clarkson Potter, 1996
"When you take collectors such as John Bartram, Dan Hinckley, Tony Avent, J.C.
Raulston and Rick Darke, add hundreds of stunning photos and a readable and informative text by Ken Druse, it makes a perfect gift for any gardener."

Restoring American Gardens, An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants, 1640-1940, Denise Wiles Adams, $39.95, Timber Press, 2004
"A library committee member describes this book as a magnificent horticultural reference book covering every type of domestic landscape and garden. There is also extensive resource information on finding heirloom plants."

Gardening on Pavement, Tables, and Hard Surfaces, George Schenk, $29.95, Timber, 2004.
"Only a few inches of soil are necessary with this innovative gardening approach."

The Southern Gardener's Book of Lists
Lois Trigg Chaplin
Taylor Publishing Company 1994
" Includes lists of the best plants to accommodate all your needs. Is filled with advice and anecdotes from horticulturists and real dirt-under-the-nails gardeners."

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Gardening
Reader's Digest 1995
"It has everything. If I had one book, this would be it."

Manual of Woody Landscape Plants
Michael Dirr
Stipe Publishing 1995
"Best book on trees."
"Listing of 1,000 species and 2,000 cultivars. Covers hardiness, growth rate, habit, foliage, fruit, flowers, size, and propagation."

Rhododendrons in America
Ted Van Veen
Sweeney, Krist, and Dimm, Inc. Publishers   1969
This book is highly recommended for rhododendron lovers! It includes a brief history of the plant, how to landscape with them, how to buy them, the conditions that they like best, feeding and preventing problems and finally, different species and the hybrids.  It is a beautiful book, filled with good information.
 
Enjoying Roses
Ann Reilly
An Ortho Book
Richard E. Pile Jr.,  1992
This book includes the history of roses, how to select the right rose, using roses in the landscape, how to plant roses, caring for roses outside, growing roses inside and much more interesting information about roses.
 
The Natural Shade Garden
Ken Druse
Clarkson Potter Publishers  1992
This book includes information on planning a shade garden, plants to buy for a shade garden and a viewing of many beautiful shade gardens. Great for the home gardener.

Nature - Friendly Garden: Creating a Backyard Haven for Plants, Wildlife and People
Marlene A. Condon, Stackpale Books, 2006
Planing your garden with plants to attract wildlife and tips to help garden wildlife.

Websites

The African Violet Society of America:  www.avsa.org
Alpine Garden Society:  www.alpinegardensociety.org
American Begonia Society:  www.begonias.org
American Bonsai Society:  www.absbonsai.org
The American Boxwood Society:  www.boxwoodsociety.org
American Camellia Society:  www.camellias-acs.com
American Clematis Society:  www.clematis.org
American Conifer Society:  www.conifersociety.org
The American Daffodil Society:  www.daffodilusa.org
American Dahlia Society:  www.dahlia.org
American Fern Society:  www.amerfernsoc.org
American Fuchsia Society:  www.americanfuchsiasociety.org
American Gloxinia and Gesneriad Society:  www.aggs.org
American Gourd Society:  www.americangourdsociety.org
American Hemerocallis Society:  www.daylilies.org
American Hibiscus Society:  www.americanhibiscus.org
American Horticultural Society:  www.ahs.org
American Hosta Society:  www.hosta.org
American Hydrangea Society:  www.americanhydrangeasociety.org
American Iris Society:  www.irises.org
American Ivy Society:  www.ivy.org
American Orchid Society:  www.orchidweb.org
American Penstemon Society:  www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~awolfe/Penstemon/Penstemon.html
American Peony Society:  www.americanpeonysociety.org
American Pomological Society:  www.hortweb.cas.psu.edu/aps
American Primrose Society:  www.americanprimrosesoc.org
American Rhododendron Society:  www.rhododendron.org
American Rose Society:  www.ars.org
American Violet Society:  www.americanvioletsociety.org
Blandy Experimental Farm www.virginia.edu/blandy/
British Pelargonium and Geranium Society:  www.bpgs.org.uk
Bromeliad Society International (ICRA):  www.bsi.org
Cactus and Succulent Society of America:  www.cssainc.org
The Cyclamen Society:  www.cyclamen.org
The Conifer Society:  www.conifersociety.org
Cycad Society: www.cycad.org
The Herb Society of America, Inc: www.herbsociety.org
Holly Society of America, Inc: www.hollysocam.org
The Home Orchard Society: www.homeorchardsociety.org
International Aroid Society: www.aroid.org
International Black Plant Society: www.karenplatt.co.uk/ibps/
International Bulb Society: www.bulbsociety.com
International Camellia Society: http://camellia-ics.org
International Carnivorous Plant Society: www.carnivorousplants.org
International Oak Society: www.saintmarys.edu/~rjensen/ios.html
International Palm Society: www.palms.org
International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society: www.iwgs.org
The Magnolia Society: www.magnoliasociety.org
Mediterranean Garden Society: www.mediterraneangardensociety.org
National Chrysanthemum Society: www.mums.org
North American Gladiolus Council: www.empirestategladiolus.com/nagc
North American Lily Society: www.lilies.org
North American Rock Garden Society: www.nargs.org
Perennial Plant Association: www.perennialplant.org
Rare Fruit Council International: www.tropicalfruitnews.com
Royal Horticultural Society: www.rhs.org.uk/research
Sedum Society: www.cactus-mall.com/sedum
Assn of Societies for Growing Australian Plants: http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP
The Society for Pacific Coast Native Iris: www.pacificcoastiris.org
Species Iris Group of North America: www.signa.org
Virginia Cooperative Extension: www.ext.vt.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Docs.woa/wa/getcat?cat=ir-ln-gt
Smithsonian Institution:  http://www.nmnh.si.edu  and www.si.edu/gardens/butterfly
Children's butterfly web site maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey:  http://mesc.usgs.gov/Butterfly.html
Carolina Butterfly Society:  http://www.carolinabutterflysociety.org
whatsthatbug.com: This is a site run by two teachers with beautiful pictures sent in by devotees of the site. You can identify bugs you see in your gardens and other places around your home; you can learn all about them, incuding learning to resist squashing them since you might be destroying predators that are useful to maintain the balance of nature.
www.yardenthuriasts.com Yard Enthusiasts of America is sponsored by Project Evergreen, a national
nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of well maintained green space. The site provides information for and interaction among yard enthusiasts nationwide. It includes photos, blogs, tips, forums and visitors can sign up for a free bimonthly newsletter
ForFarmers.com ForFarmers.com is a marketplace for buying and selling various breeds of garden, nursery, landscape, fruits, horticulture, flowers, plants, seeds, crops, vegetables as well as agricultural jobs and a wide range of services.

Butterfly Gardening