In the Garden: branching out

from July Front Porch Magazine

by Virginia Grogan

walk around photo challenge

In the Garden

Branching Out

By tina will

Begonia from Cutting

Many Master Gardeners propagate plants, and you'll feel like a gardener too if you give it a try. It's not hard once you understand a few key techniques. Perhaps you want to increase the shrub border, but don't want to purchase an additional 25 plants. Perhaps you want to make gifts of a plant that a friend or family member has admired. Many shrubs and small trees root easily: Abelia, Blueberry, Boxwood, Elderberry, Begonia, Serviceberry, St. Johnswort, Maple, Lilac, and Viburnum are just a few. Timing is the first consideration, and now is a good time until about mid-July. Softwood cuttings that will root well should snap when broken. If the chosen shoot bends without breaking, then that shoot is too young. If it bends and creases, then it may be too woody, and, if so, it won't root. Long shoots can be used: use the middle of the shoot, not the tip (too soft) and not the lower part (too woody). A list of easily rooted plants and 'how-to' information is available at this site from North Carolina State University: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/plantpropagation-by-stem-cuttingsinstructions-for-the-home-gardener. Tutorials via You-tube are also very helpful.

Widewater State Park Native Garden Project For the first time since Covid rules have been eased, Master Gardeners recently met at Widewater State Park to see the progress of the new Native Plant Garden project being led by MG Beth Daly. An extensive plant list is in the works. We were all happy to finally be able to talk to one another in person. It felt both normal, and as though it had been a long time since we'd met like that! Widewater State Park is worth a visit. The new Visitor Center features local historical, geographical, and educational information. Children's books on nature and wildlife are also available. Kayaks can be rented, and there are easy walking trails around the perimeter of the area.

July ' s Daylily

'Fireworks ' I always look forward to July because my daylily areas burst forth with a progression of more than a hundred blooms over several weeks. The Double Yellow Daylily (pictured) is also fragrant, and I consider that a special treat. I keep the area small so that the years when I need to divide them don't require too much effort.

Master Gardener Class Planned for Fall 2021

If you are interested in getting great horticultural training, and volunteering with Extension Master Gardeners, call the Stafford VCE Office at 540-658-8000, and ask to be put on the list to receive registration information for this Fall's in-person class. Space is limited, so don't delay.