winter gardens

Virginia truly IS a beautiful state, and we aim to keep it that way!  But with the first two weeks of 2021 being rainy and cloudy outside, let’s explore some online resources that are BEAUTIFUL to look at!

The Garden Club of Virginia “exists to celebrate the beauty of the land, to conserve the gifts of nature ad to challenge future generations to build on this heritage.”  While their statewide headquarters are located in the historic Kent-Valentine house in Richmond, there are 48 Member Clubs throughout the Commonwealth.  You may be familiar with Historic Garden Week, normally held each Spring, where private homes and gardens are opened for guests to “Oooh” and “Aahhh” at the beautiful landscapes, homes, and flower arrangements.  But since the 1920’s their work focuses on landscape restorations at historic public properties, as well as the protection of natural resource, providing significant support to our Virginia State Parks.  Check out their “Year in Review” publication, it’s a feast for the eyes!

Speaking of beautiful flowers, did you know about the Virginia Native Plant Society?  They are a nonprofit organization that promotes the appreciation and use of native plants.  What’s all the buzz about native plants these days?  Besides the fact that our native honey bees love and need them, native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur.  So they require less water, no fertilizers, and they’re easier to grow and maintain.  The Virginia Native Plant Society is a great resource for home gardeners.  Their Facebook page includes pictures people post to help others learn to identify the good and the bad plants.  Or they’ll help you choose a native plant that would be a good fit for a specific area in your backyard.

And you may be surprised to learn that Winter is actually a good time to visit public gardens in Virginia. You get to see the “bones” of the garden design without the camouflage of the leaves.  The bark and the shape of the trees can be seen, and there is always something in bloom in our moderate climate.  Check ahead of your visit for any COVID restrictions or reservations needed.

Fun fact:  there is a set of ten stamps from the U.S. Postal Service that celebrates the beauty of American Gardens — and one of the stamps featured is Virginia’s own Norfolk Botanical Garden!