Happenings in the New River Valley

The COVID-19 crisis has had a profound impact on all of us. Safety is a top priority for the Virginia Cooperative Extension, its NRV Master Gardener volunteers and the communities and individuals we serve. We are also keenly aware of the job losses and financial hardships that can affect people’s ability to provide nutritious food for their families. That said, the Master Gardeners are complying with all state and VCE restrictions and guidelines including social distancing, use of masks and limited gatherings as well as shifting project focus to activities that directly support food access/production to meet the needs of the community. The vegetable gardening projects currently underway at Smithfield Plantation, various community gardens, Montgomery Museum, and Hahn Garden are described in the June 2020 issue of the Grapevine newsletter. We are adapting to the unprecedented changes and moving forward!

Keep your hooved admirers to a minimum! Please join us on Leap Day to learn from a Master Gardener about how to deer-proof your garden. See you at 2 PM on Saturday, February 29th at the Christiansburg Library.

On May 24, 2018, NRV Master Gardeners had the opportunity to take a tour of Wood Thrush Natives, located in Floyd.  About 20 Master Gardeners took the tour given by owner Ian Caton.

I attended a talk given by Ian at the Hahn Horticulture Gardens, earlier in the spring.  I found Ian to be extremely knowledgeable so my interest was piqued by the offer of a tour.  The focus of the nursery is native plants of the Appalachian region.

Ian started the tour by answering questions posed by Master Gardeners.  For example, Ian spoke at length about his practice of not using mulch beyond the first year or two of plant installation.  He pointed out that Mother Nature provides a variety of “mulches” like fallen leaves or groundcovers.  Ian favors allowing plants to spread, thereby suppressing weeds.  He has found that applying mulch may cause crown rot.

Ian also favors garden design that uses layers that mimic nature: (from tallest to shortest) large trees, smaller understory trees, shrubs, perennials (tall, medium, and small), and groundcovers.  His design tip about groundcovers is that they will act as a background/anchor, so use many and allow them to spread together.

Another question Ian addressed was to discuss landscaping with deer.  He suggested thinking beyond just plants, using rocks and logs, and making sure to introduce plant variety/diversity.  He did mention that plants in the mint family, ornamental grasses, and ferns are not favored by deer.

Ian starts his plants from seeds, cuttings, and division.  His operation is organic and ethical. Heated greenhouses are not used.  Gwen Douglas referred the attendees to Wood Thrust Natives website, http://www.woodthrushnatives.com/, which she said is an excellent resource to use in advance of buying.