A male American goldfinch feeds his fledgling native Yellow Giant Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides) seeds.
An eastern tiger swallowtail sips nectar from native buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).
Fauquier Master Gardeners planted and maintain flower gardens at Schoolhouse 18 near Marshall.
A free program on “Piedmont Native Plants” will take place Tuesday, May 15, at Schoolhouse 18 east of Marshall.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the demonstration gardens around the schoolhouse at 7592 John Marshall Highway.
Janet Davis, owner of Hill House Farm and Nursery in Castleton, will lead the workshop. Ms. Davis and her husband opened the nursery in 2007 to propagate and grow native plants.
She will focus on native plants that have evolved in the Piedmont give. Those native to our area are more adaptable to our local soil, rainfall and climate, which makes them easier to grow here. Those plants can create the same beautiful garden as non-native plants, but they will be stronger and more resistant to damaging insects, disease and our hot summers. They provide an essential habitat for native birds, insects and wildlife.
A native plant sale will follow the presentation.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners will host the program, open to the public, rain or shine. It will last 60 to 90 minutes. Organizers recommend registering and arriving early.
This workshop will be outdoors, with some seats provided. But attendees may choose to bring lawn chairs.
To register or for more information, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 540-341-7950, Ext. 1, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).