Nelson County Master Gardeners

Gardening & The Environment

1. Virginia Master Naturalist
2. Botryosphaeria Canker and Dieback of Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape
   Symptoms of Botryosphaeria cankers and dieback are most commonly seen as wilting or dieback of a branch or branches on a tree or shrub that, in other respects, appears healthy
3. Groundwater Quality and the Use of Lawn and Garden Chemicals by Homeowners

   The people of Virginia use nearly 400 million gallons of groundwater each day to meet industrial, agricultural, public, and private water demands. One-third of Virginia's citizens rely on groundwater as their primary source of fresh drinking water, and 80 percent of Virginians use groundwater to supply some or all of their daily water needs. Groundwater is an important resource, but it is a hidden one and, therefore, is often forgotten. In fact, until recent incidents of groundwater contamination, little attention was paid to the need to protect Virginia's groundwater.

4. Using Compost in Your Landscape

   Compost is produced when organic matter, such as garden and lawn waste, is broken down by bacteria and fungi.

   When added to soil it improves soil structure; sandy soils will hold water better while clays will drain faster. Compost also promotes a biologically healthy soil by providing food for earthworms, soil insects, and beneficial microorganisms.

5. Urban Water-Quality Management: Wildlife in the Home Pond Garden

   Small home pond gardens support aquatic plants and also attract a variety of wildlife. Turtles, frogs, birds, snakes, lizards, and raccoons as well as many other animals may use these ponds. Most wildlife needs water to survive and will seek out ponds for drinking, bathing, habitat, and in some cases, reproduction.