in Page County

NSVMGA sponsors a variety of programs in Page County, Virginia, including…

Farmers Market Information Booth – Extension Master Gardeners are at the Farmers Market held at Massanutten Country Corners twice each month on Saturdays, May through September. Bring your gardening questions to our booth, and we’ll provide research-based answers.

Page County Fair – Extension Master Gardeners aide in the identification and classification of adult and youth horticultural specimens brought to the fair for judging. They also staff a Water Quality informational booth during the fair.

Preservation & Education of Historic Chinquapin Oak – Luray’s historic Chinquapin Oak tree is described and pictured on pages 74 and 75 of the Remarkable Trees of Virginia book. The tree is estimated to be over 250 years old and is the 3rd largest Chinquapin Oak in the state. Extension Master Gardeners are working with the Luray Tree and Beautification Committee and County Administration to preserve, protect and care for the tree.

To learn more about the projects that take place in Page County or to get help with your home gardening questions, contact us at:

Phone: 540-778-5794
Email: NSVMGA.info@gmail.com (include “Page County Gardening Question” in the subject line)
Location: VCE Office, 215 West Main Street, Suite C, Stanley, VA 22851
Question Drop-Off Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm
Where Else to Find Us: Two Saturdays a month that the Farmers Market held at Massanutten Country Corners, May through September

Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association

2 hours ago

Incorporating Native Plants in Your Garden – Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) - by EMG Intern Jenn

So why do we care about using native plants, other than their beauty? Studies suggest that native pollinators and other insects can make far better use of native plants than plants from other parts of the world. At a time when so many bees and other pollinators are endangered, we all need to create habitats for them, even if you don’t have a lot of room to garden -- pollinator container gardens work too!

And on to a Virginia native plant you can include in your garden! Blazing Star, or Liatris, is a tall perennial native to eastern North America. Another common name is Gayfeather. Liatris spicata (spicata means spiked, referring to the shape of the flowers) is in the family Asteraceae. The genus encompasses 37 species that bloom in almost every state east of the Rocky Mountains as well as Canada.

Blooming from July to September, the grass-like foliage sends up tall bottlebrush flower spikes in a variety of rose purples, as well as ‘Alba’, which is white. It grows 2-4’ tall by 1-2’ wide, and prefers full sun – plants will flop over in partial shade. This is a perennial that is long-lived and doesn’t require a lot of care in return for a lot of bloom – clumps increase slowly and rarely need division. If sowing seed, plant in the fall, or in later winter after stratification in moist to average acidic soil. Corms are faster, as seeded plants take several years to establish. The foliage turns a beautiful bronze in the fall. No serious pests or diseases!

The Xerces Society indicates that Liatris is of special value to both native bees and bumblebees. Butterflies and hummingbirds are also attracted to it. Goldfinches love the seeds! An old name for Liatris is colic root, alluding to its medicinal use. An excellent replacement for Buddleia (Butterfly Bush), which is considered invasive. The flowers open from the top down, a rarity in the botanical world. Known for being easy to grow, Liatris spicata also dries beautifully!

For more information about Liatris spicata, see plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/liatris-spicata/, where you'll also find this photo, or www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d780

Learn more about providing food for pollinators and optimizing your pollinator plantings at ento.psu.edu/pollinators/public-outreach/cert/cert-steps-step1. ... See MoreSee Less

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