Greenhaven Cabin in the SW Virginia Mountains

23/08/2025

20/08/2025

✨ These late-summer stars will steal the show in your garden.

20/08/2025

Poison sumac is often confused with sumacs in the Rhus genus. An easy way to differentiate between the plants is to look at the fruits. When ripe, poison sumac fruits are creamy white and hang in loose clusters. The fruits of Rhus species are red and often grow in upright, dense clusters.

Interestingly, poison sumac was formerly placed in the Rhus genus. Now it resides in the Toxicodendron genus alongside poison ivy and poison oak. All these plants are in the Anacardiaceae family — a family also containing cashew, mango, and pistachio.

A lot of people think they’ll easily encounter poison sumac on their wanderings through the woods, but this is unlikely to be the case. Poison sumac usually grows in wet environments like swamps, bogs, and lakeshores. Personally, I’ve only seen poison sumac growing in higher quality wetlands.

Like poison ivy and poison oak, poison sumac contains an oily substance called urushiol that causes an allergic skin reaction in many people. Because I’ve never touched poison sumac, I’ve never developed any reaction to the plant, but I heard it can be worse than the reaction caused by poison ivy.

20/08/2025

Zinnia flowerbeds 🌼🌞🌼

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ADA2Ec2yd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

19/08/2025

✂️ Prune at the right time now, and you’ll thank yourself next year!

16/08/2025

This Scenic Rail Adventure Through Virginia Is A Must-Do Journey 👇👇

12/08/2025

Rock Wraps
https://mideas.co/DVfKA

11/08/2025

Give threats to your safety the boot. 🥾👋

Always prepare before going on a hike. Check the forecast, bring supplies, and let someone know where you're going.

04/08/2025

SWVa is zone 7A 🥕 🥬

Hello August! These hot summer days still leave room for new plantings in the garden! 🌞👒🌱

Direct Sowing:

Zones 6A & 6B: Beets, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Turnips

Zone 7A: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 7B: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8A: Bush Beans, Beets, Carrots, Collards, Kale, Cucumber, Eggplant, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Okra, Peppers, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

Transplanting:

Zones 6A & 6B: Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zone 7A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zones 7B & 8A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce, Tomatoes

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

03/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AqSGhjKEL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Get shade and get paid! 🌳 Applications are now open!

The ASSETS Partnership is bringing silvopasture to VA, TN, and NC. With this program, you can receive up to $1,500 per acre upfront, earn up to $90 per acre annually from carbon credit sales, and save up to $100 per acre annually on feed. Plus, you get free hands-on guidance to maximize your land's potential 😊

For more information, visit https://www.workingtrees.com/assets

01/08/2025

19/05/2025

Hydrangea rooting - does this really work?!? 😅