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was a monthly column distributed free to Virginia newspapers and magazines from August 2005 through December 2007. The December 2007 column was the final feature in the series, but you may access all columns below. Funding for this column was provided by VGIC and a FSMIP grant from the US Department of Agriculture.
Who is Jim May?
Jim May is a former Extension agent from Christiansburg. His specialty is horticulture,
and he has written a gardening column for the Roanoke Times for several
years. He is a Certified Arborist and Virginia Certified Horticulturist.
Virginia Green Industry Council (VGIC)
VGIC began in 1990 and is comprised of regional and statewide horticultural
organizations. VGIC works with consumers and the horticultural industry
in Virginia to promote the increased use of plants. Their slogan is “Go Green.” Activities at fairs,
garden shows and a new consumer trade show are just a few of the ways VGIC
works to make everyone aware of the value of plants around the home and in
the community.
Hawthorn and river birch are two of my favorite winter trees
November 13, 2007
Broad-leaved evergreen shrubs in the home landscape
October 12, 2007
Perennials can be propagated by several methods
September 28, 2007
A dry summer brings drought damage to our landscapes
August 8, 2007
Summer insect damage is showing itself now
July 10, 2007
Go for a different look with ferns and ornamental grasses
June 11, 2007
Conserving moisture in the summer is critical for plant survival
May 7, 2007
Plant perennials for a long-term investment in beauty
April 6, 2007
Get young trees off to a good start with proper pruning
March 9, 2007
Spring Lawn Care
February 11, 2007
Every landscape deserves a few of these beautiful conifers
January 10, 2007
It’s a good time of year for indoor gardening
December 11, 2006
Weeping trees can make a bold statement in the home landscape
November 9, 2006
Plant spring bulbs now for a big payoff next year
October 6, 2006
Leaves play critical role even after fall colors fade
September 7, 2006
It’s the season for fall mums, asters and pansies
August 7, 2006
It’s the time of the season for ornamental grasses
July 7, 2006
The well-named butterfly bush delights us again
June 6, 2006
Hydrangeas are old-fashioned workhorses in the garden
May 12, 2006
You will have it made in the shade with these beautiful trees
April 13, 2006
Growing and managing the old-fashioned wisteria vine
March 13, 2006
Don’t treat your soil like dirt - healthy soil is critical to any type of gardening
February 13, 2006
Pruning deciduous trees, shrubs and woody vines can be done any time in March
January 12, 2006
Add interest to your winter landscape with a few of these Virginia-grown trees
and shrubs
December 15, 2005
Protecting trees and shrubs from the damaging effects of winter
November 15, 2005
Holiday plants come in all shapes and sizes
October 12, 2005
There is still plenty of time to plant shrubs and trees this fall
September 20, 2005
Don’t count on mother nature to water newly planted trees and shrubs
August 12, 2005
Create a backyard habitat to attract birds and butterflies
August 1, 2005
Daylilies are versatile, colorful additions to any garden