Topic: Leesburg

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Muddah, faddah! Not everyone loved summer sleepaway camp

For some, summer camp played out much like Allan Sherman's 1963 hit, "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh." It was awful. With nearly 9 million kids set to take off for their own summer sleepaway camp, what do those who loathed every minute have to say?
Why Obama is on charm offensive with Democrats

President Obama spent quality time this week at the off-site retreats of his own party's congressional caucuses. He needs to do more of this, analysts say.
Syrian-American sentenced to 18 months for spying on US-based dissidents

Mohamad Soueid, a naturalized American, was convicted of acting as a Syrian agent to spy on dissident leaders in the US. His lawyer says his client feared Syria would be overrun by extremists, but 'went too far.'
Firefighters making progress on Colorado wildfire, while new one flares

More evacuations were called for after a wildfire on private land in northwestern Colorado spread.
Diggin' It Peony season

When peonies bloom in spring, it's time to think about adding more next season. Singles or doubles may be the question.
Diggin' It The benefits of garden eye candy

Observing garden 'eye candy' teaches us about design elements that make a difference in our own landscape.
An encounter with black blister beetles

Black blister beetles enjoy making meals of maple-shaped leaves and cause problems when they infest hay.
Pruning advice for fall

Is fall a good time to prune your shrubs, trees, or roses?
Soil: The most important aspect of gardening

Why and how it's important for gardeners to improve the soil in their gardens.
It's time to order your spring bulbs

Yes, it's still summer, but this is the time of year to think about next spring's bulbs, including tulips and fritillarias, which deer won't bother.
Declare your lawn independence

A gardener makes the case for turning 25 percent of the lawn into a more natural habitat. Independence Day weekend is a good time to think about why this is a good idea.
David Howard dahlia: The search was worth it.

Seeing pictures of David Howard dahlia in some garden books lead to a search to find it. It turned out to be just as appealing as expected.
Enjoy iris season without borers

When tall bearded irises come into flower, they're the flowery focus of the garden. But be sure to get rid of iris borers so the show continues year after year.
One way to avoid dog damage in the garden

Here's a simple way that gardeners can use to prevent damage to plants by playful dogs.
Coping with cedar apple rust

If an Eastern red cedar tree affects apple and crab apple trees with cedar apple rust, what are the choices for coping with the problem?
Native plants help sustain birds and beneficial insects

A growing movement in North America advocates planting more native plants that are needed by birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Would thick-skinned tomatoes deter stink bugs?

Residents of the mid-Atlantic states would do almost anything to be rid of stink bugs in the house and in the garden, where they damage tomatoes and other veggies and fruits.
Under assault by stink bugs

The mid-Atlantic states have seen an invasion of stink bugs that's only getting worse because the Asian pest has no enemies in the U.S. Gardeners and homeowners sometimes feel under assault.
Instead of white snow, dreaming of orange flowers

When snow keeps a gardener indoors, her thoughts turn to using colorful orange flowers in the landscape, from dahlias to tulips.
Want to re-create a flower garden you saw in a photo? Location matters.

When you see a photo of a beautiful flower garden in a magazine, it's important to know where it's located. If it's in a climate different from yours, it may be difficult to re-create, because the plants probably bloom at different times.
Fritillarias are never bothered by deer and other pests

The pungent odor of the spring-flowering bulb fritillaria keeps pests away.
It's not too late to plant these bulbs

As long as the ground isn't frozen, there's still time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Here are three unusual favorites.
A colorful willow shrub for winter

A shrubby willow that glows red-orange in the winter landscape.
Tools that gardeners would love to receive as gifts

Over many years of gardening, these tools have stood the test of time. They would make holiday gifts for gardeners.
Arcimboldo exhibition a must for gardeners

Italian artist Giuseppi Arcimboldo created fantastical paintings of heads composed of scientifically accurate vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more. An exhibition is currently on display at the National Galley of Art in Washington.