Prince George's County Master Gardeners

09/05/2026

- How to Remove Invasive English ivy.

Before starting on a project of removing English Ivy from your tree or ground, be aware of the area you are working in;

-There may be vines and plants other than English Ivy around.
-Use googles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect eyes and skin. Tuck in your socks.

Procedure (Note: supporting YouTube video links are provided below):

1. Create an ivy-free band around the ENTIRE CIRCUMFERIENCE of the tree:

-At about 3-4 feet above the ground, gently pull the vines and leaves away from the tree to expose their roots. Sources very on how high to start.
-Cut each exposed root all the way around the tree.
-Below this cut,
--Cut the vine again near the ground. Again, sources vary on how low to the ground to go.
--Pull the vines and their roots, between the first cut and second cut, off the trunk gently to avoid damaging the tree bark.
--Be careful of the tree’s conductive tissue (phloem) below the bark.

2. DO NOT pull vines above the cut!
-This may bring down weak tree limbs onto your head or damage tree bark.
-Vines severed from the ground will, eventually, die and fall off the tree.

3. Uproot vines and roots connected to the ground with a cutting tool.
-Remove vines, below the tree, for 3 to 4 feet away from the tree. Again, sources vary in removal distance.

4. Discard pieces of English ivy and other vines carefully
-Pieces of vines can resprout.
-Dispose in the trash, not in the compost.

5. Once you are finished,
- Wash your hands and tools in grease cutting soap after vine removal work.
- Monitor your work for new growth of the vine.

The following two YouTube videos are VERY useful in understanding how to remove English Ivy from a tree and the surrounding ground:

1. English Ivy Removal "How To" with Fernbank Ecologist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcdhIUpfrro
(1:20) – It gives you a good idea of the what is meant by ivy-free zone around the circumference of the tree.

2. How to Remove Invasive English Ivy! by Maryland Master Naturalists and W**d Warrior at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4DeUIGAOoM&t=2s
(8:51) – It adds information on precautions, tools needed, the removal of ivy from ground and disposal

Source credit https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasives-your-woodland-english-ivy/

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species control

Copy credit: Beth
Photo Credit; John

09/04/2026

09/02/2026

– DID YOU KNOW ABOUT - the recent ban on the sale of English ivy?

English Ivy (Hedera helixis) is invasive in Maryland. It is very difficult to remove from your garden, once established.

A ban on the sale of English Ivy in Maryland was enacted on July 15, 2026.
- English ivy plants cannot be acquired or sold in-Maryland after the July 15, 2026.
- Existing stocks of prohibited English ivy plants have a phase-out period of 1 year for potted plants /2 years for in-ground plants (July 15, 2027/July 15/2028).

Take a look at the following link to see regulations for English Ivy as well as other Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plants:
https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/maryland_invasive_plant_law_and_regulations.aspx

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Copy credit: Beth ( ).
Photo Credit; John ( ).

08/31/2026

- Have you been thinking of adding Mosquito Buckets to your yard?

Master Gardener Educational Credit Opportunities

Here are 3 YouTube How-to videos:

1. KILL EVERY Mosquito. SAFE For Honey Bees & Pets! (from Arrow Pest Service).
Pluses: Most complete video. Suggests:
1 adding a cover, if you can’t place the bucket under an overhang.
2 where to place the buckets.
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaKOqJcsg4A
(20:57).

2. How to Build a Mosquito Bucket | Stop Mosquitoes Without Spraying (from Wild Ones®).
Pluses: Very short video, but I would suggest also reading the associated article to learn about the science behind mosquito buckets at https://wildones.org/mosquito-bucket/
See: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/slj_M_gxbIY
(0:46) + article reading time.

3 Here's the BEST WAY TO KILL MOSQUITOS - INSTEAD OF FOGGING! (with Doug Tallamy).
Pluses: Its short and its Doug Tallamy!
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqcDZDNtP-0
(1:18).

These videos (and the associated article) qualify for Master Gardener Continuing Education credit for time spent.



Post credit:

Image credit: Mosquito free stock clip art from https://vectorportal.com/vector/mosquito-vector-illustration.ai/22007
Vectorportal.com CC BY 4.0.

08/29/2026

– Fall is Coming!!

Fall will be here soon, and I want to share some observations and ideas that will be helpful and not too hard to implement.

• FALL FOR CHRYSANTHEMUMS:

Mums begin to set buds and come into flower naturally during the Fall. They come in several colors. Purchase them as early as possible so they may develop strong rooting systems and rebloom next year. Mulch around them to protect the plant from heaving, freezing in Winter.

• DID YOU KNOW - ABOUT BULBS?

Planting daffodil bulbs in the Fall will insure you will have a beautiful Spring of surprises.

There are bulbs that come out all throughout the Spring. Some in solid colors, others with varied vibrant color. Look through the catalogs and order several different varieties to keep the show preforming all Spring long.

Deer do not eat daffodils for they are poison to them and these bulbs multiply year after year. Buy them by the bag.

Another favorite bulb is Japanese Iris. They multiply and persist for years, especially if the soil is improved. Plant them along a path you frequent to appreciate their delightful fragrance.

• SAVING SEEDS:

What to do with all the zinnia, marigolds, daisy, coneflower heads after they bloom and look dead?
1. Cut them off and save in paper bags or baskets open to air.
2. In the Spring, brake apart the seed heads and sprinkle into the prepared beds of soil.
3. Cover with an inch of soil and water.

• PRUNING IN THE SPRING OR FALL:

1. I prefer to prune in the early Spring for often times cutting stimulates new growth which is tender and can freeze in the cold Winter.
2. Light pruning and removal of dead or diseased branches can be done anytime.
3. Roses should be pruned in April.

Post Credits: Gloria -

Sources and additional information from University of Maryland Extension, see:
1. September Gardening Tips and Tasks at https://extension.umd.edu/resource/september-gardening-tips-and-tasks/
2. October Gardening Tips and Tasks at https://extension.umd.edu/resource/october-gardening-tips-and-tasks/
3. November Gardening Tips and Tasks at https://extension.umd.edu/resource/november-gardening-tips-and-tasks/

Photo credit:
Gloria - :
• Tulip gesneriana, garden tulip
• Iris sibirica, common names: Siberian iris, Sibirian flag
• Rudbeckia hirta, A Black-eyed Susan cultivar.
• Hydrangea paniculata, Panicle hydrangea
Iris ensata, Japnese iris. Photo by Laitche, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Daffodils, Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

08/24/2026

Matrix Landscape Design

Master Gardener Educational Credit Opportunities.

Presented by: “Wild Ones”, https://wildones.org/. Wild Ones promote native plants and landscapes, providing education, advocacy and collaborative action.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that recommends:
• Utilizing native plants that go well together.
• Planting plants close together and layered.

The aim is to cover the garden soil throughout the growing season, reducing the need for wood mulch and excessive weeding.

For additional information and to watch, click:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsZ7X3Vf26c
(53:47).

This presentation qualifies for Master Gardener Continuing Education credit for time spent.

Post credit:


Photo credit: Perennial and grass plantings at the Lurie Garden in Chicago, designed by Piet Oudolf from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_planting #/media/File:Lurie_Garden_west_shoulder_hedge_and_armature.jpg
Attribution and License: By Alex Cheek - https://www.flickr.com/photos/cheek/149506023/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4150076

08/22/2026

– Bagworms and other tree caterpillars

Bagworms, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, attack ornamental trees and shrubs in the Eastern United States. Conifers, in particular arborvitae, cedar, juniper, and pine are the most frequently damaged host plants.

Deciduous trees such as sycamore, maple, locust, boxelder, and linden can be attacked, but not seriously damaged.

How to get rid of them?
• Pick the hanging bags off by hand during Winter or early Spring.
• Or spray the tree with natural controls like Bacillus thuringienis better known as BT from May to mid-June when the tiny larvae are actively feeding.
• If absolutely necessary, you can also use a chemical control register with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Note, if chemical control is absolutely necessary, always:
1. Make sure it is registered with the EPA.
2. Check the label on the pesticide to be sure bagworm and the type of plant you wish to spray are listed.
3. CAREFULLY FOLLOW ALL LABEL DIRECTIONS WHEN MIXING AND APPLYING THE SPRAY.

Source and additional information on bagworms: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bagworms-trees-and-shrubs/

Bagworms can often be confused with other tree caterpillars, including:
• Eastern tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum), see https://extension.umd.edu/resource/eastern-tent-caterpillars-and-forest-tent-caterpillars-trees/
• Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), see: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fall-webworm-trees/

Post Credit: Gloria -

Photo credits:
Bagworms from https://www.flickr.com/photos/dorseymw/47529526892/in/photolist-2fq2frA-SMiX1A-aiJfuY-htKGc-9hLuF8-oGcmBp-5cL71r-oxPFFN-71LZx6-aiHkP5-8C6oZW-4oR9pt-K3Qsi4-s2Ky6z-2k2ZNbt-THTnGc-JsDqKR-THTpzv-2jPo5Lx-THTnDr-htKGe-TVjyvp-27D1tmu-2yG1GN-E3zvyH-DS9KLY-DUkaLD-TkoPHu-DAsWpj-6p3bVR-4LNsyB-4LSCUh-TibkBv-2jqegTP-4ZEYX7-38KwdF-htKGb-aieiD6-7SPnRy-2gHh1xn-TibeWT-S4iEpM-S4imaa-4LNsBn-2rBe72n-oWhA7K-2mmGubB-2k2ViQ4-PqQTrq-2p6eGxE
License: CC BY 2.0.
Attribution: Michele Dorsey Walfred.

Eastern tent caterpillar from https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattyfioner/477675516/in/photolist-h3bdS-4umbLX-2jcj9AV-A7YTSX-6zZiq9-8mZbfN-nP9DUM-2Y6rSc-61L8m3-ssaPp-8iahCY-JddhL-4PyLuS-ngMRMV-8mW3LD-9Tdb2a-4PyLCd-6RckYN-4PyMof-4KYj17-6RcmeS-6Rcmm5-9TfZvd-5ejCTH-6zZj3w
CC BY 2.0.
Attribution: Matt Tillett.
Fall Webworms from https://www.flickr.com/photos/kengi2000/28588773013/in/photolist-KyhWcx-xqTEBr-PSDEV3-3iW7gK-FmDtwL-KyhX7P-LobeaV-Wvz5NM-vaFYE9-2h5whDY-2h5whAr-2h5tJVT-fLG8Fv-2r8TAsG-Lobi84-2pHeym7-6NyQNJ-Ky6v2q-2qi2Xuh-2q2SS28-bovKmB-8hvwWK-LobgMi-2rxEzsw-cSYWvs-dqjxuz-9Tdb2a-8rqrnW-Hq8uEk-8rnjrF-2m9CTvm-NvAfQE-29fgp4y-2sbqzUZ-oRtEUW-o49Tmu-AjJ8jh-5oBFeA-8NyETR-fKatfq-MhccGB-5oBDWf-5oxmCV-5oxng4-3BBaeN-54HBBU-2so71Mo-Narm4J-5oBEJW-2rwZxUT
CC BY 2.0.
Attribution: Ken Gibson.

08/17/2026

- Gardening with Young Children

Master Gardener Educational Credit Opportunities

Presented by the NC State Extension for Master Gardener and Extension Master Food Volunteers (EMFV) programs

Discussed are best practices for gardening with young children including practical and developmentally appropriate approaches.

Some takeaways:
- Design for children, not adults.
- Locate near the playground (where they already go).
- Add some containers (grow bags).

For additional information and to watch, click:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LF2Plz4yZE
(59:05)

Post credit: Jo -
Image credit: Elementary School Garden from https://www.flickr.com/photos/eddiesfisheriesfws/8680938816
License: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Attribution: USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation

08/10/2026

- VCE Fruit Webinar Series - Fruit Science.

Master Gardener Educational Credit Opportunities.

Presented by: Viginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener program.

This webinar discusses basic fruit production topics including:
• fruit types,
• grafting,
• cultivar selection,
• pruning and training,
• essential growing considerations,
• pollination dynamics.

For additional information and to watch, click:
https://youtu.be/2nwLUbYDcSQ?is=lBhEvr6ND5VR-cEo
(1:04:51)

This webinar qualifies for Master Gardener Continuing Education Credit for time spent:

Post credit:
Image credit: Prunus avium, sweet cherry from: https://www.pickpik.com/en/free-stock-photo-yvtnd
License: free, no attribution, see: https://www.pickpik.com/license