I recently received an official-looking letter in the mail from Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), informing me that they have teamed with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to survey and pesticide-treat my area (Ghent) to suppress the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. As Extension Master Gardeners, this pest is one we need to be informed about so that 1) we can be on the lookout for signs of it and 2) we can educate residents about the threat it poses and what can be done. Some basics: · Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is about as “pretty” a bug as you’re gonna’ find anywhere. Its preferred host is the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) – not a bad-looking tree. Both bug and host are invaders from Asia. If this were a comic book pairing, the bug might destroy the tree and then die off for lack of a food source. No such luck! · In addition to Ailanthus, SLF will feed on the sap of over 100 other species, including grape vines, hops, stone fruits, ornamentals, and landscape and forest trees. They are far from solitary, typically feeding together in large numbers. While feeding, they excrete honeydew, which leads to sooty mold, which does further damage to the plant. They present a clear agricultural, horticultural, and economic threat. · They’re on the move – with the aid of some pretty unexpected helpers. SLF lays its eggs on tree trunks or on any handy hard surface including grills, vehicles, trailers, firewood, outdoor furniture, bikes, toys, and trains. In the four years between 2014 (when it was first detected in Pennsylvania) and 2018, it had made its way to Northern Virginia and at least 18 other states and the District of Columbia. Now, it has been found in Norfolk, and specifically in Ghent. So the letter in my mailbox, promising not just to search for and kill any SLF detected, but also to treat or destroy any Ailanthus, certainly got my attention. I’ve found lots of resources and pictures of the SLF in all its instars, and of its creepily disguised egg masses (and I do mean masses), on the DACS, the USDA, and the VCE websites. I hope this quick summary will inspire you to follow and explore these links and get smart about both species. There appears to be no need to report sightings of SLF in Norfolk at this point, (the state is obviously on the case!) but a call to our local VCE office to report would be a good idea. And if you spot them, or think you have, there is certainly a need to take steps to remove any Ailanthus on our properties, and to kill SLFs and destroy their egg masses wherever we find them. · From VDACS: https:// www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml · From USDA: https:// Spotted Lanternfly | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service · From VCE: https:// Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia | Virginia Cooperative Extension | Virginia Tech

 Susie grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri. Her husband’s career in the U.S. Navy brought them to Norfolk in the early 1980s. They have been in and out of the Tidewater area since. His last position brought them back to Norfolk in 2015. They are both retired and were thrilled to move back to the Tidewater area. Susie retired as the Chief Financial Officer for the George Mason University Foundation, the charitable foundation for the university. Susie has been a life-long gardener and has known several Master Gardeners in other areas. She wanted to enter the program but had to wait until she retired before she could devote the time. Susie thought the classes were great. She was extremely impressed with the knowledge of all the instructors and the projects that she worked on. These were Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, Significant Trees, NEX Outreach, the plant sale, and the Butterfly House at Norfolk Botanical Garden. She hopes to get involved in many other projects. She is particularly interested in the Eco-garden, the Elizabeth River Trail, East Ocean View Children’s Garden, the Kitchen Garden, the Fred Heutte Square Foot Garden, and the greenhouse. In addition to gardening, Susie enjoys cooking, reading, and walking her dog. She has three grown children and two grandsons ages 9 and 12. All her children grew up to be gardeners. When you see Susie, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.

 Roni Was born and grew up in Lima, Ohio. She went to Ohio State University where she graduated with a BA in journalism . She moved to Norfolk with her husband, a chief in the U. S. Navy. Roni works at the Navy Information Warfighting Development Center where she is a technical editor. She has been gardening since age six and wants to help people and keep learning. This led her to become a member of the Norfolk Extension Master Gardener Class of 2026. Roni loved the structure of the classes because they touched on all gardening aspects and followed the book. She believed the speakers were good as well as the crew managing the classes. To attain the required fifty hours, Roni worked a lot at the greenhouse and the Giving Garden. She loves people so she enjoyed participating in outreach projects. She will continue to help at the greenhouse and will venture into other projects that pique her interest. When Roni isn’t involved in an MG project, she enjoys doing genealogy research. She sings in her church choir, works at a food pantry, plays mah jongg, and helps with a community meal. When you see Roni, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.

Jennifer was born and grew up right here in Norfolk. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Human Servces from Old Dominion University. Jennifer was employed for ten years with ForKids, a non-profit that provides housing and support to homeless families. For six of those years , she was a Children’s Case Manager and provided after school tutoring and enrichment for children living in the program. For two years, she worked in an outreach program that helped identify homeless families in the school system. For her two final years with ForKids, she was the Senior Manager in Chesapeake overseeing all the housing programs in that region. Jennifer comes from a family of gardening people. Her mother and aunt went to school for horticulture and at one time many of her family members worked at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Her aunt worked in the Administration Building and her mother was a tour guide. In addition, her great uncle owned the caf é , which was originally called the “Tea House,” and her grandmother managed it. Jennifer considered going to school for horticulture in order to gain more skills and knowledge about horticulture while also serving her community. She would also like to gain more experience in hopes of transitioning to another career in environmental education. Jennifer enjoyed the classes. What she loved most was that regardless of the topic, it came back to the central idea of having positive impacts on the natural world around us. She felt that the students were actively learning from experts , with the intention of sharing that information with the public. Although Jennifer floated to different MG projects, most of her hours were in community outreach. She worked at the Plant Sale and Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary. She would like to check out all the projects in the future, but she holds a soft spot for Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary. She enjoys anything dealing with children in gardening. Jennifer loves to create – painting and crafting in particular. Although her family doesn’t go very often, they are big Disney fans and love to vacation there when they have the opportunity. Jennifer and her husband, Adrian, will be celebrating their 18 th anniversary in June. They have two boys, Mark and Noah. They have just adopted two kitty sisters, Olive and Pepper.  When you see Jennifer, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.

Mike was born and grew up in Virginia Beach, attended Princess Anne Elementary and Junior High Schools, and graduated from Kellam High School. He continued his education by receiving a BS in Criminal Justice from Law Park University, an MA Ed from Central Michigan University, an MS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Embry Riddle University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Capella University. Mike served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps for twenty years and an additional twenty years as a Department of Navy Civil Servant. During these years Mike lived in various places all around the country. He retired in 2023 while living in Panama City Beach, Florida, at which time he and his wife, Beth, returned to this area and settled in Norfolk. Mike is a beekeeper and this sparked his interest in learning more about all pollinators. He started volunteering at the Norfolk Botanical Garden as a butterfly house docent. He became interested in native trees, shrubs, and plants , and this led him to join the Norfolk Master Gardener Class of 2026. Mike loved the classes and the opportunity to continue learning from experts, but he is missing the biweekly classes. He particularly loved the exposure to such a diverse group of Master Gardeners. To attain the required fifty hours, Mike participated at Jam ‘n Jams, Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary, East Ocean View Children’s Garden, Urban Ag Van Wyck Library planting, Neon District service project, seed packing, and the Zoo Garden. As a certified MG, he plans to continue these projects but also participate as a butterfly docent at Norfolk Botanical Garden.  When Mike isn’t involved in MG projects, he is a beekeeper. He enjoys baking, volunteering with Team Rubicon USA for disaster response, Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team member, City of Norfolk Emergency Management Advisory Council chairperson, and City of Norfolk Community Emergenc y Response Team member. Mike’s family consists of his wife, Beth, of thirty-three years, four children — Christine, Heather, Brenton and Amanda — and seven grandchildren. When you see Mike, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome him to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.

Looking through my shelves a few weeks ago, I saw American Canopy Trees, Forests and the Making of a Nation by Eric Rutkow. I remembered purchasing the book a couple of years ago when a fellow NMG thought I might enjoy it because of my participation in the Significant Tree Project. A bookmark, fifty pages in, told me that I had never finished reading the book. It is a fantastic read about the history of trees and what they meant to this country from the time English settlers arrived through the 21st Century. It seemed appropriate to read it this year as we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation. Its 350 pages introduces us to men who saw the trees as business opportunities and others who saw their ecological value. You learn how trees helped win wars and how other trees were wiped out by disease and insects. Whenever I am around very large very old trees I think of all of the things they have witnessed on their time on earth. If only they could talk, I think. Author Eric Rutkow speaks not only for the trees in this book but also for past giants of the forestry industry, presidents who created our national parks, and environmentalists who fought for that to happen. If you find yourself at loose ends during this cold winter, or you like reading historical nonfiction, I highly recommend this book.

Starting brassicas and other cold weather crops in the fall are great fun to keep the harvesting season going after the summer bounties. There’s an even more important role these crops can play for our pollinators. We planted an array of turnips, beets, radishes, lettuce, Yod Fah (Broccoli Rabe), and Tiny Bok Choy in our vegetable bed. Some did great and others had different plans. Our brassicas - minus the brussels sprouts - decided to bolt, and rather than pull them up, we left them for our pollinators. Here’s why: What is “bolting?” Brassicas—such as kale, cabbage, broccoli, and mustard—are widely grown for their edible leaves and stems. Under certain conditions, these plants “bolt,” meaning they transition from vegetative growth to the formation of flower stalks and blooms which are rich in nectar and pollen. While bolting is often considered undesirable for crop production, it can provide significant ecological benefits, particularly for pollinators during winter and early spring. Why does “bolting” occur? Bolting occurs when brassicas experience stress or respond to environmental cues such as: • Temperature fluctuations: cold followed by warmth (which Virginia is having more and more of on top of extremely low rain amounts) • Day length changes • Nutrient imbalances Pollinator Challenges in Winter • Scarcity of floral resources: During winter, most native plants are dormant, leaving pollinators with limited food sources. • Energy demands: Bees and other insects require nectar and pollen for survival and colony maintenance, even in cooler months. • Early emergence: Some pollinators, like honeybees and certain solitary bees, become active on warm winter days and need to forage. Benefits of Bolting Brassicas • Extended forage availability: Brassica flowers provide nectar and pollen when few other plants bloom. They also support early-season pollinators and overwintering bees. • Diverse pollinator support: Pollinator diversity attracts honeybees, bumblebees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. It also enhances biodiversity in agricultural and garden ecosystems. • Bridge between seasons: Flowers act as a “bridge” resource between winter scarcity and spring abundance. They also reduce stress on pollinator populations during critical periods. Practical Considerations • Leave some plants to bolt intentionally in garden beds or field margins. They also act as a hint of color when the landscape looks mostly empty. • Avoid pesticide use during flowering to protect visiting insects. • Combine bolting brassicas with other winter-blooming species for a continuous nectar supply. Mahonia, Witch Hazels, Daphnes and Winter Aconites are all great plants to have for winter color and nectar. Conclusion While bolting brassicas may seem like a crop failure, they can be a strategic ecological choice. By providing vital forage during winter, these flowers help sustain pollinator populations, which in turn support healthy ecosystems and future crop yields. Give it a try; last year we left our kale and brussels sprouts to bolt and yes, while it led to the infamous cabbage whites laying their eggs (which their caterpillars are fantastic to put in bird feeders), we saw so many different types of early pollinators feeding off the flowers.

For many of us, life moves fast. Between work, caregiving, weather, and energy levels, spending long stretches digging in the dirt isn’t always realistic. Yet the desire to stay connected to our gardens—to plants, seasons, and the more-than-human world—remains. This is where mindful art-making snacks come in: small, accessible creative practices that don’t require much time, space, or preparation. These quick activities create moments of spaciousness—ways to be with your garden rather than work on it. Whether you garden in containers, tend houseplants, or simply notice what grows along your daily walks, these practices invite connection, curiosity, and care. This blog post is inspired by artists and educators working at the intersection of nature, mindfulness, and creative practice. Shadow Tracing: Drawing With Light and Time On a bright sunny day—or even during the few luminous hours of winter—shadows offer endlessly changing images of the natural world. All you need is paper, a pencil, and light. As you begin to notice shadows, you’ll discover silhouettes everywhere: leaves against the ground, stems on a wall, branches stretched across a path. Shadows are always in motion, making this practice an exploration of impermanence, presence, and composition. This activity can also be done indoors—perfect for container gardeners, houseplant lovers, or cold-weather avoiders. Experiment with lamps, flashlights, or even candles to create dramatic effects. How to begin: ● Gather your supplies in a sunny spot with visible plant shadows—on the ground, pavement, or a nearby wall. ● Place your paper beneath the shadow and rotate it until the placement feels right. Artists often call this moment of choosing a study in composition. ● Quickly trace the outline of the shadow before it shifts. Notice both positive shapes (the shadow itself) and negative shapes (the space around it). ● (Optional) Design and adorn your drawing. Add color, pattern, collage, or texture to the positive and negative spaces. There’s no wrong way to continue. Flower Pressing: Preserving a Moment in Bloom The first time you grow a flower that truly stops you—dahlias were that flower for me—it can feel meaningful to preserve it. Flower pressing is a slow, simple way to honor a bloom and extend your connection to the growing season. Classic slow method: ● Start with fresh, dry flowers. Gently pat off any dew or moisture. ● Layer flowers between parchment or blotting paper, leaving space between blooms. ● Sandwich the layers between heavy books or under a weighted stack. ● Let dry for 2–4 weeks in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Change the paper every few days—especially during the first week—to prevent browning or mold. Pro tips: ● For thicker flowers (like roses or dahlias), gently deconstruct the bloom for better results. ● If patience is in short supply, quicker methods—such as pressing with a warm iron—can also work. Pressed flowers can later become collage material, journal elements, or keepsakes tucked into winter notebooks. Urban Botanical Art: A Daily Devotion to What Grows Nearby Another way to connect creatively with your garden—especially in winter—is through urban botanical art . This practice begins with collecting small finds during walks through your garden, neighborhood, or nearby green spaces: a fallen leaf, a twisted twig, a piece of bark, a seed pod. Carry a small container and follow the impulse to gather respectfully. These humble objects can become ephemera for daily devotion—small arrangements, temporary displays, or creative prompts that keep your senses engaged with the living world. A beautiful example of this practice is The Dog Walk Diary by Margot Guralnick https://www.dogwalkdiary.com/ Consider limiting digital distractions while collecting—try airplane mode, or use instant photography so images emerge slowly and tangibly. Let the focus stay on noticing. Other gentle extensions of this practice include creating nature mandalas (arranging found items in circular or repeating patterns on the ground) or building small found-object sculptures that are meant to be temporary and returned to the land. Writing and Drawing from Nature’s Perspective Your collected objects can become invitations for reflection: ● Free-write about your walk. What did you notice—sounds, textures, smells, sensations, feelings? ● Write in the voice of your object. ● Describe the world from the perspective of an ant, a butterfly, or the soil beneath your feet. ● Imagine what your object felt while it was alive or connected to its plant. Then, spend time slow-drawing your object. Set a timer for 2–5 minutes and try an attention-focused contour drawing practice. Keep most of your attention on the object rather than the page, allowing your hand to move continuously without erasing. The goal isn’t accuracy, but staying connected to the experience of drawing. Some people prefer very little visual reference to the page, while others check in occasionally to re-orient. There’s no correct way—follow what feels accessible and supportive. Let lines overlap, repeat, or wander. Try making several drawings of the same object on one page, noticing how each version changes. Afterward, bring your drawings to life with watercolor, ink, or even soil-based pigments to keep the work literally connected to dirt. This practice can be adapted using touch, memory, or imagination, depending on how you best experience your subject. Texture Rubbings and Nature Printing Texture rubbings are a simple way to explore tactile sensation. Place paper over a textured surface—bark, stone, leaves—and rub with a crayon or pencil to reveal patterns through value. These rubbings can: ● Be cut into squares and assembled into a garden texture collage ● Become pages in a garden journal ● Document seasonal changes in plants and surfaces Leaves, flowers, and other natural ephemera also make wonderful printing tools. Apply paint or ink and press them onto paper to create monoprints. You can also glue collected items onto cardboard to create a textured printing plate. Pro tip: Use the back of a wooden spoon as a brayer to hand-burnish your prints, transferring ink through steady pressure. All of these practices are invitations, not prescriptions—adapt them in ways that honor your body, senses, and access needs. Looking Ahead: Planting for Future Making The new year can also be a time for future crafting. Consider planting a dye garden—flowers and plants that can later become pigments for watercolor, fabric dye, or mixed-media work. Even the act of planning these plantings can be a creative ritual. Winter Inspiration If you’re looking for further inspiration: ● Amy Maricle , Mindful Art Studio https://mindfulartstudio.com/ ● Andy Goldsworthy – collaborative, ephemeral work with nature (Rivers and Tides documentary) ● Nils-Udo – environmental artist ● Joanna Musiał- Janicka –inspired practices (Mindfulness by the Tree)