This publication provides guidance on planning and planting a productive fall garden in Virginia. It explains how to calculate optimal planting times using frost dates and days to maturity, and it highlights warm- and cool-season crops well suited for late-season production. The publication covers techniques for soil preparation, moisture management, mulching, pest avoidance, and using transplants. It also addresses extending the harvest with cold protection, caring for perennial vegetables, and preparing the garden, soil, and tools for winter. Recommendations for winter cover crops and additional VCE resources support gardeners seeking to maximize year-round productivity.

This publication introduces the art of bonsai, tracing its origins from ancient Chinese traditions to its refinement in Japan. It explains core bonsai principles, including proportion, trunk taper, branch structure, and species selection. Common bonsai styles—formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade, and semicascade—are described with guidance on plant choice and aesthetic design. The publication also covers shaping techniques such as pruning, wiring, and pinching; container selection and repotting; and essential seasonal care for temperate species. Additional sections address plant acquisition, propagation, and display considerations, offering gardeners a comprehensive foundation for creating and maintaining bonsai.