The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is a plant pest that was recently introduced into the united States from its native range in Japan, Korea, and China. The word marmorated refers to its marble-like coloration. Sometimes called the yellow-brown stink bug of the East Asian stink bug, it was first reported in the United States in Allentown, PA. It was found in VA in 2004 and by 2010, it was found throughout most of the Commonwealth.
“Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are an agricultural menace that has devastated crops and livelihoods. While they are a homeowner nuisance and release a potent odor, they are generally harmless to humans,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.

To farmers, especially fruit and vegetable farmers, the BMSB has become an agricultural menace that is destroying crops.

South Boston's Christmas Card Pre-Order sales are taking place now and this year's card features the Cast of Halifax County Little Theatre's production of It's a Wonderful Life as they appeared on the Grand Marshal Float in the South Boston Christmas Parade in 2007.

Tamyra Vest, executive director of Destination Downtown South Boston said, "We're very excited about this year's card. Andrew J. Bohanon captured an absolute fantastic photo of this float as it continues down Main Street in the parade". Cards come in packaged in boxes of 10 and sell for $13.50 per box. The South Boston Christmas Cards are being printed now. They are limited in number and will be available for purchase at the DDSB office at 432 Main Street as well as some of the Downtown South Boston Merchants. Call 434-575-4209 or email tvest@southboston.com to pre-order your cards. Cash, checks, Visa, MC, and Discover Card are accepted. An $8 deposit per box is required for pre-orders.

Charity Event FRIDAY AUGUST 20TH to benefit both the Cancer Association and the Prizery.

The $100 ticket gets you two dinners before the raffle and a chance to win $10,000.
Tickets are for sale at the Prizery box office only; please contact (434) 572-8339 or prizery@mac.com for more information.

Hors Dourves start at 6:30 PM - BYOB.  Catering by Maynard Childress.

Tips from the Southside Master Gardeners to keep your garden healthy.

PLANT Late August is the best time to plant Oriental poppies.  A mulch of oak or sycamore leaves will give them needed protection the first winter.

PRUNE
Maples and birches may be pruned after new growth has hardened.

FERTILIZE
At the beginning of the month trim back and fertilize perennials for the second blooming.

Feed roses for the last time this season.  When cutting blossoms, cut above the 5-leaflet leaf.

WATER
During dry weather be sure to thoroughly water azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and heather

Clean Virginia Waterways (CVW) announces an upcoming “Train the Trainer” workshop for nonprofit organizations, community groups and other groups that would like to host their own “Make a Rain Barrel Workshop” for the public.

After taking this CVW workshop, your organization or group may order our recycled food barrels and hardware kits for use in your own rain barrel making workshops.