Although birds, bats, and other creatures are also pollinators, insects are the animals that do the bulk of the pollination that affects our daily lives. Some of these insect pollinators will be familiar (bees and butterflies), but you might be … [Read more...]
Underfoot: Mock Strawberry or Indian Strawberry
I guess that most people usually expect to read about strawberries in the spring and summer. This small, low-growing perennial strawberry may just be creeping near the edges of your yard right now. Read on: … [Read more...]
Fireflies: A Beneficial Insect
Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, you must admit light-producing insects are fascinating. These light producing insects are not a true fly nor a true bug. They are actually beetles in the family Lampyridae. There are approximately … [Read more...]
NATURAL ENEMIES: PREDATORS AND PARASITOIDS
Though most people cringe at the sight of an insect, there are countless species of beneficial insects. One such group of insects is referred to as natural enemies. These are insects that prey upon other insects that frequently cause damage in the … [Read more...]
Lilac: Identify and Manage Problems
Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a woody shrub grown for its extremely fragrant flowers in mid to late spring, depending on the location. Continued: … [Read more...]
Rose: Identify and Manage Problems
Roses (Rosa spp.) are some of the most popular flowering shrubs in home gardens. They are best used in a location that receives full sun, good air circulation, and good soil drainage. Read on: … [Read more...]
Peony: An Old-Fashioned, Easy-Care Beauty
By Rachel Oppedah
Picture this: A blooming bush with flowers asheartbreakingly beautiful as roses that deer won’ttouch, that love the extended cold of our foothillwinters, and that can live up to 100 years. Purefantasy? Nope. Let me introduce you to theamazing peony. … [Read more...]
Pest Control Library: Keeping Animals Out of the Garden
In addition to insects and diseases, gardeners must keep an eye out for two and four-footed pests. Read more: … [Read more...]
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive forb that has become widespread throughout much of the United States, including Virginia. It has invaded the understory of some forests and become the dominant plant, thereby greatly reducing the … [Read more...]
Pretty, portable pollinator gardens: Top 10 plants for pollinator-friendly containers
“Pollinator gardens provide food for bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, and other helpful species,” says Diane Blazek, Executive Director at National Garden Bureau (NGB). “In turn, they pollinate the vegetables that produce our food. They really are … [Read more...]