Along the eastern edge of Lake Sydnor, on the narrow strip of land between the shoreline and the Children’s Garden, a group of plants is hard at work. The beauty of the bed belies its greater purpose. The plants there are members of a “designed plant … [Read more...]
Caterpillar Identification Guide: 40 Species With Photos and Descriptions
If you have found a caterpillar and you're wondering if it will damage your garden, or what it will turn into, then this easy, photo-rich caterpillar identification guide will help. Read more: … [Read more...]
THE FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLIES
With summer comes memories of dark, summer evenings running around the yard catching fireflies. While you may know them as lightening bugs, there was nothing more delightful than capturing these mercurial little insects and watching them light up … [Read more...]
Our guide to vegetable garden pests: 15 of the worst offenders
Every vegetable gardener faces pest issues from time to time, and learning how to manage the little leaf-munching menaces without using synthetic chemical pesticides is an essential step in growing a healthy, productive garden. To help gardeners with … [Read more...]
Tiny pollinators have massive impact: National Pollinator Week is June 22-28
RICHMOND—They can’t drive a tractor or milk the cows, but native pollinators put in a hard day’s work on Virginia farms. Native bees, butterflies, beetles, ants and flies are the stars of National Pollinator Week, June 22-28. The U.S. Senate … [Read more...]
Asian Giant Hornet
Hello, everyone, I’d like to say a few words about another invasive insect that has been in the news lately, and is generating questions (I promised myself I would not say generating a lot of buzz, and I’m going to hold to that!). This is … [Read more...]
Thousands Of Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight For Virginia This Spring
Good news, nature enthusiasts! Along with the arrival of warmer days, wildflowers, and hummingbirds, you can now look forward to spotting some beautiful monarch butterflies in Virginia. Continued: … [Read more...]
Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right For Virginia During Their Migration This Spring
Good news, Virginia! The beautiful ruby-throated hummingbird will likely be flying through your neighborhood soon. The annual spring migration is underway, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these lovely creatures as they head northbound. Read … [Read more...]
Feeding Wild Birds
To the responsible person, the decision to feed wild birds is not a casual one. The dedicated bird feeder buys hundreds of pounds of feed each winter and at least a bird book and binoculars to identify and study the birds. Additionally, several times … [Read more...]
About the Great Backyard Bird Count
Every February, count for as little as 15 minutes in your own backyard to help expand our understanding of birds. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to … [Read more...]