Sourwood Tree Oxydendrum arboreum- ok-see-DEN-drum ar-BOR-ee-um If you are looking for a native tree with beauty, usefulness and character consider the Sourwood Tree. Also, known as Sorrel or Lily of the Valley tree, it's beauty lies in … [Read more...]
TREES OF LIFE
American Beech - Fagus grandifolia The American Beech's symmetrical, stately bearing makes it a great native choice for a landscape that needs shade and beauty. It also features a muscular trunk with smooth gray bark said by some to look like … [Read more...]
Native and Invasive Plant Legislation in the 2024 General Assembly
The Virginia General Assembly convened January 10, 2024 and several bills were introduced in the Senate and House of Delegates that deal with native and invasive plants. MORE … [Read more...]
~ TREES OF LIFE ~
A monthly exploration of native small trees, focusing on their beauty and benefits. FRINGE TREE (Chionanthus virginicus) kee-oh-NAN-thus ver-JIN-ih-kus My sister and I saw Fringe trees in full bloom while hiking the AT; so now there is one … [Read more...]
NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Assist Pollinator Research
As the perils facing pollinators continue to rise, many people want to know what they can do in their home landscapes to protect them. In addition to planting pollinator-friendly plants that provide nectar and pollen resources, how you manage plants … [Read more...]
Storing Up for Winter with Forageables
When we think of foraging for food, spring often comes to mind: bitter dandelion greens, vivid wild violet, the fiercely sought-after ramps. While spring foraging is wildcrafting at its finest—and a welcome break after the winter’s cold—there is so … [Read more...]
Baby Rabbit
As gardeners we know that wild rabbits love to sample some of the tender plants in our gardens! But are you aware that they may build shallow nests in your yard for their babies? Click HERE for valuable information about baby rabbits from Wildlife … [Read more...]
Best Plants for Clay Soil
What grows well in clay soil? Dense clay soil is common in yards across the country. This can seem like a challenge at first, but we’re here to help! With some simple amendments and the right plants, you can transform your yard with beautiful plants. … [Read more...]
Planting Natives to Attract Pollinators and Birds
Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Native plants feed the insects that are the base of the food web, and insects that are especially important as food … [Read more...]
The Importance of Pollinators
Pollinators like native bees, moths and butterflies, birds, bats and other animals are hard at work providing vital but often unnoticed services. They pollinate crops like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, melon, peaches, potatoes, vanilla, … [Read more...]