As it is every year at this time, it’s finally spring and the grass is growing. What is different about this year though, is that the kids are home. It might seem like a good idea to send them outside to do some yard work while practicing social … [Read more...]
Birth of an Assassin!
The wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, is North Carolina’s largest assassin bug. It gets its name from the prominent spiny “wheel” found on the thorax. Both nymphs and adults are generalist predators that feed on a variety of insects including aphids, … [Read more...]
Wake up and use the coffee – grounds, that is! Author: Jan Rhoades
I have always wondered about those free coffee grounds for your garden offered at most Starbucks. I never took them up on the offer, and pretty much decided that it was a good way for them to get rid of untold pounds of grounds and not feel guilty … [Read more...]
Webinars: New Direction in The American Landscape
A renowned group of instructors including Douglas Tallamy and Larry Weaner will illustrate landscaping techniques that make our little corners of the world more ecologically sound and enjoyable to experience. Whether you choose to learn how … [Read more...]
Petunia
Petunias are one of the most popular flowering annuals. They have a long flowering period, are easy to grow and are available in many forms and colors. Read More: … [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...]
Artemisia annua to be tested against coronavirus
The Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam (Germany) will collaborate with ArtemiLife Inc., a US based company and medical researchers in Denmark and Germany to test Artemisia annua plant extract and artemisinin derivatives in … [Read more...]
When to Plant your Garden – Are you too Late?
In many areas of life, it’s tempting to wait to start the next cycle if you feel like you are behind in the current cycle - gardening is no different. Since there is upfront work that needs to be done, it can feel even more daunting. Weeding, turning … [Read more...]
Weigela
Many varieties of flowering shrubs paint the landscapes of Central Virginia with splashes of color in springtime. Just the mention of forsythias, azaleas, and lilacs bring to mind a variety of vibrant blooms. One shrub that may not be as … [Read more...]
Planting a smart vegetable garden
Thinking about planting your own vegetable garden may bring to mind images of bountiful fresh and healthy produce. Advance planning will be the key to your successful garden. Continued: … [Read more...]