As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s time to start thinking about wildflower planting. While summer may have been full of colorful blooms, fall is when seasoned gardeners prep for next year’s glory — ever noticed how wildflowers in nature scatter … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Paw Paw
Paw Paw - Asimina triloba (oh-SIH-min-oh trih-LO-boh Paw Paw, the name based on the Spanish word for papaya, is a small native tree often found near creek banks. Its most outstanding feature is the fruit it produces; with a flavor described as … [Read more...]
New Regional Guide Available!
The Plant Southern Piedmont Natives Campaign is excited to share it’s new guide to plants in our region! “Native Plants for the Southern Piedmont of Virginia” highlights approximately 300 of the native plants found in most of the counties and … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Sassafras albidum
Sassafras albidum - SAS-ah-fras AL-bih-dum; Common Names: Cinnamon Wood, Mitten Tree This is a tree that can be filed under "what's not to like?" Animals· from humans to rabbits, birds, insects and fungi, all love this tree. Natives used it … [Read more...]
Red Mulberry
Red Mulberry Morus Rubra (MOR-us ROO-brah) Your local birds and small mammals will be delighted if you decide to add Red Mulberry to yourlandscape! The blackberry-like fruit will also please the humans in your life. They can be eatenfresh from the … [Read more...]
American Holly
American Holly - Ilex opaca (EE-leks oh-PAY-kah) Common Name(s): American Holly, Holly, Winterberry In the 4 years I’ve lived in Bedford County I haven’t seen any Cedar Waxwings which causes me sadness although this is probably for the best … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – SOURWOOD
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...]