There is a reliable palette of native plants common in the trade today from Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) to Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp) and Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) to Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis). But there are many … [Read more...]
How to Grow Virginia Bluebells
Native to North America, bluebells are charming woodland plants that thrive in partial to full shade. Also known as Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), the plants can be found in prolific numbers in woodland areas, particularly in the eastern … [Read more...]
THE SOCRATES PROJECT – Poisonous Plants in Virginia
Tens of thousands of exposures to poisonous plants are reported annually to Poison Control Centers throughout the US, and hundreds of such incidents are reported each year to the Blue Ridge Poison Center in Virginia. More... … [Read more...]
Native Cultivars – Good, Bad, and Ugly
Straddling important choices between planting true native plants and native cultivars. Check out the link below to learn more about the environmental impact...http://www.fort-worth-metropolitan-area.com/…/native-culti…/ Source: … [Read more...]
A Close Look at Those Hard Working Woodpeckers
“I’m mad for woodpeckers,” I wrote, and Stephen Shunk wrote back: “Mad for woodpeckers is a very good thing.” I suspect if you are not already, that by the end of this story and podcast, you’ll be mad for them, too, and positively amazed at their … [Read more...]
Nandina Berries Kill Birds
Nandina is a popular garden shrub used through the U.S. It is non-native, and considered invasive in some states. While the berries are showy and last for months, they have a serious side effect: they’re toxic to … [Read more...]
Attract Birds with Dwarf Conifers
When it comes to attracting birds, there is a guaranteed recipe for success. Birds are attracted to a backyard that provides the tempting trio of food, shelter and nesting sites. And what’s a great way to offer all … [Read more...]
How Effective are Nativars
Do “nativars” (cultivars of native plants) work as well as the plain old original native species themselves? Doug Tallamy’s thoughts. Source: AWAYTOGARDEN.COM … [Read more...]
Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration and Landscaping – Native Plant Finder
So you want to start a native plants garden, but don’t know where to start? Or you have problems deciding what native plants to use? DCR has a handy dandy Native Plants Finder to help you out! Select the conditions of your yard and the Plants Finder … [Read more...]
Fall Garden Care for Pollinators
Doug Tallamy’s seminal work in backyard ecology, the book Bringing Nature Home, implored gardeners to think about how their landscapes are viewed by the bugs and birds that rely on plants for survival. Read more about Fall Garden Care for … [Read more...]