It’s the time of year when our early plants bloom. It is also the time of year when invasive plants can get a head start on native plants and “take over” areas of newly exposed soil or vulnerable native habitats. What plants are you seeing as you take your walks? Here...
There are many little flowers that bloom early in the spring. That is a good thing for the early pollinators. But the flowers don’t bloom to provide pollen for the bees. They bloom early in order to get sunlight. Look up! Are the leaves on the trees? Not yet here in...
The violets are blooming here in West Virginia, reminding me that they are important plants for all the Fritillary butterflies all over the world. Violets are easy to plant and usually grow low enough to flower beneath the lawn mowers that cut off the leaves of most...
Finally spring has arrived! It’s time to start our gardens. There are so many important choices. Should we plant seeds in greenhouse containers first, or plant them directly into the garden soil? Should we plant seeds or purchase little plants from a nursery? And what...
With the trees still bare in most places, it’s a good time to notice last year’s birds’ nests. This tree is on a street in a 2005 housing development. This tree was probably planted when the new house was built. Notice that there are 3 small nests in the branches, 1...
