Writing this blog is always a learning experience for me. I have no formal training in botany beyond my Master Gardener classes (no surprise there, I'm sure), so I'm continually learning about plants like any other gardener. Today, I thought I'd write about a plant that has done stellar in my garden. It started from ...
Read More | Wildlife Gardening JournalIf you've followed this blog for very long, you'll know I'm a fan of easy-care, drought-tolerant, wildlife-beneficial plants. One such gem that adds both ecological value and visual charm to my gardens is Drummond's aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii). This perennial is not only a feast for the eyes with its delightful blooms but also serves as ...
Read More | Wildlife Gardening JournalWhen I was first gifted swamp milkweed, I wasn't sure where to put it. I garden without irrigation, so I decided to try it in a large, half-barrel pot in partial shade. To my surprise, the plant actually thrived, and it had more monarch caterpillars on it than all my other milkweeds combined. Swamp milkweed ...
Read More | Wildlife Gardening JournalI've always had coreopsis in my yard, that is, until my plants were wiped out by coreopsis beetles a few years ago. I didn't plant any last year, and I hoped without any food during a harsh year for plants and insects, maybe the beetles would die off. So I planted some again this year, ...
Read More | Wildlife Gardening JournalOne fall several years ago, I found a volunteer flower on the edge of my woods, in a sunny spot. Despite having a yard full of pollinator-attracting plants, this volunteer had more activity than many of my other flowers blooming at the same time. Of course, I had to find out what it was. Eventually, ...
Read More | Wildlife Gardening JournalI think most people know that democratic Ukraine is in a fight for its existence against authoritarian Russia. What you might not know is that sunflowers are a powerful symbol for Ukrainians and the national flower for their country. In honor of Ukraine and the courage of its people, this spring, I encourage gardeners everywhere ...
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