Exploring Native Plant Superstars with Dr. Doug Tallamy

Some native plants are true workhorses in the landscape providing a wide array of benefits to your ecosystem, while adding beauty to your landscape.  One such terrific plant is Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).  There aren’t many native plants that bloom from spring through fall – this one does. While visiting with Dr. Doug Tallamy (author of Bringing Nature Home) in…

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To Mulch or Not to Mulch: Protecting Plants in Winter

As winter creeps up on us and the ground starts to freeze in many parts of the country, you may be wondering if you should use mulch to protect your plants.  You may know that I recommend leaving fallen leaves in place to act as nature’s mulch and compost.  Ditto for any fallen plant debris, assuming that those plants have…

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Host Plants: Feeding Caterpillars = Building Butterflies

Many homeowners and landscapers don’t realize the futility of just planting exotic nectar plants to support butterflies.  Caterpillars of butterflies have evolved with specific host plants on which they depend.  Some caterpillars use a very limited number of  native host plants,  some have the ability to use a wider range of plants.  Caterpillars typically eat a small portion of the…

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Great Native Plants for Hummingbirds: What Are You Growing?

Humming Bird and Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)

Want hummingbirds?  Skip the feeder (or add to it) and grow some of the native plants that hummingbirds favor.  Hummers particularly love red tubular flowers, so make sure to include some. Here are some hummer favorites: Native Perennials and more for Hummingbirds Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) Aquilegia canadensis (Canada Columbine) Asclepias species (Milkweed) Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead) Chelone lyonii (Pink…

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