Big, grassy fields are disappearing across the region, and some birds are disappearing along with them. It seems odd to tell people not to mow their lawns, but I am. A huge lawn is not always a good thing. For those of you with tiny lawns, I apologize. You should still mow your grass, but ...

Now that spring is full swing, there is a chorus heard on nice days. It usually plays on Saturday mornings but happens anytime it’s light and not raining. It is the buzz of the lawn mower. I’ve been thinking about lawns recently. “No mow May” has come to an end. This effort ...

Do you have peonies in your garden? If so, you’ve likely seen ants crawling or resting on the unopened buds and perhaps wondered why they are there. Nature is so full of surprises and lessons! This delightful ants-in-your-plants example reveals one of the many mutually beneficial ...

This time of year, spring comes alive with an array of sounds and colors. I have to smile when I step outside and hear a returning bird call for the first time. I marvel at the fresh green leaves and blooming flowers. So much of what awakens in spring is full of beauty and color. Like old ...

We were supposed to be planting trees. Three Black Gum trees have been patiently (or frustratingly – its hard to tell with trees) waiting in their pots all winter, eager to spread their roots. We were deciding on spots and talking it over and then I said “I want to see if the toad eggs ...

One way of categorizing plants is based on their origin: native plants are those that have lived in an area since before humans altered the landscape. Conversely, non-native plant species are those that arrived more recently – often with our help. Well-known plants in the latter group include ...