Category Archives: MG in the Garden

PERENNIAL: Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm, Oswego Tea) 

Posted on May 29, 2020 by

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic)

This member of the Mint family, native to scattered regions of eastern North America, grows along stream banks and in thickets and open woods. Its distinctive red flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially hummingbirds,** and it offers herbal and medicinal benefits. Continue reading →

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Small Trees Make Big Canopies

Posted on May 27, 2020 by

Our Free Tree project stems from concerns that our region’s tree canopy is shrinking fast as our largest trees fall victim to age, redevelopment, poor pruning practices around power lines, prolonged periods of drought, and record-high flash rainfalls. Many people seek to replant, but the instinct to plant a larger tree can lead to disappointing results, since larger nursery trees need extensive root trimming to be portable enough to sell, and their new owners often fail to give them enough water in their first year to survive. Continue reading →

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SHRUB: Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)

Posted on May 22, 2020 by

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Mountain Laurel is a tall, exceptionally handsome, evergreen shrub with shiny, leathery leaves that make beautiful winter-season roping.  This native of eastern North America is one of the most beautiful native flowering shrubs and is often displayed in parks. The Virginia Native Plant Society named Mountain Laurel as Wildflower of the Year in 1994. Continue reading →

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VINE: Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine)

Posted on May 15, 2020 by

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic: Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine)

This semi-evergreen vine can cling to stone, brick, and wood without support. Found in forests and along roadsides mainly in the South, its showy, two-tone flowers are an early nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds. Continue reading →

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