Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Sometimes referred to as False Sunflower, this hardy native of open woodlands, prairies, and fields is notable for its eight-week period of peak bloom. Its 2- to 3-inch, showy yellow flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators and make it a wonderful addition to a cutting garden.
When homeowners picture gardens for pollinators (native bees, flower flies, butterflies and moths), they often think of beds of colorful flowering perennials. Trees and shrubs, the so-called woody plants, can also provide excellent support for these insects.
#PollinatorWeek
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Although a number of plants share the common name Black-eyed Susan, it is Rudbeckia hirta, which was designated the “Floral Emblem” of Maryland in 1918. This familiar, cherished flower is at home in private gardens as it is in wildflower meadows or prairie restorations.
June is all about pollinators and how everyone can help support them. Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35% of the world’s food plants depend on pollinators to reproduce, and 96% of North American land birds rely on butterfly and moth caterpillars to feed their young.
#PollinatorWeek
Simpson Park Demonstration Garden is an urban garden and haven for people, pollinators and wildlife. Seventeen garden beds showcase a diverse range of native plants and trees, ornamental perennials, and unusual specimens. Our garden demonstrates best horticultural practices including attracting pollinators, conserving water, pest control by natural means and thoughtful landscape design. Features include scented, shade, pollinator, tufa rock gardens and several mature tree specimens. The garden evolves throughout the seasons and years.
#PollinatorWeek
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Butterfly-weed is one of the showiest native wildflowers. Summer waves of orange blossoms brighten open fields, woods, and waysides. Later, spindle-shaped fruit (follicles) pierce the air in shades of green, yellow, brown. When follicles split open, the seeds’ silky threads glisten in the sun. The Virginia Native Plant Society selected Butterfly-weed as Wildflower of the Year in 1992.
