As the days get shorter and the temperatures get cooler, many species of insects will search for places to spend the winter. Depending on the insect, they may seek out a variety of locations, such as in soil, under leaf litter, under tree bark, or even in our homes. One that we commonly...
The natural process of trees shedding leaves in the fall is the most visible sign of trees preparing for winter dormancy. Shedding leaves is a tree’s way of self-preservation, reducing plant material that require resources that become scarce during the cold days and short daylight of winter.While...
Autumn is a time for…life? This may seem perplexing, as we often link fall with plants dying, wildlife migrating, and us retreating indoors. However, this is when conservationists managing prairies get excited to sow new life.Managing prairies, forests, or wetlands often involves battling nonnative...
Annual geraniums (Pelargonium) are among the most popular flowering plants grown in gardens. These easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plants provide color to landscapes from May until the arrival of frost. After the first hard frost, they are typically destined for the compost pile, but that...
During this first week of October, many of the plants blooming in our landscape are mums, asters, goldenrods, sedums, and ornamental grasses. But what if your lilac is blooming? A lilac blooming in autumn is unusual unless you have planted one of the new varieties bred to bloom once in the spring...
Habitat was once thought of as something outside of town in the countryside. Today incorporating habitat into home landscaping in and around towns and cities has become a top trend across the United States. However, a naturalistic landscape design style does not always fit our HOA...
When it comes to bulbs, this time of year (fall), much of our attention is focused on getting ready to plant spring-blooming bulbs, and rightfully so. From crocus and daffodils to tulips and alliums, these plants provide a burst of color early in the year before many of our landscape plants begin...
The recent turn in the weather has me feeling all the fall vibes. I’m ready for leaves to turn, for pumpkin spice to be in everything, and for sweater weather. Although as a kid and young adult, Halloween hasn’t traditionally been my favorite holiday, my kids love it which means I love it. As our...
Recently, chilly mornings have me grabbing my hoodie before loading the kids into the car for school. Apple orchards are starting to advertise cider and donuts. Mums are starting to adorn front porches. And that smell…could it be? Pumpkin spice! I will continue to lie to myself and proclaim...
Despite the bad name they get, yellowjackets (Vespula spp.) are beneficial insects. The larvae are meat eaters, consuming caterpillars and other insects (and occasionally carrion) that adults have captured and brought back to the nest. Adults, on the other hand, primarily feed on flower...
