Filtering by tag: native plants ✕

Native Plants for Western NC

Native plants are plants that originated in our region. Native plants benefit wildlife including pollinators providing food and shelter. As awareness grows more gardeners are choosing native plants…

Flat Rock Park Pollinator Garden

The Flat Rock Park Pollinator Garden has seen some changes since 2017! After nearly eight years the garden has filled in nicely. Thanks to the hard work of Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of…

Embracing Change in the Garden

With spring's arrival, many gardeners are facing the task of replanting after the destruction of Hurricane Helene. The loss of mature trees has opened up once-shaded spaces, leaving sunny, exposed…

Tall shrub with many elongated green leaves in a garden bed with label and tile

The Pawpaw: A Hidden Gem of Western North Carolina

The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a native fruit that has remained relatively unknown despite its rich history and unique characteristics. As North America's largest native fruit, the pawpaw offers a…

Environmentally Friendly Landscaping

Western North Carolina is one of the most ecologically biodiverse regions of the world. Unfortunately development and increasing population are threatening the delicate ecosystems of the area. Many…

Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast

Check out the GARDENING IN THE MOUNTAINS RADIO SHOW and PODCAST! Join host Steve Pettis, N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent in Henderson County, every Saturday at 8 a.m. for the Gardening In The…

Wildlife Alert - Tiny Creatures in Your Backyard

Most people know that our home landscapes can be wildlife habitat. Most people are familiar with the more charismatic wildlife in our area such as bear, deer, turkey, white squirrels and even…

Landscape Alert - Violets in Your Lawn Is a Good Thing

Violets are great for butterflies! One of the many you will find growing is Viola sororia, a native plant that readily spreads in shady lawns and plantings.

Landscape Legacy: Utilizing Native Plants in WNC

The traditional lawn has drawbacks. Inputs such as herbicides, fertilizers, water, and mowing are expensive and environmentally costly. If we in the US turned 25% of our lawns into native plantings…

A watercolor illustration of various spring wildflowers in shades of pink, yellow, and blue framing the text "Spring Wildflower Guide" in a serif font.

Spring Wildflowers Are Here: Check Out this Helpful ID Guide!

Local Wildflower GuideFor many hikers walking the trails and looking at plants goes hand in hand. Luckily every spring we get to follow the progression of wildflowers as we climb in elevation and…