It's almost July and blackberries are here! Blackberries are incredible wild, edible berries that grow prolifically in many areas of Virginia. Read on to find out more about this amazing berry. Blackberry Identification Blackberries are relatively easy to identify. There are look a-likes, however, none of them are dangerous. The most common look alike is […] The post Blackberries – Rubus allegheniensis appeared first on ..read more

Temperate Deciduous Forests are found on several different continents. They are found in the eastern part of the United States and Canada, plus parts of Japan and China, and most of Europe. That’s a pretty large range of continents, however they do have something in common. They lie in the mid-latitude areas which dictates their […] The post Temperate Deciduous Forests appeared first on ..read more

There are invasive plant species everywhere. I decided to write about the characteristics of invasive species to increase awareness of the issue. However, first I had to find a good definition. Read on to find out more. Definition Well like other scientific definitions, there are lots of variations of the definition. As a result, here […] The post Invasive Plant Species appeared first on ..read more

Common mullein is not a weed. I thought that it probably was a weed. I see it growing along the edges of a hay field. This is a typical place to find it. Read on to learn more about this pretty plant that is not a weed, is actually a medicinal herb, and is not […] The post Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) appeared first on ..read more

Killdeer are small to medium sized birds that are common, but not in suburban areas.  They are a type of plover which is a gregarious wading bird who is usually found by water. Even though they are common, they are really interesting. I first saw them last year. It is amazing that these birds successfully […] The post Killdeer – Charadrius vociferus appeared first on ..read more

Wild violet flowers are these sweet little deep, purple flowers that grow close to the ground. I thought that they were weeds, but actually they are not weeds. Read on to find out more about these lovely little plants. Physical Characteristics of Wild Violet, Viola soroia Wild Violet leaves are bright, grass, green. They are […] The post Wild Violet – Viola soroia appeared first on ..read more

Mint is a great plant to keep in a pot or plant in your garden. I love spring when it is time to get new annuals, but I also love having a few perennials that come back every year. This plant is a perfect perennial for your garden, plus it has numerous possible health benefits. […] The post Mint: Garden Plant and Edible Herb appeared first on ..read more

If you live in Northern Virginia, I am sure that you may have a stink bug or two at your house. Stink bugs are an invasive species from Asia. They accidentally came to the United States in the 1990s. There are numerous invasive plants in the area. I should not be surprised that there are […] The post Stink Bug Info appeared first on ..read more

River Birch are one of those trees that are probably recommended by landscape architects quite frequently. They possess some unique characteristics, and they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Read on to find out the pros and cons of choosing to plant River Birch trees. General Characteristics of River Birch Trees According to the USDA […] The post River Birch -Betula nigra L. appeared first on ..read more

I am very happy that I have finally found my favorite sun protection gear. I have very sensitive skin on my face, so keeping it out of the sun is a must.  The products listed below have revolutionized my ability to comfortably be outside in the sun. Read on to find out what has worked […] The post Favorite Sun Protection Gear appeared first on ..read more