Native Plant Center

Tulip Tree Scale: A Messy Pest of Our Beloved Native Trees

What is Tulip Tree Scale? Explore this tiny insect that, while rarely fatal, weakens trees by feeding on sap and attracting sooty mold—highlighting the growing impact of pests in changing environmental conditions.

What’s Poppin’? Phenological Fun: White Wood Aster

This low-growing hardy native is one of the select few plants that can still thrive in dry, shady spots that otherwise prove too challenging for many herbaceous perennials.

Reduce Your Stormwater: Rain Gardens

Learn how to reduce your stormwater runoff with rain gardens!

Creating a Haven for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

Summer is here, and that means the peak of hummingbird season in the Chesapeake Bay region. Explore the steps we can take in our own spaces and communities to help these flying jewels thrive!

Invasive Bittersweet Vines: All Bitter, No Sweet

It might be in your nearest park or forest, or even your own backyard, if you’re not a diligent invasive weed puller. If you live anywhere in the watershed, it’s definitely in your state.

Creating Healthier Home Garden Habitats

As any home gardener knows, a healthy garden can include plenty of variety. However, when selecting what plants to put in your garden, it is important to be picky.

How you can help change the perception of a “messy” yard

A recent news story involved a homeowner along the Elizabeth River whose next door neighbor hadn’t cut or trimmed the vegetation in his yard in over four years. This colorful local dispute gets to the heart of a perception issue that is critical to the future of the Chesapeake Bay and its wildlife.

Move Over Miscanthus, Three Native Grasses to Plant Instead

Non-native species aren’t inherently bad, and not all non-native species become invasive. However, we should thoughtfully consider our landscaping choices, particularly when heading to our local garden center.

We Love Autumn, but not Autumn Olive

We’re knee deep in colorful fall foliage at this point, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Autumn is my favorite season, but it’s also associated with the next species in our invasive species series; autumn olive.

Loosen the Grip of English Ivy

English ivy is one of the most prevalent invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It is a woody vine that climbs trees, fences, and other vertical structures. Left unchecked, it can harm trees by weighing down their limbs, robbing leaves of sunlight, and leaving them more prone to storm damage.