Once you start studying the pollinators in your garden, you will see many different types. If you start recognizing some of your visitors, you will look forward to seeing those old friends and indentifying new ones. People seem to care more about the things they can put a name to, so I encourage you to […] Read more
Goldenrod is one of those plants that everyone knows, but no one can identify—or so it seems. The genus Solidago—to which all the goldenrods belong—is extremely variable. The flowers, the leaves, even the general silhouette of the plant can vary markedly depending on where you live. The ones here on the west coast have baffled […] Read more
Joe-Pye weed, Eutrochium purpureum, is a tall perennial plant in the Asteraceae family that is well-known for its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. It was named for a native American herbalist, Joe Pye, who used it to treat various ailments, including fevers. A host of other names, including gravel root, […] Read more
According to several sources, Great Britain is being invaded by hordes of hover flies. We in the Pacific Northwest are seeing our fair share as well. So what is going on? Hover flies are attracted to many of the same plant species as butterflies and bees, so it is no surprise that they are most […] Read more
Perovskia, also known as Russian sage, is a popular xeriscape[1] plant that is not from Russia, nor is it a sage. However, everything about Russian sage makes it a perfect plant for your pollinator garden. It is low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and is not eaten by deer or rabbits. At the same time, it is popular […] Read more
Several years ago I planted two arguta kiwis—one male and one female (Actinidia arguta). Today these have turned into huge plants, looping over the garden fence, running along the chicken yard, and straying into the backyard where I have them propped up with a trellis. Right now they are in full bloom and bees of […] Read more