The Silent Explosion: A Springtime Tribute to Flowers

“Once upon a time there were no flowers at all.” —Loren Eiseley Imagine that. A planet green, but without bloom. No petals, no pollen, no bursts of color to herald the seasons. Just a long, monotonous hush in the history of plant life. Until, somewhere near the end of the Age of Reptiles, as Eisley so beautifully described it, there occurred “a soundless, violent explosion.” It wasn’t fire … [Read more...]

Planting Bee Gardens

You don't have to be a beekeeper to support your local bee population. Bee gardens can be as lovely and low-maintenance as any regular garden, and feature some perennial favorites! In general, bees prefer small or shallow flowers with easy access to nectar. Sweet-smelling and brightly colored will help draw bees in, and providing more structural plants like woody shrubs and trees can make your … [Read more...]

Planting a Pollinator Garden

June is National Pollinator Month! What's a pollinator? A pollinator is any animal that helps move pollen from one plant to another, aiding in fertilization and propagation. The most famous pollinator is the bee, but there are plenty of others, including butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, and many birds (especially hummingbirds!) Pollinators are vital to the natural environment, as well as the … [Read more...]