Gardening

Healthy ecosystems need native plants to provide food and shelter for all types of wildlife. Learn about native fruit trees and other edible plants from a school that connects students to nature. Then visit an organization that restores indigenous plant and animal communities that have been suppressed by traditional landscape practices.

Cooler temperatures and an increase in moisture make fall the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7, early October is still not too late to plant perennials, while trees and shrubs can be planted until mid-December.

Herbs are a great addition to a garden of any size. Even if you do a container garden on a patio, a few herb plants will bring an array of textures, smells and tastes to delight your senses. Fall is a great time to plant perennial herbs.

Visit the State Arboretum to meet curator, T’ai Roulston and learn about butternut trees. Tour the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge with Manager, Chris Lowie, to talk about how the unique ecosystem is protected.

I feel reinvigorated in September as the heat of the summer quickly fades to a memory. With this renewed energy, September becomes a planning month for me.

Gardening with dogs can be a challenge, Serome shares some of his tips to make this experience better for everyone involved.