There are both native and non-native dogwoods available in the nursery trade, as well as hybrid crosses. It is important to know that all dogwoods are not created equal when it comes to their value to wildlife.

Finding natives in commercial garden centers can be challenging. Plant labels, excepting those that Plant NOVA Native volunteers have already tagged in red as “Native,” rarely offer much information and use terms that can be confusing. Here are some definitions and tips to help you find exactly what the biodiversity of the region needs.

Everybody loves butterflies, but caterpillars can be less charismatic. However, without caterpillars, we don’t have butterflies.

It’s March. Spring is coming, but when you glance outside it’s still cold and dark, sometimes snowy. But the marvel of plant dormancy is once again unfolding, unseen.

Spring arrives on March 20. Those occasional warm sunny days that occur in early spring may signal that it is time to add to your native plant gardens. But don’t move too fast!

Our woodlands and meadows are about to awaken and burst into a vibrant display of spring ephemerals, the transient native beauties we love to see, especially after the cold and snowy days of winter.

It’s fall, and most healthy plants are looking rather spent as they go dormant for the winter. But some natives are happily blooming away for the first time this growing season, catching your eye with their intense colors and soothing away year-end gardening blues

We all know the climate is getting hotter. The week of July 22 included the world’s two hottest days in recorded history. We can only anticipate more heat and more drought in the future. How can you help your garden thrive?

There are several ways to “harvest” the rain that falls on our property and stretch out its usefulness.

Is there a more magical sight than fireflies flashing on a June evening?

Springtime is for planting! If you’re looking for ideas for a sunny spot, think about creating a mini-meadow to bring pollinators to your yard

Originality has not been what springs to mind when looking at most front yards, but now people are starting to tweak the conventions by putting native plants front and center on their properties.

Warm weather has many of us headed to the garden center, where lovely blooms await. Did you know that those shopping trips can double as one of the most effective ways to contribute to a healthier environment?

Audubon at Home Program, in partnership with the Plant NOVA Natives campaign, has been awarded a grant of $15,000 to demonstrate the concept that native plantscan fit nicely into a conventional suburban aesthetic. Apply today!

Read Glenda Booth’s article in the Mt. Vernon Gazette on choosing nature over a manicured lawn.

As we finally begin to emerge from this dark and isolated winter, many of us are thinking about getting outdoors into the garden.

The Plant NOVA Natives website maintains a list of native-only plant sellers and updates its list of seasonal native plant sales in our 4-county region.

ASNV/Audubon at Home is partnering with the Prince William Wildflower Society to co-sponsor a presentation with Kim Eierman, author of The Pollinator Victory Garden.

Many Audubon education and advocacy programs have been canceled or paused due to Covid-19. Fortunately, the Audubon at Home (AAH) program continues. Applicant numbers are down, but people who are proactive, enthusiastic and committed about attracting native wildlife to their yards continue to apply.

While in-person Audubon at Home Ambassador visits are paused you can still plan for spring planting with information on our website. Native-only plant vendors in our area will be taking orders in advance and arranging for curbside pick-up.