Category Archives: general nature
Burning fields is an old practice that still continues
When I first moved to North Carolina, I was surprised farmers were still allowed to burn wheat fields, especially in places where neighborhoods were close. That was twenty-some years ago. Even in the mid-90s, there was a growing group of … Continue reading
Mulching can benefit vegetable gardens too.
Last week I discussed how mulches are used on our landscape beds. Vegetable gardens can also benefit from a good mulching now and then. Often, our goals will determine the type of material used. In spring, we can speed up … Continue reading
How do we decide about landscape mulching?
Most people spread a layer of mulch around their landscape beds. Some even mulch vegetable gardens. With so many types to choose from, it’s often a confusing situation. The main reasons we mulch are to conserve water, suppress weeds and … Continue reading
Elephant ears make an interesting addition to your garden bed
Elephant ears (Colocasia sp.) are that plant with the huge heart-shaped leaves that look like they belong in a tropical rainforest. That’s probably because they do. They are native to Southeast Asia. These peace lily and caladium relatives are one … Continue reading
Corkscrew willow and Corkscrew hazelnut have striking winter interest
Many plants have unique features that are displayed during the growing season. Some have unusual foliage. Some have unique flowers. Incorporating plants with attractive winter features can be a challenge. Two common plants are corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana) and corkscrew … Continue reading
Cockleburs can cause more than just an inconvenience
I was walking around in the brush recently and noticed thick stands of cockleburs (Xanthium sp.). I tried to avoid them, but before I realized it my pants collected dozens. People with hunting dogs know all about cockleburs. Long-haired dogs … Continue reading
Is manuka honey a wonder cure or another overrated holistic drug?
I was talking to a friend recently about an expensive honey from New Zealand. It’s called manuka honey and it comes from the flowers of the manuka tree. Manuka trees are commonly called New Zealand tea trees and are in … Continue reading
Bald eagles, ospreys have contrasting styles as predators
Not long after I wrote a column on ospreys, I spotted a pair of mature bald eagles on Northeastern’s campus. I’ve never seen any at school before, but I see them occasionally around Elizabeth city and in surrounding counties. Bald … Continue reading
Ospreys might be the greatest of all fishermen
I wish I had more time to spend on and around the water. I love to watch the ospreys patrol the skies in search of fish. Some people call them sea-eagles or sea-hawks. In many places, ospreys can only be … Continue reading
Grape Holly is a shrub with winter appeal
Recently, someone asked me about shrubs that were showy in winter. Obviously, camellias fit that bill as do winterberry holly and a few others. Mahonia, often known as grape holly, is an underused adaptable shrub that also has winter attributes. … Continue reading
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