In our last “Field Notes”, Lee discussed the benefits of shade trees. Now I would like to mention just a few of my favorites in case you are planning to add one to your own landscape.   At the top of my list is the Quercus alba, or White Oak. This is truly a tree that you plant for your …

After this particularly rough winter, I find myself outside and enjoying the sun every chance I get. But heading further into summer, basking in the sun becomes uncomfortable (and unhealthy) after more than a few minutes. Soon the shade of a mature tree is welcome. Whether gardening, hiking, or reading there is an added serenity to the outdoors when you …

If you have ever dug in your garden, and found thick white, soft bodied bugs just under the surface, to several inches down, you have seen grubs. These insects are the larval form of several different species of scarab beetles, which will eventually pupate, and emerge from the ground. There are several species of scarab beetles, including Japanese beetles, June …

Rain, Rain, Go Away?  In the mid-Atlantic region, we are actually lucky to get the rainfall that we do.  Our “normal” weather patterns of wet springs, hot summers, cool falls, and cold winters have caused the evolution of our uniquely mid-Atlantic flora and fauna, or plants and animals. But there can be problems with our rainy springs, including flooding, erosion …

Everyone knows it was a tough winter in the mid-Atlantic with school closings, stressful commutes, and bitter cold weather, but now that it is spring, we can put all of that behind us, right?  Well, in addition to this winter being difficult on people, it was also damaging to our landscapes.  So what should we be looking for on our …

Have you had enough of snow recently?  Do you have cabin fever?  Here are a couple of ideas to beat the winter blues. Go on a photo shoot Snow days are great days to take pictures.  The world seems fresh, clean, and bright after a snow, so grab your camera and get outdoors! Go birding Birds are easier to see …

As the days become longer and the soil begins to warm, perennials begin to push towards the sun. Through the next few weeks, if the snow ever subsides, we will begin to see this transformation. Leave most perennials standing during the winter. Their dried stems add winter interest in the garden, and provide food and cover for birds and insects.  …

Winter is a time for rest and contemplation in the landscape. After the shifting and changing of colors in the fall, the leaves drop and expose views we only get to see at this one time of year.  To some, those “winter views” evoke the beauty within the shape and structure of tree branches; others call to mind the views …

I used to work at a flower shop in downtown West Chester. It was beautiful there every season, but particularly in autumn, when the gold, rust, and crimson leaves complimented the brick red sidewalks. One of the flower shop neighbors hated fall leaves though… so much so that he would rake and blow the leaves off his trees to expedite …

When was the last time you drove over a bridge and appreciated a pretty stream below?  Or walked down a trail through quiet woods? Or stopped to watch a fox trotting through a meadow? If you have done any of these things recently, there is a good chance that you can thank your local environmental organization for the opportunity and …