Make Your Garden a Haven for Moths
Moths are the unsung heroes of plant pollination. On a worldwide scale, there are twice as many species of …
Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers
Since 1979, North Carolina Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers (EMGVs) have been leaders in this internationally acclaimed program, guiding homeowners in making environmentally sound decisions in their landscapes. Trained by North Carolina State University faculty and staff, EMGVs provide research-based information about gardening and environmental stewardship to individuals and communities across the state. EMGVs engage the community through education and outreach on a wide variety of subjects and through a broad spectrum of projects, all designed to maximize their impact.
Garden for the Birds With the Plant Toolbox
You can select plants for your garden that attract and support our feathered friends. The Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox …
Surprise the Plant Lover in Your Life With the Perfect Gift...
…the gift of knowledge! Do you still need to pick out the perfect gift for your favorite plant nerd (or …
Celebrating 15 Years in Pollinator Paradise!
This year (2023) marks the 15 year anniversary of North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden at Chatham Mills in …
Growing Self-Sufficiency: Extension Volunteers Support Seed Libraries in North Carolina
Did you know that 13.5 million American households were food insecure in 2021? This means that at some time …
Algal Leaf Spot
January is a good time to inspect southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) for the presence of algal leaf spot. According …
Southern Magnolia Leaf Variation
The presence or absence of pubescence (trichomes) on foliage, and their appearance, can be significant plant identification features. However, for …
Aureolaria Laevigata, or Appalachian Oak-Leach
While walking along a trail in the Cherokee National Forest in August of this year, I noticed a yellow-flowering …
Parrotfeather or Proserpinaca?
Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is an aggressive non-native aquatic weed, most commonly found in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Extensive …
Edibles for the Winter Landscape
Our Master Gardener℠ volunteers in Craven County have added some nice color to the entrance of the Craven County …
Do Ginkgo Trees Produce Fruit?
Ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba) produce something that certainly looks like a fruit, but these trees are actually gymnosperms. Gymnosperms …
Consider Agastache for Pollinators and a Long Flowering Period
I was very intrigued by a new plant to my garden this past year, Agastache ‘Blue Boa’. According to the …
Arrowleaf Tearthumb (As in Tear, Tore, Torn)
Arrowleaf tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum) is a widespread native annual that you’ll want to handle with gloves on, if you …
Sago Palm: Worth the Trouble in Eastern NC?
Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is a popular landscape plant in coastal areas from Eastern North Carolina southwards into Florida. …
Common Dayflower: Attractive but Invasive
Here’s another fall clean up chore. Dayflower (Commelina communis) is producing its colorful blue flowers, and is easy to …
Doveweed: The Grassy Weed That Isn't
As of early October, doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) is one of the more noticeable low-growing weeds in our landscape beds. …
Ginkgo Biloba "Fruit" - or Something Else?
Not exactly a welcome sight on or underneath the ginkgo tree. Ginkgo fruit creates a mess and produce a …