By Mike Raley If you want a plant with a scientific name that really rings, then winter honeysuckle is for you. The botanical name for this aromatic specimen is Lonicera fragrantissima. Catchy, huh? Known around here as “Sweet Breath of Spring,” I planted one decades ago, and like some of the flowering plants in my…… Continue Reading
The saltbush is native, but the North Carolina Native Plant Society considers this provocative plant invasive. It was once only located near the coast, but now you can find it through eastern North Carolina and the Piedmont region. There are other native coastal plants that have made their way west like wax myrtle, beautyberry and yaupon holly. But the saltbush is insidious in the way it takes over growing space for plants that are native to the Piedmont. … Continue Reading
Once your compost pile is started with a layer of brown and green organic matter, repeat the layering process, watering each layer as you go, until the pile fills the bin and reaches a height of 4 to 5 feet. Don’t forget to water, but avoid making your pile soggy.… Continue Reading