Love Pumpkin? Thank a Squash Bee!
Our native cucurbits, pumpkin and squash, rely on native squash bees for pollination. Ground-nesting, solitary squash bees (two different genera: […]
Pollinators
Monarch Migration 2024
First reports are in…and they’re not great. According to the World Wildlife Federation, the eastern migratory monarch population shows a
Milkweed Loves Monarchs
That’s right–not only do monarchs need milkweed to survive, but some ecologists believe that milkweeds may rely on monarchs as
King of the Meadow
Growing anywhere from 2 to 10 feet tall, it’s no wonder that another common name for tall meadow rue (Thalictrum
No Sweat
The beautiful bright, shiny coloration of this little bee may make it one of the easiest bees in the garden
Prairie Powerhouse
The bright yellow flowers of prairie coneflower (Ratibida spp) feature heavily drooping petals that flutter in the slightest breeze, grouped
Smell of Success
“Its flowers are very fragrant and when in season, they fill the woods with their sweet exhalations and make it
Way Down Yonder….
Pawpaw (Asiminia triloba) could once be found growing all over the eastern half of the US, especially favoring the rich
Spice it Up
We crave the bright colors of spring after a long, grey winter, and native plants are always happy to oblige!
Eggs-citing
The Easter Bunny isn’t the only one who brings colorful eggs! Many butterflies and moths lay beautiful, jewel-like eggs, either
Double Duty
At the SBG, amsonia is one of our favorite double-duty native perennials, with its lovely blue spring flowers and brilliant
Back-to-School Edition
Since 2010, the SBG has been installing ‘satellite gardens’ at schools throughout the Centre region–more than 20 to date! Master
Regular Joe
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp ) is in full bloom at the SBG, and pollinators are taking full advantage of
Parsley Worms?
Gardeners know: Those colorful swallowtails munching away on your dill, fennel or parsley can eat the entire herb down to
Wanna-Bees
Bees: these pollinator super-stars are great garden friends who are enjoying increasing popularity among gardeners who realize their value. But
The Admirable Red Admiral
The gorgeous red admiral butterfly can be found worldwide, including at the SBG! Adults are easily identified by the bright
Let’s Hear it for the Boys
It’s easy to joke about how male bees are only good for one thing. But on this Father’s Day, let’s
Mind the Gap
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is an easy-going native that should be in every pollinator garden. Its blooms fill the gap
Hi, Neighbor!
Finding the capped-off tunnels of native cavity-nesting bees is always a thrill for us at the SBG. Whether spotted in
Blast from the Past
Over 70% of native bees are ground nesting, with the females digging and provisioning their own individual nests in the
Any questions?
Question mark butterflies (Polygonia interrogationis) can be found throughout the eastern U.S., most often in open woods or woodland edges,
Super bee Sunday
Bumble bees (Bombus spp) are superstars of the pollinator world. Their long work day, efficient pollen-transport structures, and ability to
Love is in the air
Valentine’s Day may have passed, but love is in the air at the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in