We are often happy to answer questions, and I wanted to share a few of my favorite resources for helping our gardens and wildlife thrive. These are my go-to references for growing and observing the wildlife of North Carolina.
- For the Plants in your garden:
- NC State Extension’s Plant & Pest Portal ( Click here: plants.ces.ncsu.edu): This is a North Carolina gardener’s secret weapon. Provided by our very own Cooperative Extension, this site offers research-based, localized advice for all things plants and pests. Whether you have a mysterious spot on a tomato leaf or need to know the best time to prune your crepe myrtle, the information here is tailored specifically for our state’s climate and conditions. It’s like having a team of university experts on call 24/7.
- For the Birds in your garden:
- All About Birds (Click Here: allaboutbirds.org): Nothing brings a garden to life quite like the life of birds. This site, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is your comprehensive guide to the birds you’ll see visiting your feeders and nesting in your trees. It’s full of beautiful photos, bird calls you can listen to, and fascinating facts. K-12 education resources.
- eBird (Click Here: ebird.org) Take your birdwatching to the next level. eBird is an online tool for tracking the birds you see and contributes to a global database of sightings. You can discover which birds are currently in your area, and even find new places to observe them. Creating a bird-friendly garden with the right plants and a water source is one of the most positive things you can do for your wildlife habitat.
- For the Insects in your garden:
- BugGuide (Click Here: bugguide.net): Spot a fascinating insect and wonder what it is? This is the place to find out! BugGuide.net is an interactive field guide that connects to nature. It’s an incredible for identifying everything from the tiny aphids on your roses to the magnificent praying mantis in your vegetable patch. Knowing who your garden inhabitants are is the first step to a balanced ecosystem. Are they friend or foe? A pollinator or a pest? This site will help you discover the rich biodiversity in your backyard.
Using these resources, you’ll learn and begin to understand the plants and creatures that call your grow their home.