Plant | Soil Shepherds

"Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty"

John Ruskin

Plant Videos

06:36

Native Plant Everyone Can Grow - Penstemon

I know how challenging it can be to find plants native to your area to address challenging landscapes. In this video I share our favorite perennial which has species native to all parts of North America and included everything you need to grow this plant. 00:00 Benefits 00:57 Needs 01:35 Resources 04:00 Tips 05:07 Maintenance Links www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/ www.bonap.org www.soilshepherds.com #plants #plantspecies #gardening #flowers #backyardgardening #perennial

08:16

Monarda Bee Balm - Everything you need to know including amazing Clearwing Moths

Sharing everything we know about bee balm, which is also known as wild bergamot, in one video including common species like Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma along with the amazing Clearwing Moth! 00:00 Intro 00:23 Basics 01:05 Benefits 02:24 Growing 03:47 Maintenance 05:26 Powdery Mildew 06:26 Clearwing Moths Links - bonap.org - mtcubacenter.org/trials/monarda/ - soilshepherds.com #bees #flora #plants #plantspecies #gardening #flowers #backyardgardening #spring

04:40

Native Plant ID Quiz - Spring Plants

How well are you able to identify native spring perennials? We assembled 7 of our favorites to test your knowledge. #plants #gardening #flowers #wildflowers #spring 00:00 Intro 00:39 Plant 1 01:10 Plant 2 01:48 Plant 3 02:20 Plant 4 02:53 Plant 5 03:24 Plant 6 03:53 Plant 7

Plant Photos

Hellebore (nonnative)

Photo March 27th. Slow growers that bloom in late winter.

Pachysandra Procumbens

Photo March 29th. Also known as Allegheny Pachysandra.

Pussy Willow (Salix Discolor)

Photo March 27th. Great for bees, Pussy Willow blooms in March and April when other food sources are scarce.

Hepatica

Photo April 4th

Creeping Phlox

Photo April 9th. Phlox Stolonifera 'Sherwood Purple' (Creeping Phlox). This was planted in the prior fall and will spread over time.

Virginia Bluebells

Photo April 12th

Wild Ginger

Photo April 10th. Flowers are hidden below leaves and help insects stay warm on cold spring nights!

Marsh Marigold

Photo April 12th. This native looks like, but is NOT, Lesser Celandine

Creeping Phlox

Photo May 8th. Phlox Stolonifera 'Home Fires' (Creeping Phlox) - Their bright flowers and strong fragrance are perfect for attracting bees.

Virginia Spring Beauty

Photo April 25th.

Fothergilla

Photo April 25th.

Wild Columbine

Photo April 25th.

Green and Gold

Photo May 7th. Our favorite border for part to full shade.

Common Violet

Photo April 25th

Lilac (nonnative)

Photo April 25th.

Fleabane

Photo April 25th. (Erigeron pulchellus var. pulchellus 'Lynnhaven Carpet')

Cinnamon Fern

Photo April 25th. Great for shady moist locations. Frons will burn in sunny and/or dry locations.

Swamp Milkweed

Host plant for the Monarch butterfly pictured.

Dogwood (Tree)

Dogwood tree in bloom

Butterfly Weed

Host plant for Monarch butterflys.

Mountain Laurel

In 1933 this evergreen became the state flower of Pennsylvania. Flowers bloom from late spring to midsummer.

Virginia Sweetspire

This deciduous shrub has no serious pest or disease problems and is not bothered by deer.

Honeysuckle

There are 200 species of honeysuckle. Some non-native varieties are invasive. The native variety is a favorite of hummingbirds and starting in September has a bright red berry that is attractive against the green leaves.

Solomon Seal

This spring bloomer is low maintenance once established but is a favorite of rabbits.

Clematis (vine)

Photo May 3rd.

Coreopsis

Photo May 26th.

Louisiana Iris (pond plant)

Photo May 31st.

Sundrop

Photo June 4th.

Beardstongue

Photo June 4th with bumblebee crawling inside the flower.

Yarrow

Photo June 4th.

Salvia

Photo June 4th.

Common Milkweed

Milkweed is well known for attracting butterfly's and is a host plant for Monarchs.

Blueberry (Highbush)

Photo May 1st.

Rhododendron

Photo June 22nd.

Smooth Hydrangea

Photo June 22nd.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Photo June 22nd.

Coneflower

Photo June 22nd.

Bee Balm

Photo June 22nd.

Black Eyed Susan

Phlox Paniculata

Photo July 3rd. Taller summer phlox 4' - 5' in height.

St Johns Wort

Photo July 4th

Bee Balm

Photo July 9th. Part of the mint family and considered a herb since its used for culinary and medicinal use. In the kitchen, bee balm is used to flavor salads, as a garnish and to make teas.