The Venus Flytrap: A North Carolina Native

A Venus flytrap plant with an insect crawling across the opening.

Published on Sep 2, 2022

The Venus Flytrap: A North Carolina Native

It sounds like something out of science fiction, but the Venus flytrap is real. And not just real, but native to North Carolina. Discover how this fascinating flora snares its prey and other facts!

Close-up of the underside of a spider crawling on a thread of its web.

Published on Jun 18, 2022

The Amazing Spiders of North Carolina

Occasionally frightening, always fascinating, most spiders are of the friendly neighborhood variety. Take a closer look and discover one of nature's most unique and beneficial animals.

Chickens running through a backyard when let out of their coop.

Published on Apr 10, 2022

Starting a Backyard Chicken Flock

Whether you're in it for the eggs, companionship or wanting to try something new, a backyard chicken flock can be a uniquely rewarding experience. It also poses its own unique challenges.

Published on Feb 10, 2022

Tips for Tidying Your Garden in Winter

Spending a little time tending your tools and your beds at the end of the fall garden season will help you be ready for early spring planting without the burden of carryover clean-up chores.

Discover medicinal plants for your home garden in North Carolina and the Southeast.

Published on Dec 18, 2021

Growing Medicinal Plants in the Home Garden

Herbs have been used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Today they're more popular than ever. Learn how to incorporate them into your home garden or landscape.

A dog sniffing mushrooms that have grown in a backyard.

Published on Nov 30, 2021

Why Mushrooms Grow In My Yard (Sometimes)

You may have noticed mushrooms popping up in your yard, almost like magic. We pull back the curtain to shed light on the fantastical world of fungi.

A forest trail surrounded by bright, colorful fall foliage as the tree leaves change colors during the autumn season.

Published on Nov 5, 2021

Fall Foliage: The Changing of the Leaves

Nothing announces a North Carolina autumn like the brilliance and splendor of fall foliage. Waves of color roll down the mountains and across the state throughout the season. Discover why!

Tomatoes on vines in a field during a bright summer day.

Published on Sep 5, 2021

Selecting the Best Tomato Varieties for Your Garden

With more than 10,000 tomato varieties available, taking home the right tomato can be challenging. Learn how to pick a tomato variety that will survive and thrive in your home or garden!

A cecropia caterpillar is attached to the underside of a partially eaten leaf.

Published on Jun 26, 2021

North Carolina’s Very Hungry Caterpillars

North Carolina is home to nearly 3,000 caterpillar species, of which only about 3% are garden pests. Learn more about these baby butterflies and moths, and their ecological value.

Fireflies or lightning bugs flying at night in the forest.

Published on Jun 17, 2021

Discover the Secret Science of Fireflies

One of the more magical moments of summer is the first firefly (or lightning bug)! These little luminaries are both mesmerizing and mysterious, so our expert shed some light on the subject.

In The Garden