By Kathy Shollenberger. Photos by Kelly Lawhorn, Chesapeake Natives There are many varieties of pussytoes; the one in the Food Forest is Parlin’s pussytoes. It’s in the Food Forest because it provides nectar for pollinators and serves as a host plant for the American Lady and Painted Lady butterflies. It shelters the butterfly’s eggs and... Continue Reading →
Make a pumpkin bird feeder
Fall migration is underway, and birds need lots of food to sustain them on their journey. If you don't have a bird feeder in your yard, the National Audubon Society suggests that you make a temporary one out of a small pumpkin. See the link below for instructions: https://www.audubon.org/news/pumpkin-bird-feeder-makes-happy-harvest-birds
Celebrating Success!
On Sunday, September 20, 2020 many of those who have volunteered to water, haul mulch, weed, dig, and plant gathered to celebrate our lovely park. Enjoy these photos, from Mimi McKindley-Ward, Barry Stahl, and Kathy Shollenberger. Our new bamboo bower, constructed by Shivali Shah: Socially distanced picnickers: Musical accompaniment: Admiring the park, enjoying the... Continue Reading →
Monarch Caterpillar on the Milkweed!
You have to look closely. It's almost hidden, but there's a future monarch chomping away on the common milkweed at the Food Forest. If a monarch caterpillar has lots of different types of milkweed to choose from, common milkweed is not its favorite, but luckily, this specimen's not picky.
Spotlight on the Small Things
Not everything that's going on at the Food Forest is obvious. You have to spend some time there to see the little things. Steve McKindley Ward has noticed many of those little things--little miracles, really--and recorded them. This is probably the coolest. It's called bird's nest fungus; lots of them have come up in the... Continue Reading →
Plant of the Month: Comfrey
The comfrey at the Food Forest is growing like crazy, so bring a scissors and cut some leaves. It has been touted as the best plant to have in your garden, for numerous reasons. It's long been used for its curative powers, in easing aches and pains and healing bruises. It's easy to make... Continue Reading →
Mulch Yet Again! / August 1, 2020
Join us this Saturday, August 1, 9:00-12:00. Come for a little, come for a lot. Spread mulch, move stumps, and/or re-stake and re-net trees and shrubs that are in need of that attention. The photo below shows our original work; in some cases the plants have outgrown their enclosures, so we need to expand their... Continue Reading →
Calling all wheelbarrows!
Park Becomes Center for Young Artists
This sign appeared yesterday. How great is that?!
Plant of the Month: Bird House Gourds
Bird House Gourds are growing like crazy at the Food Forest. They are also known as Calabash, or Bottle Gourds. Each of these flowers-- Should produce one of these gourds-- Wouldn't you love to hang a Bird House Gourd in your back yard? When they are ready this fall, harvest one and put it in... Continue Reading →