Virginia Creeper In Sunshine

October 7, 2026

I don’t think much about Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) except when I see it invading my garden spaces, or in autumn when sunlight hits its scarlet leaves.

But in the spring Virginia Creeper sends out blooms, in small pale green clusters. And then in early autumn those flowers become berries, small and hard, the color of Concord grapes. About a quarter inch in diameter. They hold oxalic acid which can cause kidney damage and death to us humans. So don’t even think about taking a taste. Birds however have no problem with the berries, making them a great winter source of food for many of our feathered friends.

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A Gray Catbird

October 6, 2026

I seldom see (or hear) a Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) up here. But for the past few days I’ve been hearing one, and yesterday I was able to see it and get a picture of it. Along with some Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), they were enjoying the berries in the Flowering Dogwood trees (Cornus florida) which are prolific this year.

Their song is a long series of varied sounds, often lasting for many minutes. The song includes whines, nasal tones, gurgles, squeaks and whistles. But the one thing that I notice in particular is the catlike mews.

So very glad I was able to get a picture.

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    Blackberry Lilies

    October 5, 2026

    Over the years I have realized it is important to plant things in my yard and gardens that are native. This is something that is very important to me, and yet, I do allow myself, from time to time, to stray from that dedication. Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica) is one of those exceptions. Not native here, but native to central and eastern Asia.

    It has been growing here in my yard for many many years, giving me delight as it goes through its many stages of life. This photo, above, shows its seed stage. Those pods open as the seeds become ready, revealing why it is called Blackberry Lily.

    Thomas Jefferson recorded planting Blackberry Lily seeds in a flower bed at Monticello in 1807. He noted that he received the seeds from Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon.

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    Katydid Wasp

    I was immediately struck by the size of this wasp. They grow up to an inch in length with females being larger than males. This one was definitely an inch if not a bit larger.

    It’s a Katydid Wasp (Sphex nudus) eating the nectar of Hoary Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum incanum). As adults they eat nectar and their larvae are fed Leaf-rolling Crickets (Camptonotus carolinensis). Native to the eastern and midwestern United States.

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    Northern Paper Wasp

    October 2, 2026

    A Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) enjoying the bounty of nectar in the many blooms of Goldenrod (Solidago).

    Think of a wasp’s nest and what might come to mind is the nest of this wasp. An open umbrella-shaped, paper nest built under the eaves of our homes, and porch ceilings, or other wooden structures, or in trees if they can’t find a human provided space.

    These wasps occupy the eastern two thirds of North America. Despite being displaced in some urban and suburban areas by the invasive European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula) there are still healthy populations of the Northern Paper Wasp in many areas of eastern North America.

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    A Unique Goldenrod

    September 30, 2026

    Pollinators enjoying the late season nectar and pollen of Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia).

    I enjoy seeing Wreath Goldenrod because I know what it is, right away. It’s unique because its flowers are formed on single stems, rather than having multiple plumes of blossoms atop each stem. They enjoy being in shade, rather than in big sunny fields. It grows to 18 to 36 inches tall and is not aggressive in its growth habit.

    There are 50 native species of Goldenrod in Virginia.

    It’s somehow comforting to recognize a plant and know right away what it is, rather than wondering, is it this species or that species.

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    Purple For Pollinators In Autumn

    September 29, 2026

    Broadcasting their availability to the pollinators of autumn, Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium). Native to central and eastern North America.

    With the word aromatic in its name, I would expect Aromatic Aster, perhaps even the whole plant to have a fragrance, but that’s not the case. The flowers have no fragrance at all. But the leaves and stems have a subtle balsam-like fragrance, however the leaves or stems must be crushed, rubbed, or bent in order to notice it. And, yes, it is very subtle.

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    Sundrops Celebrating Autumn

    September 28, 2026

    Narrow-leaved Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa), celebrating autumn with its crimson leaves.

    Sundrops are native to eastern and southeastern North America, from Nova Scotia and New England, south to Florida, west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.

    It’s an herbaceous perennial flowering plant that grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet. The bright yellow flowers bloom from late May through June, with each flower blooming one day, staying open while the sun is out.

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