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Gardening with Keystone Species in Western Pennsylvania – Goldenrod and Asters

Guest post by Sarah Flanders Keystone Species are plants that support the most species of insects. These plants are not only beautiful, but they are (or used to be) abundant in Western Pennsylvania, and without them, you cannot restore a functioning ecosystem. They are the logical choice to start a native plant garden. Some insects […] Continue reading "Gardening with Keystone Species in Western Pennsylvania – Goldenrod and Asters"

21 Magical Native Violets You Can Grow in Western Pennsylvania

Violets (Viola spp.) are a host plants for five fritillaries in western Pennsylvania, four of which are common to all violets and one, regal fritillary, is hosted by the bird-foot violet (Viola pedata). In the spring, violets have white, blue, violet, and yellow flowers. These herbs, which provide taller structure, can be a vital part […] Continue reading "21 Magical Native Violets You Can Grow in Western Pennsylvania"

7 Host Flowers & Bushes of Native Insect Larvae

Guest post by Ryan Scanlon with Q&A Landscaping. Q&A supports native biodiversity by installing hundreds of native flowers, shrubs, & trees every year. With the unending naturalization of imported plants, planting native bushes and perennials are important in sustaining (and saving) natural wildlife. But, there could be more light shed on planting specific hosts that […] Continue reading "7 Host Flowers & Bushes of Native Insect Larvae"