With the arrival of the fall equinox on September 22, environmental triggers mean the days are drawing near for our migratory garden visitors to take flight and head south. While I will dearly miss the hummingbirds, dragonflies, and monarchs when they leave later this fall, I will continue to enjoy them for a few more […] Continue reading "Monarchs, Milkweed, Migration, and More"
In our last blog, we discussed when to plant container-grown plants (seedlings, plugs, etc.). In this second in a two-part series, we’ll discuss when to plant seeds. For many native plant enthusiasts, nothing beats the thrill that comes from planting a native seed and watching it germinate and thrive into a plant that provides ecosystem […] Continue reading "Fall is the best time for planting! Or is it? Part 2"
In our last newsletter, we suggested that fall is the best time for planting. Although this is a generally accepted concept in the horticulture trade, digging a bit deeper into resources for planting seeds and container-grown plants opened my eyes to the nuances of when is the best time to plant. In this first of […] Continue reading "Fall is the best time for planting! Or is it?"
Did you know the University of Maryland Extension Maryland Native Plants Program, along with University of Maryland Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, is co-hosting this year’s Maryland Native Plant Society’s (MNPS) annual conference? In this fifth post in our ongoing series of nonprofit organizations, we introduce you to the Maryland Native Plant Society, […] Continue reading "Nonprofit Spotlight – Maryland Native Plant Society"
During three recent events, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay partnered with Nurture Natives to distribute close to 500 common and swamp milkweed plants (Asclepias syriaca and A. incarnata) that we propagated from seed this year. First up: UNIVERSITY PARK (UP) MEADOW DAY, which you may remember from our recent blog, Pollinator Week 2026 Highlights. Meadow Day […] Continue reading "It’s a Wrap on Our 2026 Milkweed Distribution"
Attendees of our July 2026 Garden Chat were treated to an inspiring presentation by our guest speaker, Kerry Wixted. Did you know there are a variety of fens and bogs out there – some of which are calcareous and some of which are acidic. In Maryland, our main distinction is how they fill up with […] Continue reading "July 2026 Garden Chat – “Charismatic Carnivorous Plants”"
Have you noticed that partnerships are key to successful nonprofits? Did you know that Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay partners with University of Maryland Extension (UME) Master Gardeners in several counties? In this fourth post in our ongoing series of nonprofit organizations, we introduce you to UME Master Gardeners, whose mission, vision, and programs align with […] Continue reading "Nonprofit spotlight – University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners"
As National Pollinator Week wraps up, we take a moment to celebrate our highlights. Though the official festivities conclude, the vital work of these tiny creatures continues, sustaining our flowers, fueling our food supply, and ensuring a vibrant, blooming world. A Morning in the Meadow “On Saturday, June 27, from 9 am to 12 pm, […] Continue reading "Pollinator Week 2026 Highlights"
National Pollinator Week 2026 is observed during the week of June 22-28. “Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. The great […] Continue reading "Pollinator Week June 22-28, 2026"
Plant propagation by Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay has moved to Mystical Gardens at NikHaven, the home of Marlene and Bill Smith, our chapter President and Vice-President. After seed stratification and sowing at Providence Greenhouses this past winter, followed by transplanting in May at the UMD Extension Dairy Farm location in Gambrills, it was time to […] Continue reading "We’ve Moved!"