University of Maryland Arboretum and Botanical Garden

09/09/2026

These large flowers from the straight species of New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) as well as the insect free foliage absolutely stunned me today. They looked so different and better than the many cultivars of New York Aster that I have planted over the years that it took me a long time to identify them.

They were growing in a swampy, wet spot, high in fertility and organic matter with a pH below 7 in the tallgrass prairie at the golf course. There were a few of the same species struggling in the much drier (well drained because of a steep slope), compacted clay, poor soil area of the tallgrass prairie; however, I did not realize they were the same plant. The much shorter ones with a few tiny, pathetic flowers growing in those poor, dry soil areas had foliage covered with Lace Bug damage and looked absolutely awful.

Herbaceous perennial plant guru Dr. Allan Armitage made a statement about New York Asters that caught my interest. 'This common wildflower is one of the largest and prettiest in the genus, but is seldom seen, having been superseded by newer, but not always better, cultivars.' Now I think I understand what Dr. Armitage means.

Today was an eye opener for me as I had no idea that New York Asters are so picky as to soil conditions for them to thrive and reach their potential for beauty! I have not planted New York Asters for years because I thought they always got rust and Lace Bug damage so badly by mid-summer that they were a lost cause. It appears that I did not know and did not provide the right conditions for them to thrive.

photo and post by Sam Bahr, horticulturist

09/08/2026

Swamp Marigold (Bidens aristosa), a native of the United States, is providing cheery, yellow blossoms that are welcomed by many species of pollinators in a wet area in the tall grass prairie at the University of Maryland Golf Course. Swamp Marigold should be easy to spot in damp or wet roadside ditches and other moist, sunny locations this week. Swamp Marigold is an annual in the bean or pea family (Fabaceae) that must be allowed to reseed for it to be able to continue its life cycle.

shared by Sam Bahr, horticulturist

09/07/2026

First W**d It Wednesday is this Wednesday, September 9!
See you there?? 😉

09/06/2026

This is a great article, including supportive plant lists, with information about plants that help provide adult Monarch Butterflies with high quality sources of nectar. The article is by Sarah Dickert, Horticulturist, Smithsonian Gardens.

shared by Sam Bahr, horticulturist

Find out how to create a Monarch Waystation in your garden with Sarah Dickert!

09/05/2026

Even squirrels love the fruit of Fig trees! This squirrel is carrying off the fruit from a 'Beer's Black' Fig (Ficus carica 'Beer's Black') tree at the west end of the Epply Recreation Center. This tree was purchased under the cultivar name 'Beer's Black'; however, it is likely the same cultivar as 'Black Mission' according to some experts.

photo and post by Sam Bahr, horticulturist

09/05/2026

Landmark Rose Sunrise Lantana is the preferred choice of adult Black Swallowtail Butterflies for its plentiful and delicious nectar. This Landmark Rose Sunrise Lantana is located on the south end of Mayer Mall, between the Mowatt Lane Parking Garage and Van Munching Hall is continually in bloom from planting in the 2nd week of May until frost. While some Lantana have waves of blooms with few if any blooms between the waves, this Lantana has continual blooming, making sure that the plentiful nectar is there, just when the adult Black Swallowtail Butterflies need it.

A similar Lantana that we have trialed in the past for a number of years is Lucky Sunrise Rose Lantana. Both plants are the best source of nectar that I am aware of for Black Swallowtail Butterflies and many additional insects including Bumble Bees.

videos, photo and post by Sam Bahr, horticulturist

09/05/2026

Interested in showcasing your best art AND love of insects?? 🎨🐞

09/02/2026

'Flamenco Rosita' Shrub Rose is performing quite nicely at the north end of Van Munching Hall, the home of the Smith School of Business. It is one of the few disease resistant modern shrub roses to have an attractive, strong fragrance. It seems that often breeding for disease resistance means that you lose good fragrance.

photos and post by Sam Bahr, horticulturist

08/31/2026

Large-flowered Hibiscus (Hibiscus grandiflorus) is now in full bloom on Tawes Plaza. It is a native of swampy areas near the coasts of the southeastern United States. It is doing reasonably well in this irrigated area that is not swampy. The leaves are covered with tiny hairs that may give it protection from some insects that are a problem on other species of Hibiscus.

photos and post by Sam Bahr, horticulturist