(gentle upbeat music) (birds chirping) >>We are gonna vacuum and collect the beetles.

Count how many beetles per hydrangea plant.

And that give us an idea.

If that population's really high we track that over time.

And then you can jump into, "All right, can I release a beneficial, can I spray a selective insecticide, can I do a cultural practice?"

(birds chirping) >>Just leaving a patch of standing vegetation, it acts as a refuge for not just birds, but all sorts of mammals, insects, things that are overwintering on your property.

(birds chirping) >>Production funding for "Virginia Home Grown" is made possible by Strange's Florists, Greenhouses and Garden Centers.

Serving Richmond for over 90 years, with two florist shops, two greenhouses and a garden center.

Located throughout the Metro Richmond area.

Strange's, every bloomin' time!

(crow cawing) And by- (birds chirping) (gentle upbeat music) (gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle music) >>Welcome to "Virginia Home Grown!"

Despite the heat and the rain, my harvest is bountiful, especially the cucumbers.

Today we're thinking about the wildlife that live in our gardens, especially the birds and beneficial insects that enhance those spaces.

Before we get started, I wanna encourage you to send in your gardening questions on our website, vpm.org/vhg.

We'll be answering those a little later.

In the second half of our show, we will visit a landscape in Luray and learn about the benefits that meadows provide to wild birds.

But first, I traveled to the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center to visit Alejandro Del-Pozo and learn about several research projects happening at the station, to benefit pollinators and other insects in our gardens.

Let's get going.

>>Alejandro, I have to admit, it's so good to be back at the AREC station, which is the Hampton Roads Agriculture Research and Extension station.

>>This is a great place we love to be here.

It is a 70 acre plot.

We have eight faculty resident here.

So from expertise in, like myself, in pest management, we have wheat science, disease management, even water engineer, greenhouse, and container and nursery production as well.

So our goal is to provide science-based solutions to homeowners, to our community, but also to the green industry, the growers, the nursery growers, the horticultural growers.

So overall, we would like to provide those beautiful plants for everybody to enjoy.

>>Yes.

And you even do what I call, the best part, is you do a display garden of all these different types and varieties.

>>Yes.

>>Of the annual bedding plants and perennials that we enjoy in our gardens so you can come and check it out.

>>Yes.

I like to invite everybody.

>>Yes.

>>This is 24/7, but I don't know if you want to come in the night.

>>Two in the morning.

>>Yeah.

Or two in the morning, of course.

Yeah.

But it's 24/7, 365, and it's open to the public.

You can make up your mind to see which colors you're gonna combine in your garden or your front lawn.

>>Exactly.

>>That tool, it's available for free here in our station.

You can come in on your own pace.

Everything is labeled.

It's a beautiful garden.

It's a beautiful display.

And it's a great resource.

It's a hidden gem.

>>Yes.

I will be honest, many of the Italian garden designs at Maymont were planned in that garden.

>>Oh, that's amazing.

That is amazing.

Okay.

>>In the heat of the summer.

>>Okay, cool.

>>So that's what I'm sharing.

>>Cool.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

>>It's a great resource.

>>But you've got other resources.

You've been involved with a lot of experiments directly yourself.

So share some of those with us.

>>Yeah, so actually behind us, we have one of the examples.

This is a pollinator strip.

So when we interact with homeowners in the community, the question was, "If I wanna plant something, can that attract pollinators?"

And the answer is yes, you can plant anything.

But now Alejandro, the million dollar question is, which ones will we plant?

>>Yes.

>>We have native perennials like black-eyed Susans.

Those are the poster child.

They are the ones that are bringing the bees, the flies, that are the underdogs for the pollinator world.

>>Absolutely.

>>They are interacting with flowers.

So our research actually showed that we can pay attention to those guys.

Those are one third of the individuals actually interacting with flowers.

So then you have beetles, you have moths, you got butterflies and all that.

But the entomology program comes here at 10 in the morning, 12:00, 2:00 PM, and we want to understand what are the pollinators are doing, are they present or not, which are the flowers they are present?

So all that is gonna be summarized in this little Virginia Cooperative Extension reports that we put together as well.

>>Fantastic.

Where can you access those reports?

>>Those are in the Virginia Cooperative Extension website, there is a search menu.

You can gonna find all these documents or summaries, one, two pages, with all the research that the faculty would put together for the community and for the growers as well.

>>Excellent.

Well, what are some of the other projects going on?

>>For example, related to pollinators, we do have more studies about use of different herbicides in order to prevent weeds to be overgrowing the flowers.

>>Yes.

>>We also have turf grass research.

So we have everything from drought, different cultivars and mowing, and insecticides and all these different things.

>>That's exciting.

It really is.

I mean, it's basically a homeowner's delight to come here and see what's going on, 'cause it all will affect them.

What is learned here will benefit them.

>>Absolutely.

We merge those two beautiful worlds.

So we serve the growers with the science-based solutions, but also serve the community, us as end users, to have that all ability and all that knowledge together.

Yeah.

>>Fantastic.

>>That's our goal.

>>You have another project out here and it intrigues me.

It's with hydrangea paniculata.

>>So here in the back we also have our growing path.

So we have a huge pest called the red-headed flea beetle and it only likes the ones that are potted.

>>That's weird.

>>Once you move them to your landscape, they're gonna be gone.

So now the driving question is why this red-headed flea beetles, these are native, they are in the landscape, - >>Yes.

>>so why they're preferring to be in those containers?

>>Yes.

>>So nutrition, irrigation, you know, substrates and all that.

And the beauty is that we are here with this multidisciplinary team at our station.

We can look at these questions as trying to answer in the years to come.

So stay tuned.

This is really exciting.

We really want to understand why this insect prefer that and becomes a pest.

>>And we need to remind homeowners too, that when plants are under stress, they emit a pheromone.

>>Absolutely.

>>Which pulls in the insects.

>>Absolutely.

Though there will be chemicals that are gonna help signaling the insects, like, hey, I'm a little stressed, I'm a little weakened, right?

So that's why we love gardening, we want to tend to those plants and give them the best, what I call the love, right?

>>Yes.

>>So the more you love them, the more they're gonna be cared, so, yeah.

>>Which ties into me with the other experiment you're doing with the herbicides and trying to understand how to better manage ornamental gardens.

Because we all go on vacation, we all come back and go, oh my gracious, look what happened?

>>Yeah.

So the the first things that we're trying to look is the pre-emergent herbicides, right?

Something that you can get it started with.

Then the other ones is, since we mostly get broad leaves, maybe we can selectively spray in a herbicide that actually goes after the narrow, which are the grasses, so.

>>Right.

>>Why there you got multiple tools that can help you getting those beautiful flowers getting up.

Once they get started, they're a go.

So we want that good start.

>>Yes.

>>And the herbicides can help.

And you and I we talk about this.

How can we limit exposure?

Because the pollinators are gonna come, no matter what.

They don't know if something is sprayed or not.

>>Right.

>>So when the weeds are not flowering, there's still the likelihood.

>>The window, yes.

>>It is that window where you probably consider to spray something.

But once the flowers are out, you don't wanna spray anything.

Even it's against the law.

>>Yes.

>>You know, the label says.

When something is blooming, you don't want to spray anything.

>>You don't wanna spray.

>>Yeah.

>>We've got those bee-friendly labels now and I love 'em.

>>Yes.

>>Because we were talking about sustainability, we understand that our gardens are now the ecosystem.

>>Yes.

Absolutely.

>>They're no longer separate.

>>Yep.

>>That we're all one now.

Well, Alejandro, what else do you have going on around here?

>>Another area that we are doing some research is releasing beneficials.

So we are using drones, and we're using the insects that are reared in the laboratory and bringing it back.

So called augmentative biological control.

>>Okay.

>>That gave us, yeah, it's a mouthful.

>>It is, yeah.

>>But it gave us the idea that you can attack having a pest that's eating your flowers, eating your plants, somebody, in this case, the good guy come in and lower down the population, so.

>>And that technology is making it accessible for growers to use.

>>Yes.

Yes.

>>So it's no longer something out of reach where they had to pay somebody.

They can now do that.

>>Absolutely.

And now you gotta think about, you know, the corners that you know, there might be, you can drop them, or specific areas of the farm that you need them.

>>And people don't realize that growers kind of treat their fields like we treat our gardens.

They know the corners, they know little hotspots, they know the areas, so it's not blanket treatments.

>>No.

>>Just like it shouldn't be in our gardens.

It's targeting the pest at the location of the highest concentration.

>>We would like to promote the scouting.

I've been told, "Alejandro, you sound like a broken record every time you talk about scouting."

But, Hey, that's the cornerstone.

We start with that.

Know how many.

Know what beetles.

Now, why, how, right?

Those questions.

>>Yes.

>>And then you can jump into, all right, can I release a beneficial, can I spray a selective insecticide, can I do a cultural practice, can I change the color of the pot?

>>Yeah.

>>You know, all those questions are gonna come together, and that's the beautiful integrated best management.

>>Please get out in your garden and walk it.

>>Yeah.

Absolutely.

>>And see it and look at it and watch it.

>>Yeah.

Absolutely.

>>So that you understand what's going on and where?

>>Yeah.

>>Even with your cup of coffee in the morning.

>>Yeah, yeah, yeah.

>>Just get outside.

>>Absolutely.

>>So.

Alejandro, I wanna thank you so much for all the work you're doing here, and you're making it easier for us to take our cup of coffee and go out and walk in our garden and have more tools in our toolbox to better understand what's going on in our gardens, so.

>>Yeah.

>>Thank you.

>>Thank you.

>>I enjoy visiting the Research Center and checking out the different projects.

As you have learned, there is always so much going on.

And now Alejandro is here with me to answer our questions, but he's also been here, you know, it's our anniversary season and we've been inviting past guests back to the program.

And you were here last year.

So here we are with again, another great demo.

You did pollinator now and let's see what we have going on today.

So thanks for helping us celebrate our 25th season here of "Virginia Home Grown."

>>My pleasure.

>>Yes.

So, I love seeing insects in bins.

>>Well, yeah I brought you tonight some of the beneficials.

>>Yes.

We're gonna talk about the good guys tonight.

Because people don't realize all the good guys that are out there.

>>Yep, yep.

So here we have some of the ladybugs and I actually made it on purpose.

Here on top we have some of they actually feed on plants, not necessarily all the ladybugs.

So you gotta make sure that you identify properly your specimens that you have.

But usually you and I were talking about it.

The spots are the ones they're gonna give you away.

Why ladybugs?

Because they feed on aphids.

>>Yes.

>>And they're just, devour those aphids.

So you have your tomato plants or something like that.

You want to promote those ladybugs, right?

So then we have all the Carabidaes and all the different beetles that goes on the ground.

They're feeding on all these different caterpillars and other insects that are at the ground level.

And then we have this beautiful, I want to give them a shout out.

This beautiful hover flies or surfer flies.

They actually, the maggots, the immatures are the one that feeds on aphids and they're phenomenal.

And then you have all this different array of wasp, the dragonflies and even the sassing bugs.

So we have everything in between.

>>It's so cool.

And don't forget my friends, the velvet ants there.

>>Oh yes.

>>All that which are not ants, but they're wasps.

>>Yes, yes, that is true.

And they are, they are really good voracious.

And they'll help clean up some stuff.

>>Yes.

>>In the ground.

>>And these are wonderful, but how do we get them to our garden?

Because we try to plant and hope that they will come.

But sometimes they need some help.

>>Yeah.

So thank you guys for the team to do the video.

And also in the video we talked about it, planting flowers are one of the first steps to bring, to welcome these guys.

I called them the little airports, if you will.

So if you need them to land in your property, plant those flowers and welcome them to come and join you guys, because that's what we want.

We want to promote their person.

They're always there.

So they don't know where to go.

You put a flower, you protect them, you give them shade, you give them food, and you give it that alternative that they can rest.

So they will be able to be in your garden.

>>Yes.

And you also identify them.

You don't think that every bug is a bad bug.

>>Yeah, that is also true.

That is also true.

So I think actually I brought you, I brought you something real quick that we have here.

So let me show you.

So here's an example of this is two spider spider mite.

>>Yes, and look at that damage, 'cause of the sucking or the mouth parts are stippling, these little dots.

And that's an indicator.

>>That's an indicator.

So this is pretty common.

When you have in your garden and things and your plants are stressed, you're gonna see these guys.

And definitely you want to pay attention to your watering and maybe trying to release some beneficials if you are into wanting to protect the plants that you're taking care of.

So that's kind of like the idea.

>>Right, so what beneficials do you suggest that we turn to first?

>>So in the video I touch a little bit about augmentative biological control.

>>Yes.

>>And something that anyone can do it.

You can go and purchase this laboratory rear beneficial.

So here I have an example.

One of the most common purchased beneficials are the lace wings.

Here is the presentation of the eggs, they're round.

And the idea is that you can buy these eggs, they're brown and they're gonna be able to sprinkle, if you will, into your plants.

And those are gonna hatch.

And then you're gonna have the immatures that are called the aphid lions.

>>Yes.

The voracious eaters.

>>Yes.

And here's an example of live aphid, oh no, this is not the one.

>>Yep.

That's the one.

>>Here we go.

So some of them might be moving it in the bottom.

So the idea is that these guys are gonna be searching for the prey, searching through all the plants and eating and using their mandibles in order to actually pierce and suck all the juices from that aphids.

It's just amazing.

>>It is amazing.

It's so cool.

>>Yep.

Yep.

>>We have to be nice to them.

But how do they arrive?

>>That's actually, I want to show you guys this.

So these cardboards are actually one of the technologies.

They're the beneficial insectaries will ship it to us because they're so carnivorous, so voracious they can eat each other.

>>Oh my gracious.

>>So they have to be separated individually.

So now you peel this and actually you can shake it.

It's very straightforward because then when you are in your plants or in your garden, you're gonna actually gonna see them going in action and killing the pests.

>>That is so cool.

That is absolutely so cool.

And I appreciate you telling us, because I think we get the them in the mail and we're like, what do I do next?

But how do I do this?

>>Yeah, yeah.

Yes, absolutely.

So there are some instructions, but the best will be, keep in mind that if you're in the heat, you don't want to, these are living organisms.

So something that we need to consider is that since they're living organisms, you really want to keep that in mind and to give them some shade, put it at the end, like close to the evening or early in the morning and then try to put it on protected areas.

>>Sounds good, and some of the flowers that are available that we can use to basically attract these insects.

>>Yes.

>>There's such a wide variety.

>>Yeah and actually these flowers come from the demonstration garden that you guys saw over there.

>>Oh, love it!

>>And there's a beautiful garden right now.

And the idea to bring these flowers is to show all the viewers that there are different shapes, sizes, colors.

For example, one of the experiences that I have is using sweet alyssum during the cold times and actually when, because they really like the cold, that to attract the hover flies, the surfer flies.

So the adults feed on those sweet alyssum and then they're gonna lay the eggs surrounding your garden.

And those maggots are gonna be the ones that are gonna be eating all the aphids.

And then on like that you got the black-eyed Susans all the different ones.

They're gonna be attracting different pollinators and beneficiaries.

>>And it's so important to think, just don't plant daisy type flowers, just don't plant, I'll call like flat flowers like Queen Annes lace and stuff, but to make a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

>>Absolutely.

And also the idea that you and I, we were talking is how to stagger them.

When our start flowering, you want to prolong that blooming period.

That will be the key.

That's the actually the most difficult part.

Trying to piece those together in order to get that long time for them, for all the beneficials and the pollinators together in your garden.

Absolutely.

>>Excellent point.

And I thank you Alejandro.

Thank you so much.

And now we're going to get ready to answer your questions.

But first Serome Hamlin has a tip to share to help reduce some of the unwanted insect visitors in our gardens: mosquitoes.

(upbeat rhythmic music) >>Today I am standing in my garden that I have created into a wildlife habitat.

So with that, there comes insects.

Now, there are a lot of insects that are beneficial for our gardens, but some of them are a nuisance, and that includes mosquitoes, especially in the summer with our hot, humid weather.

With the popularity of mosquito control companies coming in and spraying for mosquitoes, I don't think that is helping with the decline of our beneficial insects.

So one thing that you can do is to build a mosquito trap.

It's very simple and easy.

You just need a couple pieces of material, hardware cloth, mosquito donuts, that kills the larvae of the mosquito so they don't develop into adults, which are what is the nuisance that bite you, and then some plant material that you as gardeners will always have around.

This is just material that I've already cut out in the garden and we can just use this to stuff down in the bucket.

And this material, as it's breaking down, will attract the mosquitoes in.

So we'll just get the last little bit of this in here and, see, what we're doing is creating an environment that attracts mosquitoes and they like to go in here to lay their eggs.

Now that we've got this in, it's about halfway full, then we can fill this up with water.

Pop this on.

(water sprays lightly) The idea is to get the water filled up just above the plant material, and the mosquitoes, they will have this stagnant water sitting here and they will be attracted to come and lay their eggs.

And then what we're gonna do now is to add in the mosquito donut.

Now, with these, it's supposed to last for about 30 days, and this size container, you don't need the whole thing.

You could use a quarter, but I think I'm gonna use about half of it, just to be sure.

We're almost there with the water.

Okay, that's pretty good.

So now I'll cut this off and we can put the donut in.

With the hardware cloth, the mosquito still can go in, but I want to keep other things out.

I would not want a bird or a chipmunk or anything to get in and then they're not being able to get out.

So I've already folded this in so that it could just fit over the top of the bucket here.

Just be careful 'cause there is sharp edges.

Now that we've got this on, nothing else can get in.

So I hope you will give this a try.

It's very easy to do and all you have to do is just add in another donut maybe about every 30 days, and just check the water level, make sure that it hasn't evaporated too much, so you can add water as needed.

If you give this a try, hopefully your mosquito population will go down and you don't have to rely on other chemical treatments that could take out your other insects.

Go out, enjoy your summer garden, hopefully with a few less mosquitoes.

>>And now, it's time for our favorite part of the show, when we get to hear from you.

Make sure to send us your gardening questions through our website, vpm.org/vhg, or on Facebook.

Serome has joined us to help with those questions, and thanks for that tip, Serome.

>>Of course.

>>But I wanna know, what else can we do to reduce mosquitoes around our homes?

>>Well, building this trap, it's not a one and done thing.

It's to take away the next generations.

So, one thing that we need to do too is this doesn't stop you from having to go around your property and dumping all of the water.

So, you've got to be mindful of areas that collect water and keep it emptied.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>And then, the mosquitoes can go to those traps.

But you also, you can use different sprays.

And I don't wanna say that it is bad to have plants that are said to discourage mosquitoes, >>Yeah.

>>but it's a little discouraging on people 'cause they think that they can go and just buy the plant, and then the mosquitoes will go away.

That's not the case.

>>No.

>>There are plants out there that you can utilize the oils >>Mm.

>>to repel the mosquitoes, not just buy a plant and then think the mosquitoes are not gonna go >>Yeah.

>>to your property.

So, it's things like that to keep in mind.

The different sprays, we all know about DEET and there's other sprays that's on the market now >>Yeah.

>>that we can use and utilize to try to protect ourselves from mosquitoes as well.

>>Yeah, that Picaridin, it's new.

>>Picaridin.

>>It's been used in Europe and now it's over here in the US, and it's, I'll say it's gentler on us, but just as aggressive on the mosquitoes and ticks.

>>Yeah, and that's one of the things that people, they don't like to use the different sprays on themselves because one, it's a harsh chemical, >>Yeah.

>>and you don't like the feel, so.

>>Right, and Picaridin has this almost no feel, there's no grease, so anyway.

>>Exactly.

>>So, look for a product with the Picaridin in it and go for it, >>Mm-hmm.

>>and know that planting a plant, it's really kind of a myth, so- >>Yes, it is.

It's just- >>Let's go a little more seriously.

>>Yeah, it is definitely a myth.

>>Yeah.

>>So, just think the plant is not going to stop the mosquitoes.

>>Not at all.

>>It's not.

So, you can utilize the oils to try to repel them, and the oils don't last that long on your skin too.

>>No, so.

>>So, keep that in mind.

>>Okay.

Well, let's move on to those questions.

I think we've given all the information we could on that, but thank you for that tip, >>Yes.

>>that was awesome.

>>And you're welcome.

And I hope everybody do try this and it's not >>Yes.

>>just one property.

You gotta think about all of your neighbors and everybody else.

>>Yes.

>>So, it's gonna be a joint effort in order to- >>To tackle this.

>>Exactly.

>>Yeah.

>>So.

>>So, what other questions do we have, sir?

>>So, one question that has come in is for you.

>>Okay.

>>Uh-huh.

So, what other plants could we use outside of coneflower or rudibeckias to do pollinator counts?

>>All the groups in the umbelliferous, and one of the examples, well, I don't remember right now on the top of my head, but umbelliferous within the family are very good.

If I move away from groups of plants, I will go for the color of the flower.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>So, I do have a little experience working with plants that produce white flowers.

And white flowers like cilantro, for example.

You can plant it for your taco night and also keep >>Mm-hmm.

>>some of the strands to give them flower, and they would attract beneficials as well.

So, white flowers, it's being proven that it will attract a specific beneficial's predators for soft body insects.

So, if you're thinking about getting started, something that has a white flower could get you >>Mm-hmm.

>>some results right away.

>>Yeah.

And when you say umbellifer, >>Mm-hmm.

>>what you're saying are flat-topped?

>>Yeah, yes.

Yes.

Thank you, thank you.

>>We're talking about lantana.

>>Yup.

>>We're talking about Queen Anne's lace, we're talking about >>Good.

Thank you.

>>our dills and all those- >>Dills.

Those are good.

>>Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

>>Exactly.

>>So, yes, yes.

>>Yes.

And I do like the way you point out, you got to have a array of different flowers that are going to be producing at different times so that the pollinators will come in during their, yes.

>>To be honest, that's the hardest part, but I encourage everybody to try it as hard as possible to do that sequential blooming, because that will be the key.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>Absolutely.

>>Good.

Another question has come in across the state now, we're talking about spotted lanternfly.

Has spotted lanternfly made it to the Hampton Roads area that you know of?

>>That I know of, no.

We are keeping an eye on this.

I think several months, somebody contacted me about, and I think it didn't turn out to be a spotted lanternfly, but I encourage everybody who's watching to keep an eye and stomp them.

You see one, stomp them.

>>Yeah, stomp them.

>>Do your part, do your part.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>So, but no, and the Hampton Roads area, we have, I think the closest that we have right now is here in Richmond, unfortunately, that has been detected.

>>Oh yes.

>>I'm so sad.

>>And it is very sad.

And first time I've seen it was a couple weeks ago, and yes, it's... >>They're very colorful.

They're very pretty.

>>They're very colorful.

They're beautiful.

>>But don't bet dis guys.

>>Yes.

>>Yes.

>>These guys are are very bad.

>>Yes.

>>And they will overwhelm the system, that's an invasive.

So, do our parts, stomp them.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>Stomp it.

(Alejandro laughing) >>And you have to be quick.

(Serome and Alejandro speaking simultaneously) >>They are quick.

>>Realize they are quick.

(Alejandro laughing) >>Yes, they are very- >>They don't look like they would be, but they are quick.

(laughs) >>Yeah, yeah, yeah.

>>Framing back.

Where can we find a list of flowers that includes pollinator or each flower that it's featured in a garden episode, so?

>>Oh.

>>Well, typically, we could easily share this list on our Facebook page after the show.

We can go through the flowers that are in that vase and we'd be happy to post that list on Facebook at the Virginia Home Grown Facebook page, so.

>>And I also encourage people to look up at the Virginia Corporate Extension website.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>So, there will be some extension publications they can reference, and summarize some of the flowers if you want to get it started.

Like if you Google Virginia Corporate Extension, get into the webpage, and there is a search box, you can put flowers for pollinators and there will be >>Mm-hmm.

>>some information that's gonna pop down as well.

>>Yes.

>>Yes, the information is always out there.

>>Yeah.

Yes.

Well, the question I have is, we're gonna be talking about birds in a little while and I wanted to know, with your working out in the field and with the pollinators, what's the relationship of birds that you're finding, that you're observing while you're out there?

>>They're correlated.

They're always present.

And the beauty is if we are aware of creating these different heights and strata, so groups of plants, so you have the perching part where the birds are gonna be welcome to your system.

And then, you have the ones that are the shrubs.

So, basically, the birds can move up and down in order to favor the ones that are gonna be the insectivores, the one that are gonna be eating all the insects.

So, that's what we would like to see, having that different spatial component where you have those tall shrubs or trees, and then you have the medium-size, and then you have the flowers, the flower in bed, that would be ideal to have some sort of like an architecture and a welcoming environment for birds, and then for the pollinators and the beneficials.

>>So, you're talking about mimicking basically the forest floor, the forest canopy?

>>Yes.

Yes, yes.

>>Starting with the meadow, the ground floor, >>Yes.

>>and then working its way up in particularly that middle layer.

>>Yeah.

>>It's so important to have that middle layer.

>>Yeah.

>>Everybody gotta remember that our gardens are created ecosystems, so we've got to kind of think of it as maintaining it as so.

>>Yes, exactly.

As Alejandro and I said at the end, we're part of the ecosystem, >>Mm-hmm.

>>we're not separate, so.

>>Yep.

>>Well, gentlemen, I'm gonna say that's all the time that we have right now, but we look forward to answering more questions later in the show, so keep them coming.

And, Alejandro, thank you so much.

We truly appreciate you coming and spending time with us.

>>Thank you.

>>And next, Dr. Robyn Puffenbarger visited Luray to meet with Natalie Izlar from Virginia Working Landscapes at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to learn how their program works to promote sustainable land management practices and how that benefits native plants and wildlife.

So let's take a look.

(birds chirping) >>We're in Page Valley.

Behind us is Shenandoah National Park on the Blue Ridge.

We have 200 acres here, about 50 acres that you're looking at here alongside the river of bottomland.

A lot of the birds like the indigo buntings like this type of field.

So wildlife likes lots of different kinds of habitats.

Closed forest is one example, but we have lots of closed forest around here.

But more open woodlands and open fields like this supports different species than you would find in a closed canopy forest.

So keeping the fields open is one of my primary tasks with this effort.

>>We have what we call habitat heterogeneity.

So we're seeing kind of the woods in the background, this shrubby edge layer, and then it comes into this open habitat.

And you can kind of think of your own backyard as maybe a patchwork quilt of sorts, where every piece is maybe doing something different for your native biodiversity on your property.

So if you have an area that's maybe more open for pollinators, you have an area that's maybe more shrubby, you can just kind of think of adding complexity to your backyard.

>>And so this large bunch grass that we're walking by, this is gonna have some seeds, I guess, later.

>>Yes, this grass is going to be doing a lot for the birds at different times of the year.

So right now while it's just getting started, it could provide cover for a nest.

If you imagine yourself as a baby quail, it'd be much more easy to navigate around a bunch-forming grass than it would like a sod, matte-forming, just wall of grass.

>>And what other birds are you gonna expect to see in this kind of habitat?

>>Yeah, so we will probably have a lot of song sparrows, field sparrows, things that will nest in these taller vegetation.

Indigo buntings is one that we see a lot that will nest in something like yellow crownbeard here.

And then, you know, just more American goldfinches will be coming through, flying over, and lots of things that will eat insects in the summertime.

And then it's important to think about how plants will transition throughout the year as well as birds.

So birds will eat insects mostly in the growing season, and then a lot of species will transition to more seeds.

These grasses and the different bee balm that you see here will really come into play and feed those birds over winter.

>>Wow.

And I'm seeing a lot, like you're saying, of heterogeneity in terms of the plants.

It's not all grass.

I'm seeing a whole lot more.

Is that one of the goals that you have for your homeowners?

>>Yeah, if we continue to add different types of species, the insects that depend on them will gravitate towards your yard.

And then the birds that depend on those insects will also come through.

The way you can look at it is kind of different timings of the year.

So during the breeding season, they're really gonna be feeding their young with insects.

Come the dormant season, the winter, they're gonna be relying on those seeds from these forbs and grasses as well.

>>And a lot of us would call forbs perennials.

Is that right?

>>Perennials, yes, yes.

>>If your home is a smaller landscape, what lessons can you take from this larger property and then maybe use to guide your landscaping and ideas for habitat at home in that smaller space?

>>Well, the first thing I would say is maybe just do a little bit less.

So, you know, maybe if you are mowing your entire backyard, maybe if you see some type of forb trying to struggle up, you know, next time you're mowing, just take a little swerve around it.

Let that flowering plant come through, and then you just have some variety to your yard.

More pollinators are gonna come to that plant, and you just kind of continue that cycle.

And then there's a whole host of other things you can do.

Planting native plants is a really great way to do it.

It encourages different types of birds to you come to your yard.

We also encourage, you know, supporting local farmers, and buying bird-friendly coffee is a really great way to support not just the birds that live here in Virginia, the birds that migrate through all over the place.

>>And so if you happen to have an oak or a hickory or maybe a cherry or a walnut, what else could you do?

As I've heard that trees often are in competition with our fescue, and you can do some other things to support the tree by actually not having grass right up to it.

>>Yeah, or stopping any kind of management underneath that tree.

Something we like to encourage is what we call a soft landing.

So if you have a big beautiful oak in your backyard, underneath it is really important for the lifecycle of all of these species of caterpillars that need kind of the soft landing to continue part of their lifecycle and continue to survive.

So birds really rely on, you know, lots and lots of caterpillars in order to feed their young.

So kind of thinking not just about the tree above, but the tree below is something we really encourage.

>>So you're thinking maybe leave the leaves?

>>Leaving the leaves, not mowing, not mulching right up around the bark, to just give that tree some breathing room.

And then if you do have a tree that dies on your property, it's something we call a snag, it's a standing dead tree, and that is incredible habitat for a lot of birds.

>>And so if you've got a little spot in your yard, how would you maybe build it for bird-friendly habitat?

>>Yeah, we could keep building on what we've talked about, kind of thinking about this, you know, different sort of landscape and habitat.

If you have some open area, and maybe you wanna transition to some taller structure, planting a shrub is a really great way to do it.

Elderberry is really important.

Their berries provide a lot of nutrients for birds before migration.

So something like that would be a wonderful addition to your backyard.

>>What about viburnums- >>Oh, yeah.

>>Some of native viburnums?

In fall, they have some really nice color, and in their droops, their fruit have not only lots of carbohydrates, but fats and protein to support our migrating and overwintering birds.

>>Viburnums are amazing choice.

Also, you know, a lot of people have boxwoods.

You could think about replacing maybe a boxwood with an inkberry or a native holly, which also has a lot of great berries, and it has that cover throughout the winter as well.

>>Are there any other perennials besides like the rudbeckia and the monarda we've seen here and some of the grasses that you'd recommend are native plants for birds?

>>I think if you're going native, you're on the right track.

I think having a variety is maybe the most important thing, so maybe not just planting, you know, straight bee balm or straight black-eyed Susan.

Having those species intermingle and just be a part of the whole ecosystem together is really the most important thing.

I don't think you're gonna go wrong with a native plant.

>>Thank you so much, Natalie, for meeting us here and showing us the biodiversity that Virginia Working Landscapes helps support.

>>Yeah, thank you, Robyn.

Our program is really, you know, just trying to study these native species more and improve conditions for them and, you know, just promote sustainable land management practices all across Virginia >>We see the bald eagles and the ospreys and the woodpeckers, lots of smaller birds, the indigos, and if you go up in the woods, there's the scarlet tanagers and Baltimore orioles.

So I like working with wildlife and having wildlife around, and creating better habitat is just really enjoyable.

And working with Virginia Working Landscapes to help improve the habitat has been really great.

(birds chirping) >>While curating a large meadow for birds and other wildlife is ideal, many of the same steps are applicable to attract birds to smaller spaces.

And now we're joined by Julie Kacmarcik from the Richmond Audubon Society to talk about a variety of bird-related topics, such as bird-banding and citizen science programs you can do at home.

But before we begin, remember to send in your questions through our website, vpm.org/vhg, or through Facebook.

Well, Julie, we've got some really cool stuff here.

And I'm gonna say that looks like a musical instrument over there, but I know it has to do with birds, so.

(laughs) >>Thank you, Peggy.

>>Yes.

>>Yes.

This is one of my big passions.

This is a bird band, bird bands for bird-banding.

>>Okay.

>>I'm involved in several projects.

What you're looking at here is a box of bands.

Bands are specific for each type of bird.

Different birds wear different sizes.

So here's a series of bands.

This band, for example, might fit a grackle, and this little band here would fit a tiny warbler.

>>Interesting, and you've got some big bands there, too.

>>I do.

These are called a lock-on band, and this would fit a barred owl.

>>Oh, wow, that'd be kind of cool.

>>And we put the bands on with pliers.

And again, the pliers are specific to the different size bands.

>>Okay, what's the black instrument in the middle there?

>>This here is a caliper, and sometimes we have to do measurements of the bird's beak or the bird's tarsus, which is the leg, to get a exact identification of a bird.

Sometimes their plumage may not be brilliant red like it is in the summer for certain birds.

So, we use the calipers for measuring beaks, wings, and legs.

>>Interesting.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>When you've captured the bird, I mean, you've put the band on, you've kind of done some measurements, what else do you do before letting it go?

Oops.

>>Well, we weigh the bird, so we have a scale and- >>Okay, let's put it up here so people can see it.

>>Okay.

>>Yeah.

>>So we measure in grams, and we tare the scale with this piece of PVC.

And again, PVC may be specific to the bird's size.

This one is a little too small for this guy, but we put the bird in head first, and sometimes they fidget, sometimes they don't.

And we get a weight, and the bird is completely unharmed.

And then we release it.

>>Oh, this must take just seconds.

You know, if you get it down to a point where you're comfortable so that you're a minimum disturbance to the bird.

>>Yes, it is completely safe for the bird.

>>Oh, fantastic.

>>Completely safe for the bird.

>>Now, what happens if, what do I do if I've come across a bird that is banded?

>>If you're able to see a bird's band, it has a unique nine-digit number on the band.

These bands are issued by the USGS, so by the Federal Government.

>>Right.

>>(clears throat) That is a unique number to that bird.

And you could report it to the USGS by email.

And if they can turn it up in their system, you would receive a certificate, which will give you the history of the bird.

>>Oh, that's cool.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>That's really cool.

Well, I think, you know, when we talk about band-birding, and we talk about the importance of taking care of 'em and such, even in our own homes, you know, I'm...

There's so many birds that we put up houses for, but what are some of the more unique houses that we can put out for our birds?

>>Great question, Peggy.

I know we have so many bluebird boxes up, but there are a lot of birds that you may not see that are sounding off that will come to a box.

Owls are a great example.

Most of our owls here are residents.

So, screech owls, barred owls are what we call cavity nesters, meaning they will go to a hole.

So a snag in a tree or a box like that.

There is a migratory bird, which I band with a group of folks called a Northern Saw-whet Owl.

And that bird does not breed here, but it will go to a box.

>>Interesting.

I'm gonna jump to migration because that's such a big topic and we only have a few minutes left.

>>Sure.

>>You know, I think, and when we think of migration, we think of those big flocks flying overhead in, you know, a beautiful blue sky.

But that's really not how it goes, is it?

>>No, well, migration is something a lot of people don't realize happens.

It happens every year in the spring, and then again, in late summer, which is happening right now.

Shorebirds start migrating first, and the shorebirds have actually started migrating in mid-July, so, yeah.

>>Oh, we're already into it.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>Yes.

>>After that, we may have thrushes and warblers.

These are all migrants which go down to Central and South America.

And then there is a huge hawk migration, which happens, which we can witness here in Virginia.

One spot is in Afton, which has a hawk watch, which starts August 15th.

>>Interesting.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>But we've got binoculars so we can watch the migration during the day.

But I understand a lot of it happens at night.

So, what can homeowners do to benefit that migration during the nighttime?

>>Yeah, migration at night happens all the time.

And the birds are at risk to hitting large plate glass windows.

There is window protection that people can install, they can put stickers on their windows.

But one thing is very important is to turn off lights, turn off as many lights as you can.

>>Right, and in the last few seconds, I wanna just touch on feeders because part of migration is, I have some birds that migrate through and come to my feeders.

And I think so many people think it's a set it and forget it.

And we have just a few seconds left, Julie.

And I don't mean to leave this, but- >>Yeah, no, can't set it and forget it.

Yeah, I... Hummingbirds, which we're all feeding right now.

This is a really dirty feeder.

It needs our attention.

>>Yeah >>You can clean it with a 10% bleach solution, brushes, toothbrush, anything like that.

>>Just get it clean.

>>Mix it with hot water, and then you can refill it.

>>Sounds great.

>>Mm-hmm.

>>Well, Julie, this is so much information.

I appreciate you so much coming in and sharing it with us because it's parts of birding we don't think about.

We just like to look out the window and watch 'em, at least I do.

>>Yes, thank you, Peggy.

>>Thank you.

And next, we're going to answer more of your questions.

But first, Shana Williams has a tip for us on protecting our produce from some of the wildlife that we otherwise enjoy seeing in our gardens.

(upbeat music) >>When I'm just in the garden, I can hear the wildlife, I can hear the birds singing.

And I'll see bunny rabbits just hopping around and sometimes occasionally, I'll see a groundhog running through the garden.

And in the back wilderness is so cool just to watch some of the deer.

And sometimes I'll come into the garden and I'll see deer snacking but I also know that I want to enjoy some of what I'm growing just as much as they probably do too.

I use a metal fence, but it may be too small.

So some of the things that I do is, for the deer, I'll use this type of strong peppermint scent, and I'll put it around the border of the property.

That scent actually irritates their nose.

And also to stop some of the squirrels from damaging some of my seedlings because I like to make sure that they get a chance to grow up before, you know, there's any damage.

So what I'll do is I'll use some just simple plant covers and lay it on top of the beds just so the seedlings can get a chance to grow up.

But what I'll also do is I'll create some arches, and as the plants are getting taller, just so the birds doesn't snap off any of the top seedlings and things like that, I'll just make sure that they're covered using some arches.

But one of the things that I like doing with my tomatoes, and I said I'm going to do it definitely more often, is when my tomatoes start to turn red, I'll use just some simple netting, mesh netting.

But typically with these long rolls, you need an extra hand to make sure that it goes over smoothly and it doesn't damage any of your tomatoes.

So what I'll do is we'll lift this up and we'll securely put it over the top.

And as we're doing that, we're making sure that it drapes over the top and it drapes down, and we'll anchor this in place using some bricks or some sandbags.

So as you're gardening, consider using some of the different methods that I suggested.

Some simple plant covers just to protect your seedlings as they grow to slow the squirrels down.

And even some arches, just to make sure some of your plants don't get snapped off or eaten off the tops.

And also consider using some of this mesh netting to protect your tomatoes and other plants that you have in your garden.

Happy gardening.

>>While we wanna keep some wildlife out of the garden, we do wanna attract those which benefit our garden with pollination, pest control, and soil health.

So it's all about biodiversity.

And now we're gonna take more of your questions, so go ahead and send those in at vpm.org/vhg.

And so let's see what we have.

And Julie, you know we had a bat house over there and one of our questions is, are bat houses helpful in keeping unwanted pests down, meaning, you know, bats, and birds, and all that?

So, share with us about bats 'cause we never got to the bat house.

>>Oh, bats are pollinators as well as birds, and butterflies, and bees.

And bats are big insectivores.

They will eat a lot of the mosquitoes that Serome was talking about.

So bats are very beneficial.

There are four species of bats in Virginia, I believe.

>>Okay, and are there any birds that will eat mosquitoes and other insects?

>>Mm-hmm.

Well, purple martins are big mosquito eaters.

They eat on the fly, so, no pun intended, they, you know, catch them in mid-air.

>>In mid-air?

>>And there are a lot of birds, mostly migrants, like warblers, which will not come to your feeder because they're not seed eaters, they're insectivores.

So I am sure a mosquito would be on their diet.

>>I am sure.

And you brought up a good point.

Not every bird eats seeds, you know?

>>Right, right.

No, they don't.

You may see a bluebird at your feeder, but what they would like to have is berries, mealworms.

They will go to suet, but they are not seed eaters.

>>How can you tell the difference between a seed eater and an insect eater by looking at a bird?

Is there a particular feature?

>>Yeah, if you look at their bill, typically the seed eaters may have more of a conical bill.

If you think of a cardinal or like a grosbeak.

They have a thicker bill, and the warblers which, again, you're not gonna see at your feeders because they're catching mayflies and other insects up in the canopy.

And they have a pointy bill.

>>A very long, pointy bill.

Yeah.

It's interesting.

It's something people really don't think about.

>>I guess the bigger bill to crush the seed.

>>Exactly.

Yep.

>>Yep.

I think just, and I also think when we think about birding, you know, people think you just sit there and watch.

But it's a very active activity.

And it's one that I don't think people realize, connect us to the world because our birds just don't think about our country lines, our state lines.

They go through the ecosystem.

They're going for the ecosystem.

>>That's very true.

>>It's so important.

So we as homeowners need to have our boxes out.

We need to have our feeders out to be able to support them, and we need to turn our lights out.

>>Right.

And we always need to have a water source.

>>Ah, yes.

>>Yes, year round.

>>I always forget the water source.

>>Yep, in the winter, knock out the ice.

In the summer, with this, you know, incredible heat, be sure you're changing it a lot.

>>I think it changes itself right now.

(laughs) >>Yeah, I think you're right.

I think it evaporates.

>>Yes.

>>Oh, yes, it evaporates real quick.

>>Same with birding, and if you want them in your landscapes, I mean, you gotta think it's, you got to have a place for them to land.

You've got to have a place for them to raise young.

You want food source, water, everything that they need to survive, so- >>Exactly.

>>It's just that to keep in mind.

>>Right.

Don't be in a rush to have just a lawn.

You know, have sticks, have leaves, you know, have brushy areas where they can nest, depending on the type of bird.

>>Yeah, and also from a garden standpoint, don't deadhead all of your flowers.

>>Exactly.

>>Let them go to seed, 'cause it's that seed that they need.

>>Exactly.

Yeah, and we even have a question here about, you know, as a beekeeper, plants always die after two years.

You know, how can they keep them alive for longer?

It's take time to cultivate, take time to feed the plants and to mulch them and to, you know, kind of give them the environment they need so that they can thrive, but also make the right choices.

Because as native plants, choose plants of our ecosystem here in Central Virginia, and you'll be taking care of the birds as well as the bees and the butterflies.

>>Yes.

>>So, I think people just don't understand or need to realize that connection of the plants and the ecosystem, particularly to birds.

>>Yes, and and even with that, and going back to the insects, it's a connection between the insects and, you know, other wildlife too.

So if you start killing off the insects, then those other things that you are thinking that you want to see, they're not gonna be there because you don't have the sources for them to be there.

>>Yes.

>>So we always gotta remember that if insects is not the funnest thing for a lot of people, but they serve a purpose.

>>They're very important, yes.

They're very important.

And I think too, I mean I think of right now, are the birds hanging out more in the shade?

Or how are they handling this heat, do you think?

>>Well, there's a lot of changes going on.

A lot of birds are molting because they have had their young and males don't have to try and attract a female now.

They are rearing their young and some are getting ready to migrate.

So they're stocking up on food, fat stores in their bodies.

The water is definitely key.

There are a lot of natural food sources with natural seeds.

Of course, our insects.

So the birds know how to, nature knows how to take care of itself.

>>Yeah.

>>For sure.

>>I think we could help them by planting more flowering, seed-producing plants.

>>Oh yes.

>>Even in the shade right now.

>>Yes.

>>So that they could hang out in the shade with the rest of us.

(group laughing) You know, we have to think about those shade plants for those who are fortunate to have shade.

>>Right.

>>Unlike me, but... >>But I have the shade, so.

>>You have the shade.

Yes.

So, you know, and we just have so many good shade plants for our pollinators.

We have our heucheras, and they create great seed, and our coral bells and they create good seed.

And, you know, we've even got cardinal flowers for those plants that are, areas that are moisture in the shade.

But when you think about hummingbirds, I also think about hosta, 'cause that trumpet flower.

>>Oh yeah, trumpet flower.

Yes, anything with trumpet flower.

>>Hosta king right here.

>>Yes, I love hostas.

Yes.

>>And so do the deer.

>>I'm in the urban garden, so.

>>Oh, okay.

>>Luckily, I'm lucky that I don't have to worry about that.

But yes, so hummingbirds, trumpet-shaped flowers, so, you know, the hostas and the salvias.

So I know my black and blue gets visited all the time by hummingbirds.

>>Oh, I have that.

It's very pretty.

And my absolute, absolute favorite is my lonicera, my climbing honeysuckle.

>>Oh yes.

>>I love that plant.

So do the hummingbirds.

>>And the hummingbirds- >>And the butterflies too.

>>Yep.

>>The hummingbirds and the banding, how would that work?

>>Oh, it's a special hummingbird bander.

>>Yes.

Sounds great, guys.

But we gotta say thank you so much because we're out of time, Julie.

And I thank you so much for being with us because there's so much we could talk about.

And Serome, thank you as always, we appreciate you being here.

>>Of course.

>>You're very welcome.

>>And thanks to all of our guests today.

And thank you for watching.

We hope you'll think more about your garden's role in the ecosystem, not just supporting plant life, but animal life as well.

And remember to sign up for our monthly newsletter at vpm.org/vhg for gardening information and advice from me and the team.

Also, our Facebook page is full of gardening tips, so be sure to visit us there.

I look forward to being with you again soon.

And until then, remember, gardening is for everyone.

We're all growing and learning together.

Happy gardening.

(gentle music) (gentle music) >>Production funding for Virginia Home Grown is made possible by Strange's florists, greenhouses, and garden centers, serving Richmond for over 90 years with two florist shops, two greenhouses and a garden center located throughout the metro Richmond area.

Strange's, every blooming time.

And by.

(birds singing) (gentle music) (gentle music) (gentle music) (soft music)