The winter months are ideal for reflecting on our gardens and landscaping. Plant catalogs arrive, and many of us spend time thinking about what grew well and what didn’t. Maybe there are some bare, boring spots that need a little something new – but what to plant? NC Cooperative Extension has a new searchable plant database on their website: http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/. Simply choose a type of plant from a list that includes annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs (and more!). You will then have the opportunity to search the database by height, flower color, leaf color, light, and attractiveness to birds and butterflies. Once you narrow your options, you can select a specific plant to read additional information and see photos of the plant.

I know that I will be spending hours on this site. I hope you enjoy it too!

-Ann Barnes