Even though I’m much more of an indoorsy girl than I am an outdoorsy one, there’s really nothing that quite beats a crisp 70-degree stroll. And Virginia, in my humble and very biased opinion, has the very prettiest little walks of them all (I should know; I’ve visited 37 states so far).
From exploring Virginia’s only lakeside town to trekking in the glorious mountains surrounding Natural Tunnel State Park, there’s no lack of adventure to explore this Earth Day in our beautiful commonwealth. I’m so glad you’re here to enjoy it.
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Grow local: How to embrace Virginia’s native plants
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Here’s what you need to know: Native plants, evolved to thrive in Virginia’s unique climate and soil conditions, offer more than just beauty—they’re resilient, low-maintenance, and support local ecosystems. For those reasons and more, they make great additions to any garden.
Our top picks:
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The White Turtlehead was the Virginia Native Plant Society’s “Wildflower of the Year” for 2024. The perennial herb is described as rising from a rhizomatous rootstock with smooth stems that sparingly branch above. It features flower spikes of 3-8 centimeters in length that form at stem tips from late summer to fall.
- Catawba Rhododendron, or Pink Laurel, is native to Southwest Virginia, specifically in higher and drier habitats. The mound-shaped broadleaf evergreen shrub gets to between 6-20 feet in height.
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Redbuds are small trees or shrubs with flowers that first appear in spring before leaves emerge. Despite the name, the flower is more purple. Due to the color, the tree is a highly prized landscape plant, according to the society. Native American tribes used the leaves, bark, or roots to treat a range of medical problems.
Ready to plant? Virginia’s native plants are beautiful options for your backyard garden.
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Grab your boots: Virginia’s top 5 breathtaking hiking spots
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Virginia is a state known for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. For those looking to explore the best hikes in the area, there are several must-visit destinations that offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
To learn more about these scenic trails, including hot tips about each adventure, check out our link below.
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Breathe in, breathe out. It’s Earth Day! The national holiday-of-sorts began in 2005 as a way to encourage people to “participate in expanding naturally silent spaces around the globe,” according to the National Day Calendar.
So plant a tree, take a hike, smell the flowers, and enjoy all the beauty our unique commonwealth has to offer.
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This email is written by Amie Knowles, newsletter editor at Dogwood, lifelong Virginia resident, and mom to a fantastic seven-year-old who loves monster trucks.
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