In 2014 a section of the pasture was fenced to begin planting native trees, shrubs and flowers for a wildlife habitat. With assistance from the Virginia Department of Forestry, trees were chosen that provide food and shelter for wildlife; flowering shrubs were added both for their value to insects and as nitrogen fixers for soil improvement; non-native vegetation was removed and native flowers were encouraged with selective mowing; a water feature was added and brush piles created for birds, frogs, snakes, turtles, and small mammals.
We continually add to the variety of native vegetation on the property. Flower beds are created using hügelkultur raised beds and layered compostable materials instead of tilling to protect the soil’s ecosystem. There are no pesticides or herbicides used at Serenity Farm. As our gardens expand, so does the population and variety of the insects, birds and other wildlife visitors.
Some of what you will see at Serenity Farm Virginia:
- Black Walnut
- White Pine
- Crab Apple
- Redbud
- Hawthorne
- Hazelnut
- Dogwood
- Black Locust
- Oak
- Elderberry
- False Indigo
- Lespedeza
- Bristly Locust
- Black Chokeberry
- Blueberry
- Spicebush
- Wax Myrtle
- Beautyberry
- May Pop Passion Flower
- Coral Honeysuckle
- Stiff Goldenrod
- Joe Pye Weed
- Butterfly Weed
- Clover
- Stonecrop
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Mint
- Lavender
- Catnip
- Basil
- Wild Geranium
- Sunflower
- Blanket Flower
- Beebalm
- Spiderwort
- Lupine
- Wild Bergamot
- Nasturtium
- Black Eyed Susan
- Mallow
- Larkspur
- Aster
- Cosmos
- Coneflower
- Milkweed
Certifications:
- Certified Butterfly Garden by North American Butterfly Association
- Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch
- Audubon At Home Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wild Ones National Pollinator Garden Network
- National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pollinator Habitat by the Xerces Society
