May is the month that the Chinese ground orchid blooms. Like those of many orchids, its blooms are brilliantly colorful and fascinating. But unlike many orchids it is easy and prolific. It is a simple plant to grow in semi-shade in the garden where it will gradually form into great masses, and each pair of pleated leaves will surround a slender stalk topped by a group of rose purple flowers.

WINSTON-SALEM - Guests at the home of Reg and Nancy Banner can walk down the stairs and into the past.

The landscape in early and mid-spring is painted with flowers. There are few scenes that aren’t drenched in flowers. Some seem to scream at us from the tree branches and shrub borders - blinding azaleas and pink dogwoods; subtlety is not their strong suit. Wisterias are literally dripping color from the trees. Every green thing wants to flower at this time of year, and many go unnoticed as the siren call of redbuds follows the fading drum roll of tulip and daffodil.

It could be the Swiss Army knife of the plant world, but you can’t eat Swiss Army knives.

With bread selling for close to $3 a loaf and gas well over $3 a gallon, folks looking for ways to cut expenses have to look no further than their backyard.

Thelma Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at

Don Davis is an Extension Agent for the Virginia Cooperative Extension. He can be reached by calling 455-3740.

I wasn’t sure that my amateurish attempts at composting were going so well.

Thelma Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at .

Don Davis is an Extension Agent for the Virginia Cooperative Extension. He can be reached by calling 455-3740.

You’ve got gardening questions? Don Davis has answers. Davis is an Extension Agent for the Virginia Cooperative Extension. He can be reached by calling 455-3740.

Don Davis is an Extension Agent for the Virginia Cooperative Extension. He can be reached by calling 455-3740.

There are plenty of lawn and garden chores to keep you busy in March. Chief among them is planting.

Betty Boop is always around to greet visitors to Winston Green’s downtown loft.

The story of how her parents met has always been one of Barbara Wood’s favorites to tell.