ALTAVISTA, VA - The Best of Small-Town Living

Altavista is a family-friendly town of around 3500 people, with schools small enough that your child won’t be “lost” in the crowd. We have a wonderful library, Historical Museum, one of the best YMCAs in the state and so much more to enjoy plus we are in easy proximity to Leesville Lake and only 20 minutes to Lynchburg and Liberty University!

As a Certified Relocation Inventory Specialist, a Certified Destination Services Specialist, Certified Marketing Assistance Specialist and Certified Real Estate Appraiser, she is well equipped to guide you through all your real estate needs.

Call Cindi at (434) 851-8522 today!

vines miss the high heat of summer when they are just starting out.

Now, let’s get specific. Here are a few of MacLeod’s favorite pollinatorfriendly choices at Huckleberry

Knob Nursery:

Perennials

BUTTERFLY BUSHES

Their name gives them away. Butterfly bushes can grow large (anywhere from 4 to 10 feet tall) and there are miniature versions known as Pugster and Lo and Behold (anywhere from 12 inches to 2 feet tall). Both bloom throughout spring and into summer and do extremely well in our area’s clay soil.

BEE BALM

Bee balm is available in many colorful choices — from different shades of pink to very bright purples, whites and blues. Better yet, they are deer resistant. These perennials grow anywhere from 18 inches tall to upwards of 3.5 feet tall.

Day Lilies

Despite the name, these are not actually lilies. These large, colorful perennials are a top choice for gardeners since they are easy to grow. The only downside is that they are not deer resistant.

Columbine

The columbine plant is a perennial with a gorgeous shape, almost appearing as if two flowers are growing as one. Columbine comes in a range of bright colors and is known to attract top pollinators such as butterflies, moths, bees and hummingbirds — but thankfully, not deer!

LUPINE

Lupine has been gaining traction in the residential market, according to MacLeod. It’s a perennial that you often see growing on the side of the highways in Virginia or North Carolina. “The yellow blooms are really pretty and can grow anywhere from 2 to 4 feet tall,” he said.

Annuals

GERANIUMS, FOXGLOVE, HOLLYHOCK, IMPATIENS, LANTANA AND PETUNIAS

All of the annual recommendations above do a great job bringing in butterflies and hummingbirds. They are available in a range of vibrant colors, and they also have a flower shape pollinators really like.

“A lot of these flowers have a tubular bloom and pollinators can easily access the nectar there. The color can attract them, and the nectar inside keeps them coming back,” said MacLeod. ✦