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Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

October’s Mountain Wildflower: Butter-and-Eggs

Originally a native of Asia, butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris) was introduced into the United States by way of Europe and can now be found in temperate zones throughout the world.

August’s Mountain Wildflower: Turk’s Cap Lily

Its species name of superbum means “superb” and is an acknowledgment of the plant’s glamour and charm.

July’s Mountain Wildflower: Columbine

When the sun shines on columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis) flowers at just the right angle, they can take on the appearance of interestingly-shaped Japanese lanterns.

June’s Mountain Wildflower: Catawba Rhododendron

Blooming in late May and into June, Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiensis) has pink to deep purple clusters of flowers that are so lush and awe inspiring that they have attracted people from around the world.

June’s Wild Edible: Curtis’s Puffball

On our land in Botetourt County, Virginia, this round, white mushroom typically begins appearing in late June and continues to do so through the rest of the summer.

Current Issue

b278bbc8-5202-11f0-9ff6-1248ae80e59d-10-2025butter-and-eggs--credit-Joe-Cook

October’s Mountain Wildflower: Butter-and-Eggs

Originally a native of Asia, butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris) was introduced into the United States by way of Europe and can now be found in temperate zones throughout the world.
aafec0b2-51fe-11f0-9b55-1248ae80e59d-8-2025turk_s-caplilly--credit-Joe-Cook

August’s Mountain Wildflower: Turk’s Cap Lily

Its species name of superbum means “superb” and is an acknowledgment of the plant’s glamour and charm.
6a4d3a0e-51fd-11f0-9a83-1248ae80e59d-7-2025columbine--credit-Joe-Cook-and-Monica-Sheppard

July’s Mountain Wildflower: Columbine

When the sun shines on columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis) flowers at just the right angle, they can take on the appearance of interestingly-shaped Japanese lanterns.
121fc91e-51f8-11f0-b6de-1248ae80e59d-6-2025catawbarhododendron--credt-Joe-Cook-and-Monica-Sheppard

June’s Mountain Wildflower: Catawba Rhododendron

Blooming in late May and into June, Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiensis) has pink to deep purple clusters of flowers that are so lush and awe inspiring that they have attracted people from around the world.
Curtis’s puffballs often grow in small clusters, typically in grassy, open areas.

June’s Wild Edible: Curtis’s Puffball

On our land in Botetourt County, Virginia, this round, white mushroom typically begins appearing in late June and continues to do so through the rest of the summer.
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Departments

Smith Mountain Lake Virginia is a hidden gem within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful area features boating, sailing, hiking, shopping, fishing, and much more.
From The Editor

Sarah Smiles: The Lake Effect

Growing up, many of my weekends were spent at my late step-grandmother’s house on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

June 26, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS