Brent and Becky’s Bulbs

Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, a family owned and operated garden center, is located just a few miles northeast of downtown Gloucester, on the fittingly named Daffodil Lane. The garden center is situated on 18 acres which includes approximately eight acres of educational gardens focused on varying, rotating themes. The farm utilizes sustainable, chemical-free growing practices which ensure an abundance of viewing opportunities for butterflies, birds, and numerous other pollinators during the growing season.

Walking the gardens can reward viewers with sightings of monarchs and a variety of swallowtail species, including Virginia’s state insect – the Eastern tiger swallowtail, fluttering from one bloom to the next.  More than 15 other butterfly and moth species, including long-tailed skippers, have been observed on the property making this an ideal location for butterfly watching. Furthermore, numerous aquatic features on site support dragonflies, fish, frogs, and also serve as bathing location for birds.

In addition to the gardens, the southern edge of the farm borders a mixed pine-hardwood tree line and drainage ditch that is attractive to many woodpecker species. In winter, red-breasted nuthatches, ruby-crowned kinglets, and pine warblers can be seen with relative ease, while the warmer months bring a handful of attractive breeders like yellow-billed cuckoos, summer tanagers, and common yellowthroats — making this a good site for beginner birders to get to know some of the more common, albeit still charismatic species.