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Wisteria’s pretty ugly truth
I found this wisteria decorating a gate while out and about earlier this week. | Photo by RICtoday
As March closes and April yawns to life, so do the fragrant blooms of wisteria plants around Richmond and in the greater south.
The twining perennial plant is known for its fast-growing vines and cascading purple flowers — like something out of a storybook forest. It’s most often seen climbing up backyard fences, draping across buildings, or clinging to trees alongside streets and highways.
Unmaintained wisteria can quickly grow into dense thickets, like this one across from the post office on Brook Road.
Photo by RICtoday
Did you know? Odds are, the whimsical blooms you’re seeing right now (like the ones pictured above) are invasive wisteria species. Bummer, right?
We’ll getinto one of the key identification factors in the full article.
Be the botanist
Once you’re ready to track down some wisteria and put your species-identification skills to the test, iNaturalist has an online map that actively records local sightings. Dating back to 2016, there are already 100+ reports of wisteria in Richmond, so you have plenty of leads to get started.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger just signed legislation to increase the minimum wage in Virginia, but the change won’t be immediate. The rate will hold steady at $12.77 for the rest of this year, followed by two scheduled increases: $13.75 in 2027 and $15 in 2028.
Announced
Singer-songwriter Jack White is coming to Richmond in September for a “headline festival performance,” which leaves an air of intrigue. When? What festival? My bet’s on Iron Blossom, but there are plenty of other September festivals to consider.
Try This
It’s a straight shot to a $100 gift card. Stanley’s will host its first-ever pool tournament this Sunday, April 12. Sign-ups start at 4 p.m. with a $5 buy-in (or free if you buy a bucket of canned wine). First, get your practice in at these 10+ other bars with pool tables.
Today Is
National Hug Your Dog Day, because you need another excuse to spoil your pup. It’s easy to show them a good time at Richmond’s dog-friendly spots.
Try This
Houston, we have an idea. With our collective sense of cosmic wanderlust piqued in the midst of the Artemis II mission, the galaxy beckons. This map will help you route a road trip to a state park with minimal recorded light pollution — just two hours away.
Health
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU has always risen to meet the pediatric needs of our community. Three years ago, the hospital opened the Children’s Tower, elevating pediatric care in Richmond. Now, they need your help to expand services again. Donate today and help provide unstoppable care for kids.*
Travel
Next weekend is stacked in the Roanoke Region of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. From the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon (aka “America’s Toughest Road Marathon”) to the Down by Downtown Music Festival, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip. Can’t make it?See what’s happening all year long.*
Pro Tip
Never hit the hiking trail without the essentials. This functional waist pack features a built-in bottle holder, large main compartment, and multiple zipper pockets to keep water, snacks, and safety gear organized and within reach. Bonus: it’s under $25.*
Learn
When money gets tight and prices keep climbing, cutting back can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with this list of money-saving strategies and pick one or two to begin. Even small changes can make a meaningful difference.*
The Buy
Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:
🧤 Treat your skin to a little TLC with this best-selling exfoliating glove that removes dead skin + cleans pores.
🛏️ Look forward to snuggling into bed every night thanks to these luxury bamboo sheets with cooling properties.
🫖 Pair your new sheets with this herbalist-formulated chamomile tea to help wind down before bed.
🚿 Turn your shower into an aromatherapy escape with this top-rated pack of shower steamers.
🧦 When you’re craving comfort + relaxation, don this heated blanket hoodie.
I took an immediate screenshot after seeing this shoutout (pictured below) from Axios Richmond yesterday morning. To share some love back, I was super invested in their coverage of news deserts in Virginia and the shutdown of a local AI newsletter earlier this week.
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