Chances are you have run across these delicious looking berries while visiting the Outer Banks.  They look so good, but are they safe to eat?  Absolutely! We have been picking black raspberries in Corolla for years, starting as early as May.  Each year we find more plants, although some years the fruit is larger than others. If you go black raspberry picking in the Outer Banks, be careful of the sharp thorns as you reach for the fruit.  You should also watch for ticks, as we have come across both adult and nymph ticks throughout the brush.  And finally, "leaves of three, let it be."  Be sure you don't brush against any poison ivy as you pick this wond...

The beautiful Outer Banks are filled with wild sea oats, bitter penicum and American beach grass.  These plants simply thrive in the dry, salty conditions of the Outer Banks.  But there are some other interesting plants and trees growing along the beach areas that just may surprise you! Your rental cottage just might be bordered by shrubbery containing almost gray looking waxy berries.  These are bayberries, often used in making candles and other scented items.  Campers have been known to place sprigs of bayberry around their tents to repel insects.  Bayberries are also used to flavor uniquely spiced beers.  Not many birds can tolerate the waxy coating of a...