Early-blooming magnolias trumpet springtime
When we think of magnolias, our minds often drift off to a warm summer evening with their sweet, soft scent sitting in the air and their crisp white flowers seeming to illuminate under the sun going down. Maybe our imagination drifts to the south, sipping on some...
Sweet Caroline Historic Homes Tour set for May 17
Caroline County, known as the “Green Garden County” of the Eastern Shore, is rich in agriculture, history and architecture. That will all be on display through the Caroline County Historical Society’s Sweet Caroline Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 17. “This...
Be patient, don’t be intimidated by growing bonsai
Growing a bonsai is more than just caring for a miniature tree — it’s an art, a craft and an ancient meditative practice. Originating in China thousands of years ago, bonsai was later adapted by Japanese growers who further developed it into the bonsai we know today....
Consider planting an extra row for the hungry in your garden this spring
If you’re gearing up to plant fruits, vegetables or herbs this spring, why not grow some extra to donate to your local soup kitchen or pantry? The national Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign, launched in 1995, has been encouraging home and community gardeners to do...
How to garden when you love both dogs and plants
If you’ve ever had a dog, you know they don’t exactly tiptoe through the tulips. I’m fortunate that none of mine ever had a penchant for digging holes, but my late pit bull, Maddie, used to run through my perennial beds like a weed whacker, leaving horizontal...
MANTS offers annual sneak peeks
Looking out my home office window, there is still a layer of crusty snow on the ground — but I know spring will be here soon!. It might look quiet at your local garden centers and nurseries at this time of year, but they are busy spending the winter months preparing...
Regarding trees: When is it time to say goodbye?
A tree adds a lot to a landscape. It makes shade, a haven for birds and wildlife, and they clean the air. For some people who grew up in one place or planted a tree upon arriving to a new place, a long-living tree in some ways becomes part of the family. It’s there...
Starting seeds indoors may be answer
A growing season can test a gardener in many ways, but if you’re starting seeds indoors when the weather is still cold, the answers are pretty easy to get. According to local Master Gardeners, the first rule of seed starting is: Follow the recommendations on the back...
Hey, why don’t you take a hike?
After the snow has thawed, there’s an opportunity to break out of hibernation for both the critters and the humans alike. Pack some snacks and hit one of the great local trails in the area. Whether you prefer catching glimpses of wildlife or a like a bit of people...
Is it too early to prep the garden for spring? Nope
I feel like I just stored my gardening tools and patio umbrella for the season. And yet, with the winter solstice in the rearview mirror, it’s already time to start preparing for spring. Testing Seeds This morning, I sorted dozens of seed packets by their expiration...
Act natural: Maximize a home’s light from the outside in
We all know the feeling of a sunny day. It’s not just the warmth; it’s the way natural light lifts our spirits. Unlike artificial light, sunlight offers a full spectrum of color that can boost serotonin levels, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter! And let’s not forget,...
Garden Club’s Spring Symposium a ‘Floral Fête’
Flowers in innovative forms will be the star at “Floral Fête” — the Talbot County Garden Club’s 2025 Spring Symposium and Luncheon from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 at the Oaks Waterfront Hotel in Easton. This celebration of floral inspiration is...
Mocktails: A complete experience
January is the start of getting back into a normal routine, and maybe even setting goals for an improved one. In recent years, one trend is having a “dry January,” where you abstain or limit alcohol consumption to kick off the new year. Whether you have never been...
Gardening can be a four-season labor of love
I see you, sitting there by the fire with your cup of hot cocoa (or wine). Don’t get too comfortable. You might think you can rest on your laurels now that there’s a break in the mowing, weeding, sowing and planting action. But fall and winter are the best times to...
Make new shrubs with your own hardwood cuttings
Our gardens may be in their winter slumbers, but that doesn’t mean we have to rest: It’s time to make free shrubs! The easiest way to propagate woody plants like dogwood, forsythia, hydrangea, rhododendron and viburnum, among others, is by taking hardwood cuttings in...
Ormes, others help folks find warmth in alpaca fiber
It seems no matter how warmly dressed you are for an outside activity, once your feet and toes get too cold, it’s time to go inside. That’s only one reason why socks made from alpaca fleece are one of the most popular items at local alpaca farm stores. “It’s like heat...
Make sure to have a plan when hunting for planners
fter we veer off our normal schedule through the holiday season and, many of us have to — and are ready — to get back into routine, maybe even one better than before!. Whether you are starting from scratch with a New Year’s resolution to be a better planner or your...
Help your tropical plants survive the winter blues
Dreaming of a beach vacation? Are you picturing a palm tree? Fantasizing about life on a remote island? You’re probably envisioning a walk among birds of paradise, cannas and bananas. Nothing conjures up the feeling of the tropics like giant, lush-leaved plants, and...
Retro toys are still child’s play
You may be feeling deja vu this Christmas season as many of the same toys that made you light up as a child are coming back for an encore! While there is no shortage of new toys out, some of your tried-and-true favorites are making their way back onto holidays lists....
Christmas in St. Michaels offering competition, collectors ornament
Bakers and pastry chefs of all ages and talent levels are can get their gingerbread house games on with the return of the Christmas in St. Michaels Gingerbread House competition this December and a purse totaling $2,000 in prizes up for grabs. The competition is an...
Fall’s a perfect time to plant a tree
If you’ve been pining to plant a tree, now is a great time. The season’s cooling temperatures and still-warm soil mean less stress on newly planted trees, which allows them to direct more energy into growing strong roots rather than struggling to survive the heat and...
