Features

Corn maze-ing Grace

Corn maze-ing Grace

Farm kids have long been told to stay out of the corn so they don’t get lost. These days, farm kid or otherwise, everyone is encouraged to meander the stalks in the name of fun with the rising popularity of corn mazes. Corn mazes are now a pumpkin patch mainstay, but...

Gardening podcasts worth tuning in for

While “True Crime” and other crime and mystery podcasts get the most limelight, have you discovered the large niche of home and gardening podcast shows? There is so much to learn from them to improve your own gardening skills and practices, without learning how to...

Capt. Bill Collins knows the art of the decoy

Capt. Bill Collins was in the process of painting the feathers on a Mallard Drake decoy as he shared highlights of his journey to becoming one of the most sought-after decoy carvers and painters in the state of Maryland. “There are two different elements of this art,”...

Artists bringing mural magic home

A most welcome recent trend involves gifted artists transforming bare, wasted public spaces into iconic legacy treasures. But a number of these talented decorative gurus have also created mural magic in private homes. Mural artist Michael Rosato, who started out in...

Fallen leaves: Rake, mow or go with the flow?

As fall foliage colors take over the landscape, shifting from deep greens to cozy browns and reds, it’s only a matter of time before those leaves are hitting the ground. When that happens, conscientious gardeners and homeowners have to decide to either let the leaves...

Enjoying the fruits of their labor

Enjoying the fruits of their labor

Fall temperatures beckon you to come out of the air conditioning and enjoy the crispness of the air. And while pumpkins steal much of the buzz, apples should truly be acknowledged as a permanent symbol in our American history. Apples may be the Marylin Monroe of...

Comfort foods-Maryland style

As the heat of summer subsides, our yearning for lower humidity and cooler temperatures tends to grow stronger. And so, it seems, do our cravings for some good old-fashioned comfort food. Getting through those foreseeable “r” months before catching any signs of spring...

Delmarva’s late, great tomato canneries

Whether picked from your garden or purchased from local produce stands, fresh tomatoes are hot off the vines this time of year across Maryland. At their peak, fresh tomatoes are prepared in a number of ways such as in gazpacho, salsas, sauces and salads, while many...

Hellebores known to be early bloomers

Hellebores, also known as Lenten Rose, can bloom as early as January in some parts of USDA Hardiness Zone 7, even when there’s snow on the ground. In a recent GrowerTalks webinar sponsored by Pacific Plug and Liner, long-time hellebore breeder Bart Noordhuis offered...

Let your kitchen cool off, too

Let your kitchen cool off, too

Things are always heating up in the summer, but that doesn’t mean your kitchen has to! While winter calls for warm hearty meals, summer calls for light and fresh — not to mention easy. To ease the dinner and meal rush, take advantage of slower days when you have time...

A common-sight, roadside delight

The signs of summer are many on the Eastern Shore and the opening of roadside produce stands ranks high for many people. Being able to indulge in such a plethora of fresh local fruits and vegetables throughout the season is well worth the wait. While driving along a...

Upstarts egg-static over new ventures

Farmers’ markets are wonderful sources for fresh, local edibles, but also, surprising finds not on everyday supermarket shelves. Many vendors delight in offering more than the expected fare, even when it comes to staples such as eggs. Two such innovative area smaller...

Summer music fills the Mid-Shore air

Summer music fills the Mid-Shore air

Summer is time to do just about anything outside, especially taking in some great music. Whether you like to listen and lounge or hit the dance floor, there are lots of local spots to check out. Head to downtown Easton for their annual concert series happening many...

Be on guard to thwart common tomato pests

Tomatoes are the most popular plant grown in home vegetable gardens and like other vegetables, there are any number of problems that can interfere with growing a good crop. In Maryland, tomato plants are susceptible to several diseases, pests, and, at times,...

Lipscomb fund continues to leave mark

In 1963, Elizabeth Sheer Lipscomb was a founding member of the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore and served as its first president from 1963-65. She left her club with an endowment which came to be known as The Lipscomb Fund, and its continuing purpose is to be used...

Grow a new gardener: Summer activities for youth

You may be sharing the load when it comes to looking after young grandchildren this summer, and with up to three months to fill with attention-occupying activities, gardening ideas can keep them entertained and instill a love of growing plants that could last a...

Daylilies a real-life color-by-numbers

Daylilies a real-life color-by-numbers

Daylilies got their latin name, Hemerocallis, from greek terms for “beauty” and “day.” They surely are beautiful but don’t let that “day” part throw you off! They are easy to grow and while a bloom might not last long, the plants produce plentiful blooms to add color...

Woodworkers: Live on edge with ‘higher power’

Making anything out of wood takes tools and plenty of hand work to reach a finished product. Local woodworkers add maintaining a live edge aesthetic to projects also relies on a higher power. Having part of the piece, whether it’s a cutting board, a desk or counter...

Wildflowers ‘make magic’ for wedding

The joy and hard work associated with growing things has always been second nature to Emily Jackson, the namesake of iconic Dorchester County family farm business, Emily’s Produce, now in its 24th season. Even as a youngster, she and younger brother Kyle were involved...