“Rock the red … sage’
Most vegetable gardens are dormant this time of year but Henriette den Ouden, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Specialty Herb Consultant, is harvesting a new plant in her test plot, red sage. “It’s neat,” den Ouden said. She lists the herb’s attractive flower in...
PHS releases top trends for 2022
While poring over catalogs of newly released plant introductions this winter, gardeners may be interested in a list of the top six gardening trends for 2022 released by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Founded in 1827, PHS is the internationally recognized...
Think ‘local’ for holiday gift ideas
With so much talk of supply chain problems, product shortages and shipping delays, finding locally-made holiday gifts has even more appeal than it already had. There’s locally-run brick-and-mortar stores that have lots of options, and, best of all, you can walk out...
Peters jump at shot to get Pascal’s Chance
(This article is part of a series that spotlights historic houses in Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Kent, and Queen Anne’s County. These homes have withstood the test of time and are being given new life by the younger generation that lives in them presently.) Dylan...
Authentic Teddy bears, fur real!
Laura Upham recalls a particular trip she and David McClain made a few years ago to sell furs from wildlife they had trapped. The prices for the pelts going to a wholesale trader were so dismal and had been for quite a while, it was making an Eastern Shore tradition...
‘I Seafood and Eat It,’ from SH&G staffers
There’s an ancient grain, new grind at Old Wye Mill
The Old Wye Mill, Maryland’s oldest operating grist mill, is steeped in history. Built in 1682, its iconic water wheel and stones ground grain supplying George Washington’s troops. Thanks to Caroline County farmer Gerry Godfrey, the mill now offers an even deeper dive...
It’s Wise keeping up with Santa’s magic
Have you ever left a voicemail for Santa? Though Santa Jerry’s number is from Delaware rather than the North Pole, as soon as his jolly voice tells you he’s in his workshop and to please leave a message, you get the feeling it’s “him.” If you’ve been around a young...
Trotting along with Tanglao Carriage
With so much happening at a fast pace these days, there’s something about the steady clip-clopping of hooves that encourages people to slow down and enjoy some fresh air. Cruising through historic Easton, the driver making those hooves go is more than likely Jessica...
A new take: Fall planters re-imagined
For many, fall is an epic time for decoration. Coming out of the bright hot summer, it offers a new color palate, new materials and every year has new ideas circulating. Chrysanthemums continue to be a fall mainstay, checking many boxes for a wonderful fall look. But...
Bringing some Spain to the Shore
Where Miguel Figueria grew up in Spain along the Atlantic coast, small personal vineyards were ubiquitous. Families raised the grapes, made their own wine and shared it with other families throughout the year at celebrations or for no other reason than being...
Pampas becoming a fit for any season
Surely somewhere, a blushing bride has shown her father her on-trend pampas grass bouquet inspiration only to hear him say, “ah, that stuff? It grows down the back lane all the time.” As usual, Dad’s right. The airy, boho trend of dream weddings is indeed something...
Love story: The trees we leave behind
Mindie Burgoyne’s love affair with trees goes all the way back to her childhood. She wrote about her deeply rooted connection in a blog post, “How to Talk to Trees” (https://travelhag.com/how-to-talk-to-trees/). Forthrightly stated, the words are helpful how to hints...
Prices are right for preserving farmhouse
(This article marks the fourth in a series focusing on historic farmhouses on the Mid-Shore. These homes have been in the same family for decades, and are being given new life by the younger generation that now lives in them.) In Kennedyville, just down the road from...
Camellias can grow here
Camellias, originating in China and Japan, found favorably fertile ground and devoted fans in the Southern United States. Despite being traditionally trickier to grow farther north, they remained a sentimental favorite of geographically transplanted Southern...
Taylor family farmhouse rooted with humble start
(This article marks the third in a series that will focus on historic farmhouses in Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties. These homes have been in the same family for decades, and are being given new life by the younger generation that now lives in them.) Outside...
Seed saving: A growing hobby to savor
As summer settles into fall, it’s tough to let go of that urge to garden. Becoming a seed saver could channel that energy and preserve plant diversity. For those on a budget, seed saving requires minimal cost and saves spending money buying seeds. It also helps...
Bought a new tree? What now?
There are a few things husbands don’t like to hear. Well, maybe more than few, but some — “I got it on sale!”, “Look what I rescued!” and “Honey, where’s a big shovel?” can really mean an improvement to the landscape when you stroll in with some trees and ornamentals...
Spring forward with fall mulching
Gardening in the spring begins with lots of optimism and ambition Then, a stretch of unfit weather, a busy week with school or work and just like that, you’re behind schedule and, some years, getting caught up again just doesn’t happen. One option to consider in...
Learn to extend your garden’s fresh life
Are you someone who gardens with no plan to can and prefers to live life fresh-veggie-to-fresh-veggie? But, at this point in the summer, maybe you are running out of ways to keep it, well, fresh. Don’t let your bounty perish on the vine. There are plenty of ways to...
Sizzling summer garden survivors, thrivers
If the dog days of summer have decimated those once lush flowers, take heart, and take note to shore up and prep ahead for a late summer garden way less likely to wilt, even as the thermometer skyrockets, while maintaining plenty of eye and pollinator appeal....
