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March 28, 2023

The Chestertown Spy

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Local Life Food and Garden Notes

Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland Honors Talbot County Garden Club

March 5, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club Leave a Comment

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Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland’s 2023 Marguerite Willey Bowl was recently awarded to Talbot County Garden Club.

District 1 of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., presented its prestigious 2023 Marguerite Willey Bowl Award to Talbot County Garden Club on March 1. The presentation took place at the District’s annual meeting at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville. TCGC’s incoming President Maribeth Lane accepted the award on behalf of President Carolyn Rugg. Federated District Director Jeanne Bernard made the presentation, together with State President Anna O’Kelly.

The Willey Bowl is awarded annually to the club that has best served the District in promoting the state or national objectives of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, of which TCGC is a member. The award’s namesake, Marguerite Willey, was a club president who emphasized Community Service and Garden Therapy by example. Her special interest was daffodils, and thus the bowl is always filled with lovely spring blooms upon presentation.

In giving the award, Bernard cited TCGC’s “breadth and scope of incredible work.” She continued:

“This year’s award winner is a vibrant, highly engaged club whose activities have been particularly emblematic of the priorities embraced by Marguerite Willey. This club, which has been around for over a century now and whose membership is the largest of most clubs in the State of Maryland, is committed to serving their community in many important ways.

“First, they educate their members and the public at large by regularly offering the highest quality programs and activities. They, every year, sponsor a Winter Lecture series, open to all, presenting timely topics and quality speakers. This spring, they are hosting an exciting and elegant luncheon and garden symposium featuring exceptional presenters. They alternate this program every other year with the Maryland Home and Garden Pilgrimage, which is a huge undertaking, opening the most beautiful properties for the touring public.

Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland’s District Awards Chair Anne Foss, Incoming Talbot County Garden Club President Maribeth Lane and District I Director Jeanne Bernard at the awards presentation.

“This club prioritizes civic beautification regularly designing, funding and maintaining multiple gardens throughout their county—the Historical Society, the Free Library, the Gardens at 5 Corners at Idlewild Park and the Frances Plate Memorial Children’s Garden in this same park. Through their new Project Grants Committee, they will soon fund and plant a new garden as requested by the local Post Office. Outside of their regular civic beautification projects, they recently partnered with the Town of Easton to provide flowering trees, benches and periodic garden oases along the pathways of the Rails to Trails Project. The Rails to Trails Conservancy is a national, non-profit organization based in Washington DC whose mission it is to build a nation connected by trails. They seek to reimagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Planting trees and providing the opportunity for the community to connect with nature is a perfect garden club contribution.

“During the past several years when it has been difficult to safely serve vulnerable populations, this club has maintained an active Community Garden Therapy program. On a regular basis, particularly for holidays, garden club members convene to create arrangements for patients at the Hospice House as well as for clients of the Interfaith Shelter.

“Finally, this club has a very engaging Young Gardeners program whereby monthly at the Public Library, they teach students up to age ten from public, private and home schooling environments. As an example, the children have planted bulbs in the library garden and have helped create a book on gardening.”

To learn more about TCGC and its multi-faceted programs, visit talbotcountygc.org

At the conclusion of the District 1 meeting, Terry Holman of the Oxford Garden Club was installed as the new District Director.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news

The Talbot County Garden Club Announces Its Winter Lecture Series

February 7, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club Leave a Comment

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Carolyn Mullet

The Talbot County Garden Club announces its winter lecture series featuring exciting guests.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 11 a.m.
Author Carolyn Mullet will present “Tours of European Gardens” via Zoom at the library.
Talbot County Free Library, 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD

In this slide illustrated talk, Carolyn Mullet draws on her recent book “Adventures in Eden,” exploring the stories behind personal havens scattered across Europe that she chose not for their pedigree, but for their owner’s passion and creativity.

Carolyn Mullet is a retired award-winning garden designer who practiced in the Washington, DC metro area for over 30 years. She received her formal training in residential landscape design from George Washington University.

Tuesday, March 29, 2023 11 a.m.
Kim Eierman of EcoBeneficial will present “The Pollinator Victory Garden: Win the War on Pollinator Decline.”
Talbot County Free Library, 100 W. Dover St., Easton, MD

Countless pollinator species have suffered dramatic declines in recent years. With simple strategies, you can attract and support not just bees, but an array of pollinators that have different requirements. Learn how to create a Pollinator Victory Garden to help win the war on pollinator decline.

Kim Eierman is the Founder of EcoBeneficial LLC. She is an environmental horticulturist and ecological landscape designer specializing in native plants. Based in New York, Kim teaches at the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Native Plant Center, Rutgers Home Gardeners School and several other institutions. Kim is the author of the book, The Pollinator Victory Garden: Win the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening.

Questions about the programs should be directed totalbotcountygc@gmail.com.

About the Talbot County Garden Club

The Talbot County Garden Club was established in 1917 to enrich the natural beauty of the environment by sharing knowledge of gardening, fostering the art of flower arranging, maintaining civic projects, supporting projects that benefit Talbot County and encouraging the conservation of natural resources.  Noteworthy projects include maintaining the grounds of the Talbot Historical Society, Talbot Courthouse, Talbot Library, the fountain and childrens gardens at Idlewild Park and numerous other gardens and activities.  There are currently a total of 109 active, associate and honorary members.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news

Early-Bird Tickets On Sale for Talbot County Garden Club’s Spring Symposium

January 10, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club Leave a Comment

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“Think Spring!” and secure early-bird tickets for the perfect gateway to the season… the Talbot County Garden Club’s Biennial Spring Symposium. Themed “CORKS, FORKS & FLOWERS,” this experiential occasion will captivate attendees from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on Tuesday, April 25 in the event venue of Temple B’nai Israel on Tristan Drive in Easton.

The day’s delights will tickle all senses with spectacular floral displays, a delectable luncheon with wine tasting, exciting vendor boutiques, and three stellar speakers with demonstrations on garden-to-table topics:

CORKS – “Talking Terroir: The Challenges of Winemaking along the Chesapeake” offered by Patrick & Jacque O’Neil (UC-Davis-trained viticulturists/enologists and proprietors of Napa, California’s Jericho Ridge Vineyard) and the Spies Family (proprietors of Cordova, Maryland’s own Triple Creek Winery)

FORKS – “Culinary Gardens: The Life of a Locavore” served up by Chef Jordan Lloyd (Le Cordon Bleu-trained owner of Easton’s Hambleton House Events & Catering, formerly of famed LaGoulue, Per Se and Citronelle)

FLOWERS – “Seasonal Snipping: Planning, Planting and Harvesting for Cutting Gardens to Thrive on the Eastern Shore” shared by Ginny Rosenkranz (University of Maryland Cooperative Extension educator, Master Gardener and regular media contributor on gardening topics).

Early-bird tickets at $95pp are available through January at https://talbotcountygc.org or by reservation check payable to “Talbot County Garden Club,” PO Box 1524, Easton, MD 21601. Thereafter, regular-price tickets will be available until April 1 for $110pp.

Madeleine Cohen, Alden Firth and Sara Robins co-chair the event, which is the garden club’s major fundraiser for 2023. Proceeds benefit the club’s community “green” outreach, including beautification and maintenance of four parks in the Town of Easton; holiday decorations for public buildings; free gardening lectures open to the public; involvement with Young Gardeners, Meals on Wheels, Talbot Hospice and Talbot Interfaith Shelter; and support for the Town’s new Rail Trail Extension.

For questions, contact TCGC2023Symposium@gmail.com

Speakers on the menu for Talbot County Garden Club’s Biennial Spring Symposium are:

Viticulturists Patrick & Jacque O’Neil

Chef Jordan Lloyd

 

University of Maryland Cooperative Extension educator Ginny Rosenkranz

 

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news

Herb Society Meeting January 12

January 5, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The Chesapeake Bay Herb Society will hold its “Welcome to 2023” monthly meeting on Thursday January 12.  Members and guests will meet at 6:00pm at the Christ Church Hall, 111 South Harrison Street, Easton.  The pot-luck supper theme is food and herbs from Chile.  CBHS has a demonstration herb garden at Pickering Creek Audubon Center.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news

Chesapeake Bay Herb Society Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

September 13, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The members of the Chesapeake Bay Herb Society celebrated the organization’s 20th anniversary with a picnic on Sunday September 11th, at their demonstration herb garden at Pickering Creek Audubon Center.

The picnic was held at the tables next to the garden.  The herb garden was started in 2003 in existing wooden raised beds but was revamped the next year to use stone pavers to form beds in a maze pattern.  There are 15 named beds incorporating over 125 herbs.  The beds are separated by pea gravel paths.   There is a laminated list of the plant names available on the entrance pergola.

Spencer Garrett, CBHS Member of the Year, being honored by President Marie Davis for his leadership in maintaining the CBHS herb garden at Pickering Creek Audubon Center.

A highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the Member of the Year, Spencer Garrett.  Spencer has chaired the Horticulture Committee for the last 3 years and has led a small team of volunteers in planting and maintaining the herb garden.  The group meets every Monday morning from early spring through post-frost cleanup.

There is an analemmatic sundial next to the garden that was designed and installed in 2015 by Spencer and other members.  Various Thyme varieties are planted in the corners formed by the ellipse.  Children especially enjoy using their bodies as the gnomon to cast the shadow on the marked stones.

CBHS members attending the 20th Anniversary picnic. From the left, Lynn Kyper, Stephanie Wooton, Ming Gasper, Denis Gasper, Emily Crandall, Spencer Garrett.

CBHS was formed in September 2002 by Lou Russell for members of the community to learn more about various herbs and their uses.  The monthly meetings offer speakers on herb-related topics from the Herb of the Year (Parsley in 2022) to growing garlic, attracting pollinators, to knife sharpening!  There are multiple uses of herbs – culinary, dying, medicinal, aroma therapy, and even industrial.

Make a plan to visit the garden.  The beauty and fragrance of the herbs will be a tonic to your soul, and hopefully an inspiration to make room for some herbs in your own garden.

The Audubon Center is in northern Talbot County, 11450 Audubon Lane, off Sharp Road.  For more information about CBHS, contact President Marie Davis 302-354-3612.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news, Pickering Creek Audobon Center

Harvest Highlights: A National Garden Club Standard Flower Show

September 7, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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On Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 1:00-5:00 pm, the Queen Anne’s County Garden Club (QACGC) will be hosting the District I Flower Show “Harvest Highlights,” a National Garden Clubs Standard Flower show to be held at the Chesapeake College, Health Professions and Athletics Center (HPAC) at 1000 College Circle Wye mills, MD. The show is FREE and open to the public. For further information email cmacglashan@gmail.com or phone 410-556-6241

District I members from the 10 Federated garden clubs on Maryland’s Eastern Shore (including QACGC), as well as members from garden clubs throughout the region, will exhibit and compete their “best” creative flower designs, prized horticulture examples, and botanical arts creations. All entries will be submitted in accordance with the guidelines of the National Garden Clubs Flower Show Handbook and the “schedule,” written by Terry Holman, established specific to the fall theme of Harvest Highlights.  Carolyn Macglashan, General Chairperson for the flower show, along with Sue Hansen, President of QACGC, say they are excited to showcase the talents of District I in the prime and easily accessible location of Chesapeake College. They feel sure this innovative flower show will be fun and inspiring to members and visitors alike!

In keeping with the Harvest Highlights theme, there are special “growing challenges” by members in District I that include competing “darling” dahlias and “gorgeous” gourds. The show will also feature a section of “farm stand vegetables.’

Additionally, educational exhibits being showcased include “Breaking the Plastic Habit,” a Patriotic Programs exhibit highlighting the work of federated garden clubs in supporting Wreaths Across America and the Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Highway Marker Program, and an educational exhibit about Loving Good Bugs (that don’t bug us) display.  There will also be the life-size Harvest Goddess, an impressive figure artistically designed with plant material from top to bottom! Flower show entries are judged by a panel of National Garden Clubs accredited judges who will judging Saturday morning prior to the opening of the flower show to the public.

The Harvest Highlights flower show can be a destination for the day with plenty of exhibits to see, feature programs, and demonstrations each hour from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm.  Learn to arrange a beautiful bouquet of supermarket flowers with District I Director, Jeanne Bernard, make a design with succulents in a pumpkin with Faye Phillips, and learn fall garden cleanup tips with Ken Morgan of Robin’s Nest. And, for the first time there will be a Marketplace with food trucks and a variety of vendors selling their goods.

Special thanks go out to our sponsors for their support: Shore United Bank, Unity Church Hill Nursery, Bartlett Tree Experts, and Mr. & Mrs. Bruce J Valliant.  Also, thank you to the many patrons and district members for their donations.

Filed Under: Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news

Arts in the Garden Friday at Garnet

June 1, 2022 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

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H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown is hosting Arts in the Garden from 5 to 7 p.m. on First Friday. Community members are invited to the Good Seeds Garden at the school to celebrate the arts and watch the unveiling of a mosaic mural sculpture.

The visual arts and music teachers at H.H. Garnet Elementary School invite the community to a special event in the Good Seeds Garden for Chestertown’s First Friday.

Arts in the Garden will celebrate the school and community partnerships in the arts. It will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 3 in the Good Seeds Garden, which is maintained in collaboration with the Chestertown Garden Club.

“This is a chance for us to share a little of what is great about our neighborhood elementary school with our community,” said music teacher Jodi Bortz.

The event will include the unveiling of a mosaic mural sculpture created in collaboration with Kent Cultural Alliance’s visiting artist KaytiDidricksen.

“Our whole school participated in the creation of the mosaic mural birdbath with the artist and it’s going to be exciting to see it completed. What a fantastic collaboration to beautify the garden,” said art teacher Amy Boumiea.

Throughout the garden, student art will be displayed. Students will be performing musical selections throughout the evening.

There also will be fun art-making opportunities, including chalk and coloring.

El ManantialTex Mex food truck will be available for snacks and food.

“This is also an opportunity for us to celebrate our wonderfully dedicated music and art teachers who continue to go above and beyond to give our students an enriched and well-rounded curriculum,” said Florence Terrell, the Community School coordinator at Garnet. “We are so grateful for Mrs. Boumiea and Mrs. Bortz and their connections with the community and our students.”

H.H. Garnet Elementary School is located at 320 Calvert St., Chestertown.

Filed Under: Garden Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, gardens, Kent County Public Schools, local news

Adkins Arboretum Receives Caroline Foundation Grant to Benefit Caroline Residents

April 23, 2022 by Adkins Arboretum 1 Comment

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Caroline County residents are invited to explore the many benefits of nature at Adkins Arboretum! Thanks to a generous grant from The Caroline Foundation, the Arboretum has launched “Nature for Health and Well-Being,” an initiative aimed at ensuring all Caroline residents are able to benefit from time outdoors, regardless of income level.

“Nature for Health and Well-Being” provides free admission in 2022 for all residents of Caroline County. Visitors need simply inform front desk staff that they are Caroline residents, and they will be admitted free of charge.

The grant also funds the Arboretum’s new Caroline Membership, which offers free household memberships to county residents who receive SNAP benefits or identify as low income. Available at adkinsarboretum.org or at the Arboretum front desk, this membership is good for two years and includes unlimited admission to the Arboretum’s 400 acres and five miles of paths, along with free member programs such as First Saturday and Bird Migration walks and discounts on fee-based programs, summer camps and homeschool science classes. Reciprocal admission to hundreds of public gardens across the country is also included. The Arboretum has set an ambitious goal of 300 free memberships for Caroline SNAP recipients this year.

“Adkins Arboretum has been reaching out to Caroline County residents,” said Executive Director Ginna Tiernan. “We would like to provide even more opportunities for residents to enjoy our paths, programs and events. We want to remove any barriers that may be keeping residents from visiting and accessing all that nature has to offer.”

As we move beyond the pandemic, being in nature remains critical to our health, well-being and recovery. A growing body of research confirms the health benefits of spending time outside, with as little as ten minutes outdoors just two to three times a week linked to increased levels of mood-boosting serotonin and decreased levels of stress-inducing cortisol. Exposure to sun, soil and plants are all connected with better health. Through the “Nature for Health and Well-Being” initiative, the Arboretum hopes to welcome Caroline residents who may have hesitated to visit due to admission fees and to provide a resource for healthy outdoor activities.

Located near Tuckahoe State Park in the heart of Caroline County, the Arboretum strives to inspire environmental stewardship, provide respite and healing and celebrate natural and cultural diversity through the joy and wonder of the natural world. For more information, visit adkinsarboretum.org.

The Caroline Foundation, Inc. provides economic support to organizations that provide medical and/or health-related services to residents of Caroline County, Maryland.

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. For more information, visit adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.

Filed Under: Garden Notes Tagged With: Adkins Arboretum, gardens

Bayshore Iris Society to Hold 7th Annual Iris Show

March 29, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Bayshore Iris Society (BIS), an affiliate of the American Iris Society (AIS), will be holding its Seventh Annual Spring Iris Show at the Talbot County Free Library at 100 West Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601 on Saturday, May 7, 2022.  The Iris Show, which will be open to the public from 12 noon to 3 pm, will be an American Iris Society (AIS) Accredited Show.

There are thousands of different irises that are named and registered with the American Iris Society, with about 1,000 new introductions each year. Local gardeners will be showing off a variety of Irises currently in bloom on the Eastern Shore.  We welcome gardeners from across the bay or other states to exhibit at this show.  Anyone (except judges and their families) may enter named Iris in the show if they bring their cut, blooming iris stalks to the show between 9:00 am and 10:00 am to the Talbot County Free Library.

Photo by Pat McNeal of previous Iris Show Winners

Selecting a good specimen includes choosing a stalk that has well-balanced branching of flower buds with at least one open, fresh flower. Cut the stalk off at just above ground level with a sharp, clean knife; place the iris cutting in water and transport to the Talbot County Free Library. A container will be provided at the show to pose your specimens and members will be happy to assist you. If you don’t know the name of your irises, bring them to the show as our members might be able to help with identification.

To promote Bayshore Iris Society (BIS) and the growing and enjoyment of Irises on the Eastern Shore, Iris Show attendees may sign up for a FREE trial membership in the American Iris Society by joining the Bayshore Iris Society for $10 Membership. Membership Applications for the Bayshore Iris Society will be at the Iris Show. The AIS Print Membership for brand new members only is valued at $30 for single membership, $35 for dual membership and includes AIS Publications of Iris printed three times a year. The Bayshore Iris Society meets monthly, usually on the second Thursday in Easton area. Members learn how to successfully grow and show irises and enjoy guest speakers.

For more information about, or to join, the AIS, visit www.irises.org. Persons wanting more information or show rules should contact Pat McNeal, founder of Bayshore Iris Society and Show Co-Chair, by email at thegoodlife4all@verizon.net / phone at 443-786-3668 OR Co-Chair Pat Rhodes, by email at chestnutvalefarm@gmail.com / phone at 410-310-0102.

McNeal has grown more than 500 different irises and hybridizes irises in addition to selling them locally and countrywide. This year she is introducing a new brown iris named ‘Harriet Tubman’ as her contribution to the 200th anniversary celebration of Tubman’s birth!   McNeal is locally known as “The Iris Lady” from when she used to sell the rhizomes at the Easton Farmers’ Market from 2007 through 2019. She is always happy to give free advice on how to grow irises, and she donates irises to non-profit organizations for fundraising activities.  McNeal has been a member of the American Iris Society since 2008.

Filed Under: Garden Notes Tagged With: gardens, local news

Chestertown Garden Club Named Most Engaged Club in District 1

March 23, 2022 by Spy Desk

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Chestertown Garden Club named most engaged club in District 1.  Eight members received distinguished awards at the annual meeting of Federated Garden Clubs on March 17th at Talbot County Country Club.

Annette Richter Photography Award – $50 cash prize for 1st place to Susan Flanigan capturing a Cherokee Brave Dogwood bloom.  Honorable Mention to Marta McCave for her Passion Flower Vine

District Director’s Photography Award – $50 cash prize for 1st place to Sharon Lewandowski for capturing a special moment with a Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly.

Second place to Susan Flanigan for her sweet American Robin babies.  Honorable Mention to Marta McCave for capturing a moment with a Katydid.

Harry C. Reynolds Photography Award – Honorable Mention to Susan Flanigan for the peach tree in full bloom.

Mary F. Fitzpatrick Photography Award – Second place to Susan Flanigan showing a stunning flower arrangement in ceramic cylinder.

Jean Lowry Sustainable Landscape Award – $500 cash prize to Chestertown Garden Club for the Garnet Good Seeds Garden project.

Yearbook Award – Second Place in 51+ members to Chestertown Garden Club.

Director’s Commendation Award for Most Engaged Garden Club to Chestertown Garden Club.

The Chestertown Garden Club and District 1 Perennial Bloom Winner Beryl Kemp has been submitted for a State and Regional Award.

The Garnet Good Seeds Garden Award application will be submitted for National recognition.

Congratulation to all award winners and the unstoppable spirit of Chestertown Garden Club.

Filed Under: Garden Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, gardens, local news

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