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September 24, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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Local Life Food and Garden Notes

Talbot County Garden Club Underwrites Fresh Landscaping for Post Office

June 30, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club

The Talbot County Garden Club has awarded its 2023 Project Grant to redesign and re-landscape the grounds in front of the U.S. Post Office on Dover Street. “This award recognizes that replacing the Post Office’s aging landscape with fresh plantings will not only beautify the grounds but also be welcoming to the many local residents who regularly visit that facility,” said the club’s incoming president Maribeth Lane.

The Post Office project was initiated and overseen by TCGC member Paige Connelly, assisted by Lane and immediate past president Carolyn Rugg. The landscaping was professionally installed by McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Talbot County Garden Club members Paige Connelly, Maribeth Lane and Carolyn Rugg check out the newly installed greenery gracing the front of the Easton Post Office with USPS Easton Post Master Billy Mercier.

TCGC introduced its Project Grant Program in 2022 with its first venture providing funds for the design and acquisition of greenery and benches along the new 2.5-mile Rail Trail Extension in Easton.

According to Lane, “The Talbot County Garden Club is thoroughly committed to supporting projects that benefit our community and enrich the natural beauty of our environment.”

For more information about Talbot County Garden Club, visit talbotcountygc.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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

Talbot County Garden Club Rededicates Fountain Garden at Five Corners in Easton

May 6, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club

Members of the Talbot County Garden Club, public officials, and family members of the late Fran Stout and Jean Barnes gathered on May 2 to rededicate the Fountain Garden in Idlewild Park, that has become a landmark in the Town of Easton.

The Italianate fountain, located where Washington, Harrison, Idlewild, and Peachblossom intersect, was in total disarray 35 years ago when Fran Stout rescued it from a home on Aurora Street. Dr. Gibson Packard, the late husband of member Mary Frances Packard and a retired orthopedic surgeon in Easton, was also a skilled metal worker and volunteered to repair the fountain.

The Town installed it, and the Talbot County Garden Club designed the gardens around it with Stout and Barnes spearheading the project. The Fountain and gardens were deeded to the Town of Easton in 1990, and the Club was awarded the Governor’s Silver Bowl for Beautification in 1992.

The fountain provided the perfect centerpiece for the rededication ceremony. (Photo by Pam Keeton)

Thirty-three years later, the Club still works almost year-round maintaining the garden. Thanks to a generous gift from the Stout family, the garden around the fountain was recently refreshed, including the addition of a beautiful stone wall.

“We all know the Fountain at Five Corners as an Easton landmark,” said Club President Carolyn Rugg during the ceremony. “Water shoots from its apex, then gradually cascades over three layers of ornate horizontal black plates, before tumbling to the ground. The backdrop for this kinetic water show is an enchanting, ever-changing display of flowers, shrubs, grasses, and trees enjoyed by all who drive and walk by.”

Mayor Robert Willey was on hand to present a key to the town to Rug, and county council members Keasha Haythe and David Stepp presented the Club with a Council Commendation for the support of continuous beautification of the County.

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.  Most recently, the Club enhanced the Town’s new Rail Trail Spur and plans are underway for the Club to support a new design and landscaping in front of the U.S. Post Office on Dover Street.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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

Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland Honors Talbot County Garden Club

March 5, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club

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.

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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

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 to[email protected].

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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

The Talbot County Garden Club Announces Its Winter Lecture Series

January 11, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club

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

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

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 11 a.m.
Author Marta McDowell will present a program entitled “All the Presidents’ Gardens.”
Easton Fire House, 315 Aurora Drive, Easton, MD

Marta McDowell

The fascinating story of America’s first garden! The eighteen acres that surround the White House have been an unwitting witness to history–a backdrop for soldiers, suffragettes, protestors, and activists. Kings and queens have dined there; bills and treaties have been signed; and presidents have landed and retreated. The front and back yard for the first family, it is by extension the nation’s first garden.

Marta McDowell lives, writes and gardens in Chatham, New Jersey. She shares her garden with her husband, Kirke Bent, their crested cockatiel, Sydney, and assorted wildlife. Her garden writing has appeared in popular publications such as Woman’s Day, Country Gardening, The New York Times. She is a regular contributor to the British journal Hortus.

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 to [email protected].

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes Tagged With: Gardening, local news, The Talbot Spy

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

January 10, 2023 by Talbot County Garden Club

“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 [email protected]

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

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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

TCGC Plans Spring Benefit: A Symposium That Blends Learning with Fun

October 29, 2022 by Talbot County Garden Club

In a county that relies on volunteerism, the Talbot County Garden Club plays an essential role. TCGC voluntarily supplies community-enhancing “green” works – beautification and maintenance of four parks in the Town of Easton; holiday decorations for public buildings; free horticulture lectures open to the public; engagement with Young Gardeners, Meals on Wheels, the Talbot Hospice and Interfaith Shelter; and a partnership with financial support to develop the Town’s new Rail Trail Extension.

Each year, the garden club raises funds to help support such ventures. In 2022, the club’s Talbot County Tour of the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage provided a $10,000 donation toward restoration of Joseph’s Cottage at the Talbot Historical Society. On April 25, 2023, the club will hold the coming year’s major fundraiser, a Spring Symposium focused on “CORKS, FORKS & FLOWERS.”

TCGC’s Symposium Planning Committee is designing an exciting, experiential garden-to-table educational event – with generous scoops of fun – for April 25, 2023.

This Symposium is envisioned as a serious garden-to-table learning experience, peppered with fun. It will cover the science of growing and savoring flowers, herbs and grapes, with experts covering all three areas:

Ginny Rosenkranz (University of Maryland Cooperative Extension educator and TV personality known for her lively segments on plant care and gardening): “Seasonal Snipping: Planning, Planting and Harvesting Flowers for Cutting Gardens to Thrive on the Eastern Shore.”

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

Jordan Lloyd (Le Cordon Bleu Pittsburgh-trained owner/chef at Easton’s Hambleton House Events & Catering, formerly of the Wylder Hotel, Bartlett Pear Inn, La Goulue, Per Se and Citronelle and Easton native): “Culinary Gardens: The Life of a Locavore.”

For fun, the Symposium will include a “welcome” coffee service, plated luncheon, fabulous floral displays, exclusive vendor boutiques, a silent auction, cooking demo and wine tasting – presented along with fresh ideas for entertaining.

At a recent TCGC meeting, Sara Robins, Alden Firth and Madeleine Cohen, co-chairs of the club’s biennial Symposium, shared plans for a delectable spring 2023 event.

Leading the TCGC Symposium Planning Committee are co-chairs Madeleine Cohen, Alden Firth and Sara Robins. Serving on the committee are Ingrid Blanton, Laura Carney, Mary Helen Cobb, Paige Connelly, Eleanor Denegre, Colleen Doremus, Kim Eckert, Rebecca Gaffney, Myra Gons, Carol Harrison, Fran Jenkins, Anne Jelich, Pam Keeton, Nancy Laplante, Hatsie Long, Anna Maria Malin, Camille Massie, Rita Mhley, Paula Murcott, Karen Parker, Cindy Pease, Chloe Pitard, Virginia Sappington, Lucy Spiegel, and Nancy Thompson.

The event will take place at Temple B’nai Israel’s venue space in Easton. For details and special advance-sale tickets, visit talbotcountygc.org/events/tcgc-symposium/. To support the Symposium and the good work that TCGC does in the community, contact the committee chairs at [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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

Historic Cabinetmakers Home Gets a Facelift

July 31, 2022 by Talbot County Garden Club

From left, Talbot Historical Society principals, General Manager Peggy Morey and Vice President Al Silverstein, received a substantial check from TCGC President Carolyn Rugg at a ceremony in front of Joseph’s Cottage in the Society’s garden on July 8. Attending were TCGC Treasurer Fran Jenkins and Tour Chair Eleanor Denegre.

The Talbot County Garden Club (TCGC) recently donated $10,000 towards the restoration of Joseph’s Cottage, the home of Joseph Neall, an 18th century cabinetmaker, on the grounds of the Talbot County Historical Society in Easton.  Funds were made possible by the recent, successful Talbot County Tour of the Maryland Home & Garden Pilgrimage, which drew more than 1,000 visitors despite miserable weather.

TCGC began its association with the Historical Society in 1956 when it contributed funds to purchase the 1804 home of Joseph’s brother, James.  Both Nealls were Quakers and early Abolitionists.The two cottages are located in the rear of the Society’s pubic gardens.

“There is a lot of history connected to this property,” noted Al Silverstein, Talbot Historical Society’s vice president.

Joseph’s Cottage could take up to 18 months to restore.  When it’s finished, it will open it as a tour site and exhibition area.  That’s when TCGC begins to work its magic.

“We look forward to the day when the cottage restoration is complete,” said TCGC President Carolyn Rugg, “so we can begin planning for the gardens to grace it, to ensure the Historical Society Garden endures as a horticultural gem within the Town of Easton.”

Proceeds from the Talbot County Tour also help fund TCGC programs that include work in this and other Easton gardens and green spaces, free public lectures, children’s programs, holiday decorations, and floral donations to Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, and more.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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

Save the Date: Six Celebrated Private Properties on Talbot County Tour, May 7

March 8, 2022 by Talbot County Garden Club

An array of exciting Eastern Shore properties await your visit during the Talbot County portion of the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage, Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The Talbot County Tour is exceptional and not to be missed!

The Tour gives you rare access to some of Maryland’s most iconic homes and gardens, reflecting the unique beauty of Talbot County: the William Mason Shehan House, Riverbank, Shipshead Farm, Leggacy, Gross Coate Farm, and Ashby – all near Easton. The Tour will include stops at the Talbot Historical Society Gardens and the historic Third Haven Friends Meeting House.

The Talbot County Garden Club, which organizes the Tour, has participated in the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage since its inception in 1939. As a fundraiser, this year’s Tour will support the renovation of Joseph’s Cottage (c1797-98) at theHistorical Society and the club’s roster of civic projects. These include the design and maintenance of five public gardens in the Town of Easton, plus free gardening lectures, a children’s environmental ed program, holiday decorations for the town, floral presentations for Hospice and Meals on Wheels, and more.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. To purchase advance-sale tickets, go to https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5342165

Here are insights into each of the Tour’s celebrated historic properties and waterfront estates – all sure to regale you with beguiling floral arrangements indoors and exquisite spring gardens outdoors:

William Mason Shehan House

WILLIAM MASON SHEHAN HOUSE: Constructed in 1909-1910 in the Colonial Revival style, the William Mason Shehan House is one of Easton’s most distinguished homes. As Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Talbot County, Shehan resided in this home with his family until his death in 1941. Upon entering this lovely home, you will find an airy foyer and grand staircase, a dining room with bay windows offering wonderful natural light, a sunroom with wrap-around windows and relaxed views, and a welcoming kitchen with a serene color palette. The rear yard is an island of tranquility with a guest house and pool visually connected to the main house through the use of trellises and magnificent landscaping.

Riverbank

RIVERBANK: Filled with a crisp, elegant blue and white interior, this charming house is nestled along the banks of Dixon Creek, just off the Tred Avon River. Local lore has it that a smitten young landowner fell in love with Mary Lee of Virginia and named his land “Lee Haven” in honor of his bride-to-be. Alas, the marriage never took place, but the name held. Much of the property is lushly shaded with older trees and an impressive display of peonies, camellias, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons. With winding pathways throughout, the garden continues to evolve with fresh plantings and new spaces such as the creekside firepit for friends and family to enjoy. Follow the brick walk to the rear of the house to take in the waterside garden and always-blooming living shoreline just feet from the water’s edge. This delightful property is a horticulturist’s dream!

Shipshead Farm

SHIPSHEAD FARM: Sheepshead Point Farm was referenced in Talbot County documents with a land patent of 1664. Its 18th century three-story manor house was recently renovated to accommodate 21st century living. The original portion of the house sits on a brick foundation with frame and brick nogging in the walls. The oval stairway and heart pine flooring on all levels of the main house are original. Additions allow for a private master suite with garden and farm views of grazing wildlife and numerous species of migrating waterfowl, as well as new kitchen, dining room and great room. Backyard pathways are highlighted by a variety of grasses, crepe myrtles and perennials. Paths lead to a pond-like swimming pool, butterfly gardens and expansive farm fields beyond. Sensitivity in conserving farmland from development and creating a mecca for wildlife were foremost on owners’ minds over the last 30 years and they hope you will find your own sense of peace as you walk the grounds.

Leggacy

LEGGACY: The back of this 1870s Victorian overlooks a large lawn with old, stately trees and a pool located halfway to the Miles riverbank. The house is built in the “shingle style,” popular in late 19th century Northeastern coastal areas for those seeking a rustic rather than formal Victorian look. Covered in butter-yellow scalloped shingles, the house has wide wrap-around porches and a complex, asymmetrical roofline formed by dormers, bay windows and a wide turret. Throughout the house, soft wall colors set off dark pine floors and high gloss cream paint highlights original, restored Victorian moldings. The house’s renovation preserved historic features, including a pair of iron brackets mounted on either side of the front doorjamb. They originally held a large iron bar across the door that was the 19th century version of locking up at night. Established around 1680, the now-extinct Miles River Ferry transported passengers via canoe and later a flat-bottomed boat that docked here. Before the first Miles River Bridge was built in 1858, ferry was the only way to cross the river to access Easton or St. Michaels.

Gross Coate Farm

GROSS COATE FARM: The large brick dwelling, located at the confluence of Gross Creek, Lloyd Creek and the Wye River, is a Georgian masterpiece, dating from 1760. The property was originally patented to William Gross by Lord Baltimore in 1658, then owned by the Tilghman family for two and a half centuries. Author Christopher Weeks writes of this gracious plantation house: “The house grew and changed in a leisurely fashion with the family fortunes.” In 1914 while significant changes were undertaken, an intricately carved mantel was rescued from the barn. The dining room floors were made from walnut trees, blown down by a hurricane. The wood was cured by lying in the river for several years. The wrap-around porch was designed to unite the house’s many varied additions. The creamery, smokehouse, laundry, carriage house, and stable are of interest, as are the very old, magnificent trees, several of which are state champions. The present owners have added a small Roman Catholic chapel, consecrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington in 2016. It is dedicated to Maryland’s Elizabeth Ann Seton, America’s first female saint. All are welcome to visit and say a little prayer!

Ashby

ASHBY: Situated on Goldsborough Neck overlooking the Miles River, Ashbywas built in 1858 by Robert Goldsborough and his wife Elizabeth Greenberry. Ashby was designed with a romantic sensibility on the highest point of land facing south with a rolling lawn and two-mile vista of the river. The addition of a Colonial Revival portico in 1941 created a more formal Georgian mansion from the otherwise informal Italianate dwelling. The building is two bays wide, two bays deep and constructed on a brick foundation, reputedly part of an earlier foundation. An elegant entry hall features impressive high ceilings and the floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room illuminate the expansive interior rooms that overlook the river. Over nine generations, the family and original owners – descendants of Nicholas Goldsborough who emigrated from England to Kent Island about 1670 – played an influential role in Maryland and national politics. North of the house is the family cemetery enclosed by a high brick wall and stately gate. Many Goldsboroughs are buried here.

Third Haven Friends Meeting House

THIRD HAVEN FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE: Completed in 1684, this is the oldest documented building in the state. As one of only a handful of 17th century buildings to survive in Maryland’s Tidewater region, it is listed with the Maryland Historical Trust. At the time of its construction, there were many small Quaker meetings in the area and it was attended as a general “Meetinghouse” rather than as a place of local worship. By the end of the 17th century, the smaller meetings closed down and their members traveled more frequently to Third Haven. Meeting for worship continues to the present. Originally built in a modified cruciform, it was enlarged to its present shape in 1797-98. The sliding panels, which divide the large room, were closed to provide for separate men’s and women’s business meetings.

Talbot Historical Society Gardens

TALBOT HISTORICAL SOCIETY GARDENS: You are invited to tour the Gardens of the Historical Society of Talbot County, maintained by Talbot County Garden Club members. Enter through the North Terrace on Washington Street. The hand-wrought iron Entrance Gate incorporates the Historical Society’s “Star” logo and complements other iron gates, including an antique gate from New Orleans and the half-circle fence and gate providing entry from Glenwood Avenue. The garden along the brick walkway includes boxwood, spring and fall blooming camellias, native oak leaf hydrangeas, and sweet bay magnolias. The main garden has rectangular beds, typical of classical garden design in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Alice D. Huxley Herb Garden has lovely brickwork and a sundial as its focal point. The garden’s picket fence was designed after that of the Chase-Lloyd Garden in Annapolis. The garden adjacent to the Glenwood Avenue wall, with an undulating edge, is planted with native shrubs including sweetspire, summersweet and bottlebrush buckeye, and shade-loving annuals and perennials. The South Terrace Garden was a gift of the Garden Club in 1961. Enjoy these beloved in-town gardens.

Check TCGC’s website for further Tour details and for the lunch menu:www.talbotcountygc.org
A delicious $17 box lunch will be available for pickup from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. by advance reservation only at the Third Haven Friends Meeting House. Checks for box lunch orders must be received by May 2, with checks payable to TCGC (Talbot County Garden Club) and mailed to: TCGC, POBox 1524, Easton, MD 21601. Indicate your sandwich selection on the check. Your cancelled check is your receipt.

For questions, contact Talbot County Tour Chair Eleanor Denegre: [email protected]
For other information,
check www.mhgp.org/ 410-821-6933

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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

Talbot County Garden Club Announces Its Winter Lecture Series

December 21, 2021 by Talbot County Garden Club

Jenny Rose Carey

The Talbot Count Garden Club is proud to announce a spectacular line-up of nationally renowned speakers beginning in January of 2022. The lectures are free and open to the public.

All lectures will be at the firehouse at 315 Aurora Park Drive in Easton.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Jenny Rose Carey, former director, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm.

Jenny Rose Carey is an avid hands-on gardener, brought up in England by a family of gardeners and botanists. Jenny will take guests on a visual tour of her gardens of “Northview” in Amber, PA.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Claire Jones, Certified Professional Horticulturalist, Landscape Consultant and Floral Designer.

Celebrate the coming of Spring! Claire will go over different tips and tricks for working with various spring plant materials and cut florals. She will demonstrate three floral arrangements using different techniques that will be raffled off at the conclusion of the program.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Neil Sanders, Author

As the spouse of an avid gardener with no “real” responsibilities other than to dig holes and move rocks, Neal has had lots of time to observe gardeners and their foibles. “Gardening is Murder” is a humorous talk that addresses gardening from a spouse’s view.

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 Library, the fountain and childrens’ gardens at Idlewild Park, and numerous other gardens and activities.  There are currently just over 100 active, associate and honorary members.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: Gardening, local news

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