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November 29, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Local Life Food and Garden Notes

Adkins Mystery Monday: Can You Guess What This Is?

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Happy Mystery Monday!  Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?

The answer to last week’s mystery is blue false indigo, Baptisia australis, pictured in photo #2.
Blue false indigo is a native herbaceous perennial plant in the bean family. It prefers to grow in full sun to light shade in forests or woodland borders.
Foot-long, lupine-like spires of blue, pea-like flowers are produced in mid to late spring. The tall blooms add vertical interest while the attractive and relatively pest-free foliage is a good backdrop for summer garden.
Historically, blue false indigo was used as a dye by the First Americans, and the seed pods were rattles for their babies.
The fat seed pods turn black when ripe and have ornamental interest. Stems with
seed pods are often used in dried flower arrangements.
Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.

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

Adkins Mystery Monday: Can You Guess What This Is?

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Happy Mystery Monday!  Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?
The answer to last week’s mystery is Eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana, pictured in photo #2.

While technically not a true cedar, Eastern red cedar is a juniper, and gets its name from its reddish heartwood.
The red, aromatic wood is used for chests, closets, interior finish, posts, pencils, and other objects. An oil from the resin is used for ointments, soaps, and to flavor gin.
Eastern red cedars are a favorite traditional Christmas tree in many homes.
Compared to other edible berries, Eastern red cedar berries take 3 years to mature. They’re considered ready to pick when they’re a darker blue. They do have a waxy white, protective coating, which can rub off to reveal a deeper color underneath.
Seeds that have traveled through the digestive tract of waxwings and other birds have a higher germination rate than those that have not.
Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

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

Planning Begins for Maryland House & Garden’s 2024 Talbot Tour

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The TCGC Talbot County Tour Committee includes: Front row (l. to r.) Louise Peterson, Mary Helen Cobb, Nancy Thompson, Caroline Benson, Chloe Pitard, Eleanor Denegre; Middle row Laura Carney, Colleen Doremus, Tracy Garrett; Back row Co-Chairs Zandi Nammack & Kim Eckert, Carolyn Rugg, Pam Keeton, Fran Jenkins, Maxine Millar, Georgia Adler, Virginia Sappington and Maribeth Lane. Not pictured: Rebecca Gaffney, Susie Granville, Marsie Hawkinson, Pat Lewers, Rita Mhley and Sara Robins.

The Talbot County Garden Club recently kicked off planning for the 2024 Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage’s Talbot County Tour. The tour, which invites visitors to several notable private properties, will take place the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend – May 11, 2024. Kim Eckert and Zandi Nammack co-chair the event. 

“Our committee is focused on creating an event filled with extraordinary and enjoyable experiences at every stop,” says Eckert. “This year, the Club will be honored to use the proceeds generated by the tour to help restore and preserve two historic churches in Trappe.”

Nammack adds, “We have a fabulous array of properties for you to visit – from a largely untouched house built in the 1700’s to grand sweeping estates to houses packed with unique and creative touches that will inspire you. There is truly something for everyone on this tour.”

Properties on the tour include Canterbury Manor, Ellenborough and a lovely home on Hanson Street (all in Easton) plus Chlora’s Point Farm, Hayfields and Lloyd’s Landing (all in Trappe). 

Scotts United Methodist Church and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Trappe will benefit from the tour

Chairs of the tour sub-committees include:

Advertising: Louise Peterson

Flowers: Mary Helen Cobb

Homeowners’ Party: Eleanor Denegre and Maxine Millar

Hospitality: Georgia Adler and Susie Granville

Hostesses: Chloe Pitard

House Selection: Sally Akridge, Caroline Benson, Laura Carney, Christine Dayton, Kim Eckert, Zandi Nammack and Nancy Thompson

Parking: Colleen Doremus and Carolyn Rugg

Patrons: Pat Lewers and Zandi Nammack

Photography: Laura Carney and Marsie Hawkinson

Publicity: Pam Keeton and Rita Mhley

Publicity Design: Rebecca Gaffney

Road Markers: Caroline Benson and Nancy Thompson

Script: Sara Robins, Kim Eckert and Zandi Nammack

Tour Bells: Caroline Benson

Treasurer: Virginia Sappington 

More information about each of the properties, as well as ticket information will be available in the new year.

 

 

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

Adkins Mystery Monday! Can you Guess What this Is?

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Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?
The answer to last week’s mystery is sassafras, Sassafras albidum, pictured in photo #2.
Sassafras is a thicket-forming tree native to much of the eastern US, and can have three types of leaves: ovate, mitten-shaped and three-lobed.
Because of its aromatic qualities, sassafras was one of the first trees exported from North America to Europe and commanded premium prices. Ground sassafras leaves have a lemonade-like aroma that some people liken to Fruit Loops, but with hints of camphor and old wood, while sassafras roots are the original source flavor in root beer.
Sassafras leaves are traditionally ground into a spice called filé powder which is a mainstay thickener and flavor of Creole cuisine including gumbo.
Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

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

Adkins Mystery Monday: Perhaps Connected to a Local River?

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Happy Mystery Monday!  Can you guess what is pictured in this photo?
The answer to last week’s mystery is Northern sea oats, Chasmanthium latifolium, pictured in photo #2.
Northern sea oats most often occur in rich woods or rocky slopes along streams and on moist bluffs. Sea oats naturalize by reseeding and spread by rhizomes. They make a good habitat for some species of birds, offering food in the form of seeds, as well as cover.
Flat, green “flowers” develop on the arching stem tips from July through September. The flower heads are alluring and a slightest breeze will send flower heads fluttering on their stems. In fall, they become tan before the foliage turns to a copper color in early winter.
Snow adds eye-catching appeal to sea oats. The flowers gradually shatter ito make way for new spring growth, providing almost a full year of interest.

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

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

Adkins Mystery Monday: What Kind of Special Oats are These?

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Happy Mystery Monday!  Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?
The answer to last week’s mystery is the Eastern kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula, pictured in photo #2.
The Eastern kingsnake is a powerful constrictor, but is harmless to humans. They are non-venomous, but will feed on venomous snakes, like copperheads and rattlesnakes. This makes them a great snake to have in the yard.
Eastern kingsnakes are shiny, black, smooth-scaled snakes with white or yellow chain-link bands that cross the back and connect along the sides. Because of this pattern this species is also referred to as the chain kingsnake.
Correction: Last week we incorrectly identified Cirsium discolor as the non-native Cirsium vulgare. The photo we shared was indeed the native Cirsium discolor.
Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

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

Take The Maryland Native Plant Coalition Survey on Invasive Plants

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The Maryland Native Plant Coalition has created a short survey to learn more about invasive plants across the state of Maryland.  We’d love to have as many people complete it as possible.  It only takes a few minutes to complete and includes a link to the Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool for more information so you can be more confident with species identification.   Survey. Please try to complete it by November 3rd.

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

Experience Holiday Joy at the St. Michaels Farmers’ Market

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On December 2nd, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, the St. Michaels Farmers’ Market invites you to join us at 206 S. Talbot for an exclusive holiday gathering. This special event showcases the exceptional holiday delights crafted by our local market vendors, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the cheerful holiday atmosphere.

Gather a variety of delightful treats, including crisp apples, succulent oysters, farm-fresh vegetables, premium meats, artisanal dairy products, delectable pastries, handcrafted ornaments, festive wreaths, and much more. It’s the perfect way to stock up on holiday essentials and discover one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.

The holiday festivities will be complemented by the musical talents of Joe Hickey, creating a joyful atmosphere for all attendees to enjoy.

The St. Michaels Farmers’ Market, an independent, non-profit, producer-only farmers market, is proud to support local farmers, foster community bonds, and provide easy access to the freshest, highest-quality food and handmade goods. We invite you to join us for this special holiday event and celebrate the season with us.

For more information about the St. Michaels Farmers’ Market, please visit www.stmichaelsfarmersmarket.com.

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

Happy Mystery Monday! Can You Guess the Plant?

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The answer to last week’s mystery is the winged sumac, Rhus copallinum, pictured in photo #2.

winged sumac

The winged sumac is also known as shining sumac, flame leaf sumac, and dwarf sumac. Because of its size (up to 10-15’ high), some consider it to be a shrub while others consider it to be a tree.

Shrub or tree, the winged sumac is colorful! Its flowers can be white, yellow/gold, or green. The leaves start as green but change to burgundy or red. Also, red fruits emerge in the fall and continue into winter.
The winged sumac has great value to bees, butterflies, moths (e.g., the Luna moth), songbirds, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and quail.
Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.

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

Upper Shore Master Gardener Programs to hold Basic Training

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As we patiently await crisp fall days, the Upper Shore Master Gardener Programs are preparing for their annual basic training course, which starts on Wednesday, February 07, 2024. 

This program is intended to train volunteer representatives as Master Gardeners for the University of Maryland Extension to extend our services and programs to the public. Classes will be held virtually on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and will run through May 8, 2024. In-person classes will be held in person every other Friday at Eastern Shore Higher Education Center on the Chesapeake College Campus in Queenstown, MD and are held in conjunction with the University of Maryland Extension in Dorchester, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s Counties. 

This well-rounded 40+ hour course includes classes on: ecology, botany, soils, plant diseases, insects – both pests and beneficial, weeds, and much more. This program emphasizes community involvement and outreach as well as environmental stewardship. A $185 fee is charged to cover all costs including the Maryland Master Gardener Handbook. All Master Gardener interns are required to undergo a University of Maryland background check (+$15) prior to taking the class. The deadline for registration is December 1, 2023. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office by November 17, 2023.

The University of Maryland Master Gardener vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship.  In keeping with this vision, University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners volunteers work on a variety of projects in cooperation with local schools, help maintain various public gardens, volunteer at local Senior Centers and Assisted Living facilities working with therapeutic gardens and hands-on gardening programs, provide community education through free workshops and classes open to local residents, visit home and public gardens as part of our Bay-Wise certification program…and much more.  

For more information about the program, please visit https://www.facebook.com/talbotcountymastergardeners
We are looking forward to working with a new, energetic class of horticulture enthusiasts! 

For Talbot County: Mikaela Boley, Master Gardener Coordinator (410) 822-1244 or by email at [email protected]

For Queen Anne’s County contact: Rachel J. Rhodes, Master Gardener Coordinator at (410) 758-0166 or by email at [email protected].

For Dorchester County: Emily Zobel, Master Gardener Coordinator (410) 228-8800 or by email at [email protected] 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

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