Male ruby-throated hummingbirds set out a few weeks earlier than their female counterparts from their southern winter vacation. It takes them approximately two months to reach Southern Maryland. Their diet consists in part of tiny flying insects and in part of nectar. When they arrive, they will need to replenish their energy and weight, and because there aren’t many flowers in bloom at that time, it’s important to have your feeders at the ready. Their arrival is typically on or about April 15.

Ahhhh … summertime. Backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, lush gardens, long days and evenings spent enjoying the sweet sound of music in the open air. Outdoor concerts are a staple of summer in Southern Maryland. Families pack their picnic baskets and load the kids into the old red wagon. Friends meet to relax and socialize with the grass between their toes. Others prefer simply to focus on the music. However you choose to enjoy them, outdoor concerts are events not to be missed. Fortunately, our area boasts an abundance of them.

Fall is the best time to plant anything except annuals. Cooler air temperatures allow water to soak into the ground for a longer period of time. Since the soil is still warm, plants will quickly put out new roots that don’t have to contend with the stress of drought and heat. These are ideal conditions for establishing a healthy green addition to your garden. Plant as late as Halloween for optimum results.

A typical garden plan is usually laid out to either frame a home or to create a vista to be seen from within. A garden room- whether established or still in the planning stages-is a private destination within your own garden. It’s a secluded outdoor space that beckons you to pick up a book, sunbathe, or spoil children with a magical retreat limited only by their imagination.

Ironic that an early nineteenth century novelette featuring the escapade of our first president George Washington as a boy breaking in a new ax on a cherry tree is the same type of tree tourists flock to our nation’s capital every year to admire in bloom. The original 3,020 cherry trees were given to us in 1912 as a token of friendship from the Japanese people. A few miles away in Southern Maryland, climate conditions are excellent for a healthy life expectancy of 40 - 60 years for cherry trees. These beauties provide a distinct and welcome declaration of spring.

A lovely site within view of the Patuxent River in Calvert County is the winner of our magazine’s Most Beautiful Garden contest. It was designed and built by Chloe Ewalt with assistance from her husband, Bart. Their garden boasts a nicely executed design, full season elements of interest, wildlife considerations, diverse plantings, and a place to sit and enjoy it all.

With apologies to Ira Gershwin, it’s summertime and the living is easy-if you own a swimming pool. Suddenly your social calendar is full, so long as you’re hosting.