Story by Edna Troiano and Photography by Devon Sinclaire

When the air turns nippy, one product appears on the shelves of groceries, big box stores, hardware stores, garden centers and even dollar stores. No, not snow shovels: amaryllis bulbs. Although the term amaryllis includes many varieties of lilies, most people use it to refer to the one people grow indoors around the holidays. These bulbs, prized for their large showy blooms, have solid or striped petals in shades ranging from dark red to white.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by August Selckmann

The term organic is used to describe a method of agriculture as well as to label products that are produced using organic means. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic foods as those grown or produced “through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” Besides prohibited pesticides, “synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering” may not be used.

Story by Jacqueline Zilliox and Photography by Robert Tinari

Ponds in a garden create tranquility and beauty. The downside is that water is a breeding ground for bugs – they lay eggs and create more bugs. So what would take that fear out of having a water feature in your own garden?

Simple:  Just add fish.

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.

There is little that can compare to the taste of a just-picked, vine-ripened tomato still warm from the sun. Growing your own vegetables is not only economical, it also provides you the utmost in nutrition. Whether organic, heirloom or just the newest variety offered, growing your own vegetables is sure to guarantee you and your taste buds satisfaction.